How to apply water based polyurethane over paint. A polyurethane finish can prolong the life of paint and prevent ultra violet rays from causing it to fade. Water based polyurethane is technically a misnomer since polyurethanes are an oil based product. Use a water based product if youre concerned about color because it wont yellow as much as an oil based one. They dry fast which means you have to apply them fast.
This resin is hard but doesnt provide the same protection as the oil based resin which is far more resilient to wear and especial heat. Polyurethane can be oil or water based and you can use either kind over latex paint. Varathane is a water based polyurethane sealer that adds shine to wood and latex painted surfaces. It was fine but i wasnt impressed enough with it to use it again.
Check out how i apply them in my bi weekly finishing how to video. Well i much prefer a true satin or matte finish but having gone through this before i knew exactly what i needed to do. Although polyurethane is mainly used on stained wood due to the durable finish it provides some homeowners use it over paint. Water based polys use an acrylic resin just like water based paints.
You can apply varathane to any surface containing interior and exterior latex paint including walls tables chairs and workbenches once the paint is dry. On the downside water based poly tends to raise the grain of the wood is susceptible to watermarks and can be temperamental when applied over some wood stains. The sealer also protects surfaces from scratches marks yellowing and staining. However there are some oil based paints when coated with polyurethane have been known to turn a yellowish color overtime.
I needed to just put a clear water based polyurethane over the paint. However oil based polyurethane tends to yellow as it ages whereas water based varieties stay transparent. Unfortunately when many do it yourselfers apply polyurethane over a water based latex or acrylic paint they end up with rampant flaking. Water based finishes can be a little tricky to apply.
You can apply polyurethane over any type of paint as long as its clean and has been properly prepared. Water based polyurethane versions dry much more quickly are a bit more self leveling and have less odor when applying than oil based versions.