Can you put polyurethane over polycrylic? Numerous products can be used to preserve and finish surfaces, each having special qualities of its own. Two common options that provide excellent protection and improve the beauty of wood, outdoor furniture, and other surfaces are polyurethane and polycrylic. A frequent query, nevertheless, is whether polyurethane can be applied on top of polycrylic.
In this article, we will answer the question can you put polyurethane over polycrylic and examine the compatibility and factors to take into account when applying oil-based polyurethane over a polycrylic finish that is water-based.
You can choose wisely for your particular job by comprehending the characteristics of these finishes and adhering to the correct recommendations.
Can you put polyurethane over polycrylic?
Yes, you can apply polyurethane over polycrylic. However, it cannot be applied directly to polycrylic. They are made of diverse materials.
Therefore, their chemicals may react if you place them very next to one another. To apply polyurethane, first, lightly sand the polycrylic base. After you lightly sand the base, apply polyurethane.
Pigment particles in polyurethane join together to form a crystal.
To cover wood, a polyurethane variant with particles between 500 and 500,000 microns is required. The old-fashioned, slick, glossy form of polyurethane appears like a fantastic substitute for spray-on paint.
How to apply polyurethane over polycrylic?
Before you apply polyurethane over polycrylic, you must prepare for the procedure. Although oil-based polyurethane may dry overnight, your home will continue to smell for at least 30 days.
First: prepare the surface
Check to see if the polycrylic coating is completely dry before applying polyurethane over polycrylic surface.
Second: sand the polycrylic finish
Pick something with a grit rating of about 150. Sandpaper or a power buffer with a light touch can be used for this procedure.
Be careful not to accidentally cut through the water-based finish.
When applying polyurethane over polycrylic, the polyurethane will be able to adhere to the finish in this way.
Third: prepare for applying polyurethane over a polycrylic surface
Clean up the dust from your workspace first. Before you apply polyurethane over polycrylic in a thin layer of one or two coats, make sure the space is properly ventilated.
Purchase polyurethane cans and decide between oil-based versions or water-based versions.
If you apply oil-based polyurethane at half strength, it will behave more like a wiping varnish. It is easier to sand and dries more quickly. If you want to use it at half strength, you must dilute it using paint thinner before you apply polyurethane over polycrylic.
Fourth: apply polyurethane over polycrylic
Apply a single layer of Minwax polyurethane first. Dry the finish off and cure it. Apply two more coats over it in the same manner when it has dried.
Buff the finish lightly once the final coat has dried.
Apply one more final coat if your furniture needs extra sheen.
An oil-based polyurethane’s oil content initially improves the look of wood. As a result, you might apply a water-based polyurethane to seal the surface after applying an oil-based polyurethane to start.
In the end, you can use alcohol to remove any skin oils or waxes.
FAQ
Can I put oil based polyurethane over water based Polycrylic?
The answer to the question can you put polyurethane over polycrylic is, applying water-resistant polyurethane over a Polycrylic finish that is water-based is generally not advised.
Due to the chemical differences between oil-based and water-based finishes, using them together might cause compatibility concerns, as well as possible adhesion and drying challenges.
Water-based Polycrylic adheres effectively to surfaces that have been properly prepped and coated with appropriate products, and it is specifically made to be applied over water-based finishes.
Contrarily, oil-based polyurethane is often designed to be used as a stand-alone finish or to be placed over oil-based stains or finishes.
It is typically advised to completely remove the old finish before applying the new one if you want to go from a water-based Polycrylic to oil-based versions of polyurethane.
To make sure the new finish adheres properly, you can either sand it or use the right chemical strippers.
To ensure compatibility and obtain the best results, always refer to the individual manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for the products you are using.
Is Polycrylic as durable as polyurethane?
Polycrylic and polyurethane are popular finishes used to protect and improve the appearance of diverse surfaces. Comparatively speaking, polyurethane often offers a higher level of durability than polycrylic.
Polyurethane is well known for its remarkable durability and resistance to stains, moisture, and scratches.
For long-lasting protection of wood, flooring, furniture, and other surfaces, it creates a strong, protective coating that can resist severe use. Water-based polyurethane typically isn’t as durable as oil-based polyurethane.
On the other hand, polycrylic gives a good durable finish but is typically regarded as being a little less durable than polyurethane.
It offers resistance to small scratches, water, and chemicals and delivers a protective coating. In interior applications like furniture, wooden surface, trim, and crafts where heavy wear and tear is not expected, polycrylic is frequently employed.
Depending on the unique requirements of your project, you may need to choose between polyurethane and polycrylic.
Polyurethane is typically the best option if you need a great deal of durability or durable finish and protection, especially for areas that will be exposed to moist or heavy use, it’s better to put polyurethane over polycrylic.
Nevertheless, Polycrylic can be a good choice if you’re working on a project that doesn’t need exceptional durability or has specific needs like a low odor or quick cleanup like hardwood floors.
It’s crucial to remember that the strength of any finish also depends on the right surface preparation, the application method, the particular brand, and the product’s quality.
To secure the best outcomes and longevity for your particular project, always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
Which is better Polycrylic or polyurethane?
Depending on your unique needs and the specifications of your project, you may need to choose between polyurethane and polycrylic. Both polyurethane and polycrylic have pros and things to keep in mind.
Consider the following while choosing between applying Polyurethane or polycrylic:
Durability. In comparison to Polycrylic, applying polyurethane often offers higher durability and better resistance to scratches, stains, and moisture.
Polyurethane is frequently the material of choice when maximal protection is required for a surface that will be subjected to dampness or severe use.
Finish. Compared to polyurethane, particularly oil-based polyurethane, which might have a slight amber color, polycrylic often has a clearer, more transparent finish. Polycrylic can be a preferable choice if you want to preserve the wood or surface you are finishing’s original color and clarity.
Drying Time. Polycrylic surface normally dries more quickly than polyurethane, particularly oil-based polyurethane, which can often take longer to dry and cure. Polycrylic can be more practical if you want a finish that dries rather quickly.
Application and Cleanup. Compared to polyurethane, polycrylic is typically simpler to apply and clean up.
It is water-based, making it possible to clean your tools with water, and the polycrylic surface smells less than oil-based polyurethane. If simplicity in application and cleanup is important to you, Polycrylic might be a better option.
Compatibility. Polycrylic is intended to be placed over water-based finishes, whereas polyurethane — particularly oil-based polyurethane — is often applied over stains or finishes that are based on oils. Polycrylic is the suggested option to assure compatibility if you’re dealing with a water-based finish or stain.
The decision between Polycrylic and Polyurethane is ultimately driven by your unique requirements, the intended finish appearance, and the specifics of your project.
It’s crucial to take into account elements like durability, drying time, application simplicity, and compatibility with current finishes or stains.
Before applying the finish to the entire surface, make sure you read the manufacturer’s directions carefully and try it on a discrete, tiny area of wooden furniture first.
Why does the polyurethane application turn yellow with time?
The application of polyurethane can occasionally turn yellow as a result of “ambering,” a phenomenon.
Ambering, in which the finish over time progressively assumes a golden or amber tint, mostly affects oil-based polyurethane finishes.
The causes of this color shift include the following:
Aging and Oxidation
Polyurethane ages naturally over time and oxidizes when exposed to oxygen in the environment. The finish may become darker on the light color wood and take on a yellowish color as a result of this oxidation process.
UV Light Exposure
The ambering process can be sped up by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or other artificial sources. UV radiation can cause the finish’s chemical composition to break down, which can result in discoloration and yellowing.
Wood-related interactions
The kind of wood being finished has an impact on how quickly things become yellow. Some types of wood naturally include substances called tannins, which when they come into contact with polyurethane can accelerate the yellowing process.
Is water based polyurethane the same as Polycrylic?
Water-based poly are related in certain aspects but they are not the same.
The following are the main variations between Polycrylic and water-based polyurethane:
Composition
Polyurethane resins, which offer great durability and protection, are used to make water-based polyurethane. On the other side, Polycrylic is a water-based acrylic paint protective finish.
Durability
When compared to water-based Polycrylic coating, water-based polyurethane often offers higher durability and better resistance to scratches, stains, and dampness. It creates a solid barrier that is resistant to damage and offers long-lasting defense. Although still sturdy, polycrylic is typically regarded as being slightly less durable than polyurethane.
Finish Appearance
Water-based polyurethane, particularly oil-based formulations, may have a slight amber hue. Contrarily polycrylic frequently has a cleaner, more transparent finish. Polycrylic can be a preferable option if you want to keep the wooden furniture or wood surface you are finishing’s natural color and clarity.
Drying Time
Polycrylic often dries more quickly than polyurethane with a water base. If you require a finish that dries pretty rapidly, this may be advantageous.
Application and cleanup
When compared to oil-based finishes, water-based polyurethane, and polycrylic are both typically simpler to apply using a natural bristle brush, not a foam brush, and remove from the wooden surface as an example. They are less smelly than their oil-based poly and can be washed with water.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that different brands could vary how their products are formulated, which could result in somewhat varying qualities for particular products. To guarantee correct application and the desired outcomes, always adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for the product you are using.
Conclusion
The answer to the question can you put polyurethane over polycrylic is, applying oil-based polyurethane over a Polycrylic finish is generally not advised. These two finishes were created to be used separately or in specified combinations and have different chemical makeup.
Combining them may result in incompatibilities, adhesion troubles, and subpar outcomes. To ensure the best performance, smooth finish, and durability, it is best to adhere to the instructions and recommendations provided by the manufacturer for each product.
It is best to remove the old finish with the automotive rubbing compound before applying the new one if you want to switch from one finish to another and get a smooth finish. The greatest results for your project will be achieved with proper surface preparation and the use of complementary materials.
