Several years ago we built a dining room table from pine. We used Minwax Golden Pecan stain and finished with four coats of Minwax Polycrylic according to label instructions. The finish has become gummy, wrinkled and grungy looking where people have rested their arms on the table. I need to refinish the top and would like to change to something more durable. How do I change from this waterbased acrylic finish to an oil based polyurethane finish? Should I switch to a water based polyurethane. I saw one for floors. Can this be used on furniture? The table will have to be refinished in the dining room. It is too massive to take out. ….Second question. Sixteen years ago we finished our new oak floors with the same polycrylic. It did not hold up well. Scuffed easily and wore off quickly. I want to refinish these also. Same need here as well. Can I and how would I change to a polyurethane for floors? Also, on one section of the floor there is a painting using latex acrylic paint. Could polyurethane go over that (I know it will yellow the white parts), or does the painting need to be removed, and how? I have to live in the house while this is being done.
Thank you,
Sharon
Replies
Sharon,
Concerning your table;
The only way to do it right is to strip the finish and start over. This means preparing the room for a messy job. Remove anything in the way, cover the floors with drop clothes etc. I strongly suggest you read some of the finishing books out there on furniture stripping before you dive into it. Good ventilation is a must as are rubber gloves, aprons and glasses.
A clean and well prepared surface is paramount to a long lasting finish. You need to do some homework first. PLAN YOUR WORK.
A finish designed for a floor can be used if desired.
On the floor; If you want to refinish them I would strongly urge you to find a floor finishing company that would do the prep work. They have the equipment and know how to remove a finish without doing a lot of damage to the wood. Whether or not you can find someone to do just the prep and not the finish also would be my question. If you are determined to do it yourself, you'll need to rent the right equipment. A local rental center can point you in the right direction.
If the painting needs to stay I would clean it, sand it lightly and barrier coat it with a light coat of Seal Coat first. This would be an isolation coat so the urethane could be successfully applied over it.
Good luck,
Peter Gedrys
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