Varnish/Poly on Acrylic Latex Painted Surfaces?
Hey Everyone. After hearing lots of ideas from friends as well as blogs, I wanted to ask the experts, as well as the woodworking community their thoughts on this and get some REAL answers!
I’m wrapping up building some built-in bookshelves (Birch Plywood & Poplar faceframes) in my living room area on both sides of the fire place mantle. Using a good quality, Ultra Pure White, Water based Acrylic Latex Enamel Paint (Behr Premium Plus). I have 2 year old Triplets!!! Ahhhhh! ha ha
As most of you know with kids, you’ve gotta protect your projects! Especially the ones they have access to. I was wondering, is a water-based clear polyurethane a good choice for an extra top-coat layer of protection? I do not plan on painting them again. I am worried about a Varnish changing the color though or ruining the paint. Can anyone give me any ideas or different options for a good additional layer of protection on a painted surface? Thanks a lot!!! -T.L. Rowland
Replies
You don't really add much protection with a clear coat., It does change the look, but is about as likely to get dinged, and just as susceptible to household chemicals. No relation between waterborne clear coat and oil based varnish waterborn "polyurethane" is also an acyrlic finish with a little added polyurethane resin added.
Frankly, for durability oil based enamel is still way, way ahead of water borne enamel. Remember you still need to keep the 2-year olds out of the room until the waterborne cures--it's solvent is ethylene glycol, not totally benign either. Also, If you are going to use the waterborne go for the TOP OF THE LINE acyrlic, not the second line paint..
You must be young, T.L. Nothing lasts forever, whether you plan on painting again or not, you'll be doing it. The paint you have used will serve you well, you don't need or want to top coat it. Leave it as it is and the next time will be a breeze. Your tastes will change, you may move, your experience will grow and you may tear it out for something that will be more compatible with the change in fashion that will occur. You don't even know what kids can wreck until your three are teenagers. Plan on changing, fixing and face lifting every 8-10 yrs. that's the joy of home ownership and you will get better each time. Three two years olds, wow!
Hammer1,
That was a great post, just good common sense.
Been there, done that, eh, Peter? Some of the first woodworking books i read were by Charles Hayward, "practical books for practical men". Sometimes it seems like the practical aspect is forgotten, today.
Been there too many times. When teaching, I talk about over coming mistakes. They happen to all of us. I always use the phrase " Now how do I know that?" when speaking of errors. One of the marks of a pro, imo, is someone who can get themselves out of a jam with reasonable speed. That can be said for any trade or profession.
I always liked Hayward. I find it interesting that when books on finishing are discussed, if they weren't written in the last few years, they aren't known. By far and away one of the very best books written on finishing and related materials is:
Coloring, Painting and Finishing Wood written by A.C. Newell in 1940. Some of the materials we use now are different but the explanations not only from a decorative stand point but a chemical one is second to none. I know it's out of print but the Internet can easily solve that problem.
When I started to learn finishing and would hear people explain "the right way to do it" I became quite confused because nobody agreed on "the right way." That book became my bible and I still refer to it.Plus, it's especially helpful in restoration work.
I fully agree on the practical aspect. One of the aspects of finishing that baffles me is the need? to make a three part mixture of Bat Wings, Toadstools and Cow Urine. You get the point. Why not just open a can of finish, thin it to your liking and go to work? It just can't be that easy because finishing isn't easy right? End of editorial. The next rant will be on "popping the grain"
Are we goin to the movies?
If you are popping something lets catch a flick eh?
Peter, I have been messin around today with some yellow dye and then a black dye over it. Tyring to create a small counter top to blend with a granite couter top. Very interesting and I am loving the results. Spouse was stunned, now where did you learn that?
So my treat for the Malted Milk Balls.
AZMO
A stunned spouse is always a great thing. Glad to hear you're experimenting and learning. Have fun with it.
I posted some pics in the Gallery.... now my photography is fair at best.
As others have said, varnish will not add much protection. Water borne varnish should not appreciably change the colour - it is totally clear. However IMHO you will be better off adding another paint layer.
There's nothing you can do to prevent dings but if you have a good glossy finish you can clean off the paw marks relatively easily. I've raised three but they were spaced 2-3 yrs apart.
Plan on repainting every now and then. Wait until they discover crayons :-)
You can also clean off the paw prints from paint. No top coat required.
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