However, if you also want to know about the process of applying oil based polyurethane, you can check out my other article about oil based … If using oil-based, dampen with mineral spirits. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Winner: Water Based Polyurethane (+1) Cost. If applying in this manner, you may not have to sand between coats as you do with oil-based poly; check the manufacturer's recommendations. Fits Standard T-Bar Applicatiors, for Oil or Water-based finishes. Rollers A roller is the recommended method for applying some water-based polyurethanes, as well as some oil-based polyurethanes and moisture-cured poly finishes. The 10 in. Copyright © 2021 - DIY Woodworking Resources Through that, the model can cut a remarkable amount of your poly application time. If you are lost in the matrix of different applicators, this handy piece of information will guide you in the search for the best applicator for polyurethane on hardwood floors that might suit all of your needs. The best applicator for polyurethane depends on the type of polyurethane you apply. Water Based Wipe-On Poly Furniture, Woodwork, Cabinets, Interior Doors: No: Amber: Lint-Free Cloth: 2-3 hours: Yes: Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors Specially Formulated for Hardwood Floors: No: Amber: Lambswool Applicator … Once finishing doing so, you should start back-and-forth snow plowing along the wood grain to top  your hardwood floors with a nice-n-slick polyurethane topcoat. However, the Durafoam pads are refillable to save you quite some bucks. Duratool Durafoam 10" Floor/trim Pad Paint and Finish Applicator with Handle #8040 Conclusion: We’ve answered the question can you apply water-based polyurethane over oil-based and we know that it’s okay to apply water-based poly can over oil-based provided that the surface of the application … Why the Duratool Durafoam 10″ Floor/trim Pad? diywoodworkingresources.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Step 3: Apply either oil-based or water-based ( the latter is more highly recommended for this applicator though) polyurethane to your hardwood floor and start mopping with the Foam PRO 15. Repeat these steps until the desired level of protection is achieved. For water-based polyurethane, the recommended number of coats is 3, to say the least. Advertisement. Step 1: Fit your durafoam with a handle if desired, Step 2: Apply proper sanding to your hardwood floors. Color is another differentiator. The first feature to mention is its multifunctionality. Best applicator and technique for applying waterbased polyurethane to wood floor I'm in the middle of installing my click-lock cork flooring in my house and I will be applying several coats of a water based polyurethane to it all, after installation, to seal the seems and add some additional protection. Polyurethane is widely revered as one of the most durable yet easy-to-apply protective wood finishes. Foam brushes are inexpensive (and disposable) and work well for most flat surfaces. The light application reduces drips and buildup. According to "Hardwood Floors" magazine, water-based finishes should not be applied with China-bristle brushes or lambswool applicators because they tend to hold a lot of finish. Have GF product and application questions? Remove all dust with a vacuum and tack cloth before applying the second coat. Just Continue rolling and pay close attention to make sure the surface is completely covered. Both can be applied in ultra-thin coats that result in less buildup in nooks and crannies, provided you don't apply too much. No sanding required between coats. The key to smooth polyurethane finishes lies in how you apply the product with your applicator. While for oil-based polyurethane, the best applicator is lambswool. Chris is a freelance writer who specializes in woodworking, designs his own projects, and is experienced in commercial carpentry. Want an economical poly applicator that works like a charm? First, the golden rule, never freak out when you see the finish right after you lay it down no matter how much of a disaster it resembles. This is the only method to secure a glossy, evenly spread finish for your precious floors. Unlike paint rollers, they are specifically designed for the task of applying floor finishes. Some people use tack cloths for the dry wipe-down, but be aware that some tack cloths may include chemicals that will interfere with the polyurethane’s adhesion. Keep the bar at an angle as you’re pulling it to ensure that the finish is applied evenly. After the first coat has fully dried (according to the manufacturer's directions), lightly sand the entire surface (again, parallel to the grain), using 320-grit sandpaper. Foam brushes are inexpensive, disposable, and work better on flat surfaces. The applying process would also be a breeze due to their ergonomic design. Another important tip is to never overdo the finish. Heed these steps and you’ll be there. One back and forth brush stroke/ pad sweep is the key to a smooth result. If you want a total revolution of your efficiency when working with a brush, these tips come in handy: First off, you have to know which brush to work with. Wipe the surface with a damp, lint-free cloth or sponge. Which Is Better—Oil-Based or Water-Based Polyurethane? Oil based polyurethane adheres well to nearly everything, too…except itself. Employ comfortable back-and-forth sweeps of four to five feet with the pad. This highlights imperfections, such as bumps, bubbles, ugly brush marks, and spots that you simply missed or where the finish is too light. For oil-based polyurethane on hardwood floors, at least two coats of oil-based polyurethane and a lacquer sealer coat are recommended as a minimum. Plan on at least three coats of water-based poly on lightly used projects and at least four coats on floors and any pieces that need maximum protection. Brush on the polyurethane so the brush strokes are parallel to the grain of the wood. Provides a clear finish with low odor. Switch between the edges and the center of the floor each 10-12 minutes to guarantee that you evenly spread all the floor surfaces. If you love the natural look of maple, apply a water-based (waterborne) polyurethane. The few remaining bubbles will typically disappear within moments. To top it all up, this Quick Shine Floor kit is also cost-effective with an available long handle and refillable pads. RUST-OLEUM 989721 Oil-Based Applicator. When applying water-based polyurethane finish to a hardwood floor, you always want to use use a synthetic applicator (except for synthetic lambswool.) This will help you avoid the appearance of lap marks, turn marks, and uneven sheen levels on the floor. What should I use to apply polyurethane to hardwood floors? How to apply water based polyurethane with a T-bar applicator As you're finishing each fresh coat during application, check your work with a bright side-light. You don't want any dust or debris getting in while you are working, but you also want to be able to breathe. How to use the FoamPRO 15 Floor Coating Applicator? For water-based polyurethane, dampen your cloth with water. This applicator would even save you the need to buy handles. How many coats of polyurethane should you put on a hardwood floor? If being economical is your thing, you would love this model. To finish or refinish your hardwood floor with the FoamPRO 15, simply follow these steps: Step 1: Choose a suitable handle and screw it into the wooden block via the threaded hole. These features of the applicator, combined with the revolving head, spare no nook and cranny of your floors and give you a coating of glossy polyurethane of the finest appearance and quality. It's best to apply your water-based poly when the air temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees F and the humidity is below 70 percent. Refills available for … There can be problems, though, thus follow these tips we’ve prepared to get your satisfactory results. In short, below is the list of top 5 Best Applicator For Polyurethane On Hardwood Floors: FoamPRO 15 Floor Coating Applicator, 16 Inch, Duratool Durafoam 10" Floor/trim Pad Paint and Finish Applicator with Handle #8040, Bates Paint Roller - Paint Brush, Paint Tray, Roller Paint Brush, Quick Shine Hardwood Floor Kit with Microfiber Mop Pad. But if it’s just floors, the already equipped handle will satisfy any of your needs. High-value pack with a frame and two roller covers, Shed-Resistant Microfiber Roller Naps that secure smooth finish, Comfortable use with lightweight and ergonomic design, Not too sturdy (the internal support bar has been reported to break during cleaning). Oil-based polyurethanes leave an amber glow and require fewer coats. For water-based polyurethane, the best applicator is a synthetic fiber applicator. Amazon's Choice for floor polyurethane applicator. Last but not least, after each coat, redip your roller in mineral spirits for cleansing and put it into a plastic bag where it waits for the next coat. It is durable, lightweight, and ergonomically designed to provide the greatest ease for users. Work with the grain, and avoid applying too much polyurethane … Pick a location that is clean as well as ventilated. Superior durability for hardwood floors. Water-based polyurethane is best applied with this applicator to ensure a smooth, even coat resulting in beautifully finished hardwood floors. The complete applicator features a 53-inch one-piece steel handle, wood block and applicator pad. The microfiber pad is designed to evenly spread the poly while the telescopic pole can be adjusted easily for the most suitable reach. This also helps clear the fumes of oil-based … When used as a polyurethane applicator, the kit performs an eminent job. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Coarse. Bristle brushes are, meanwhile, better for molded edges and fine details. Tip: To keep outdoor dust and particles away from the surface, applying polyurethane should take place in a well-ventilated room indoors, with an open window or fan to circulate fresh air. Step 2 - Clean the Wood. You would want to pull the handle gently with a slow speed to secure a nice, even spread.