Water Based Polyurethane Over Oil Based Stain – Apply in 4 Steps

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“How to make the wooden table’s tone match with the rest of my room?” – A question that will puzzle you if you own hardwood objects in your home.

Everybody wants an impeccable color-coordinated and well-decorated home! To do that, you may want to add stain and polyurethane on your wooden objects to match the tone with that of your décor.

But, first, you need to select the perfect polyurethane to create the color you want in your woods. It is said that water-based polyurethane over oil-based stain works superbly on the hardwood material.

Today we will take a look at what these are, and what they do and hear our insights on how you can put it on your cherished furniture for an outstanding look.

So, let’s delve right in!

What is Water Based Polyurethane & Oil Based Stain?

To put anything above your wooden surface, first of all, you should be transparent about what your needs is.

There are various factors to consider while choosing the suitable kind. You should consider all the depending factors and choose what will be the best stain for your projects.

Now, let’s get into the depth of oil-based stain and water-based polyurethane, shall we?

Oil-Based Stain

If your wood is likely to be exposed to the outside air, an oil-based stain is the better choice. The reason is that it is long-lasting and resistant.

It requires a great deal of time to dry up, giving your furniture a fantastic finish. In addition, the oil stain reaches the wood’s depths compelling the wood to create a thicker seal.

As a result, you will get enhanced, beautiful bright colors on your wooden furniture.

Moreover, oil-based stain makes sure you don’t need a long-term maintenance plan. So, you can worry less now!

Water-Based Polyurethane

If you want to acquire maple-colored wood, then this will be the perfect choice for you. You’ll find that it comes with a less intense scent and a more detailed finish.

It dries up pretty fast, so you can coat it with layers and still sleep in that room at night.

It doesn’t contain any hazardous chemicals, so rest assured that it is safe to use.

Can You Put Water-Based Polyurethane Over Oil Based Stain?

By now, you know the pros and cons of water-based polyurethane and oil-based stains.

The straight answer is yes. But this “yes” depends on multiple factors. Let’s see how!

It is possible to use water-based polyurethane over oil stain if the stain is dry enough. However, it is recommended that the oil stain should be well-dried, for about, at least three days. Then, after it has well settled in, you can put water-based poly on it.

Although, it’s preferable to apply a coating such as de-waxed shellac on the oil stain. It is an excellent bond coat material to apply. If there is any unfinished business or rather undried chemicals, this special coating can take of it.

Additionally, if you want to be specific, you can test-run it on a small piece of wood. Therefore if it’s successful, you can try it on your hardwood material or floors.

Applying Water Based Polyurethane Over Oil Based Stain

You know, water and oil don’t go hand in hand.

Hence, to set water-based poly on the oil-based stain, there must be some techniques you should always follow to keep your wood clean and beautiful.

1. Get Rid Of The Dirt

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Firstly, you have to remove the dirt and grease by cleaning the surface with a wood cleaner. Then, you can brush, spray or vacuum to get rid of the unwanted dirt or grease.

Then, you have to raise the grain by using sandpaper to roughen the material. You should do this before applying water-based poly every time.

2. Apply A Coating

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The oil-based stain can take days to cure. Therefore, you can put a strong coat material over the stain. That is to make sure that it will leave an excellent surface for the poly to set.

Zinsser Sealcoat is a top-notch de-waxed shellac coating to put over the oil-based stain. Several customers have positively recommended it.

3. Execute It Per Direction

The instructions are given on the water-based finishes. You should read the instructions and properly follow all the rules stated there for a notable finish.

4. Let it Rest

After putting the water-based poly, you should lay it down for a while. It will look horrible at first but let us assure you, a gorgeous glare will appear soon.

Water-based poly can work as it heals on its own naturally.

If you follow the above instructions, you’ll sense a slight odor and get yourself the finest and most beautiful-looking wooden materials.

Precautions To Take While Putting Polyurethane On Oil-Based Stain

After reading the above instructions, you may want to see the outcome of water-based poly over oil-based stain by yourself.

But wait a minute!

Because there are several precautions you should take to make your wood furnished perfectly, let’s get into that real quick:

  • You already know about the de-waxed shellac to be used as a coating. But there are a few water-based finishes that are not recommended to put over shellac. So you must have specific knowledge about your water-based finishes beforehand.
  • You must wait 72 hours before applying water-based poly on the oil-based stain to be on the safe side.
  • You must never mix oil-based and water-based products. The chemicals will want to separate if you do, and your wood would look spotty and stinking.

Which Water-Based Polyurethane Is Suitable To Use?

Here are a few of the finest water-based finishes that you can apply to your wooden material.

General Finishes Water Based Topcoat

This product dries quickly and is resistant to stains. Its durability makes it one of the best water-based polyurethane on the market.

Minwax Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane

Its most outstanding feature is that it preserves the natural look of your wood. Additionally, it has a low odor and can be cleaned effortlessly with only soap or water.

Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish

It is your go-to product if you want to furnish wooden floors. It will put a glazed look on your floor without making the floor slippery or unsafe.

FAQ

How Can You Tell if Polyurethane Is oil or Water-Based?

Water-based polyurethane is crystal clear and will not be discoloured over time. On the other hand, oil-based poly usually gets blackened steadily on the hardwood substance.

If you want the color of your wood to stay intact and natural, then water-based poly is the perfect solution for you.

How Many Coats Of Water-Based Polyurethane Should I Use?

The recommended coats on the wooden materials are three. However, if you put water-based poly on the wooden floors, then a minimum of four coats are required.

Applying at least four coats provides the best results!

Can You Sleep In-House After Water-Based Polyurethane?

You know that water-based finishes dry fast. It usually takes two hours to cure.

Hence if you wake up early and apply the recommended four coats of poly (each layer after two hours), you can still sleep in the house on the same day without worry.

Since water-based poly has a low odor, you don’t have to worry about the odor disrupting your sleeping cycles.

Final Words

In the end, we have to say it’s up to you whether you will use water based polyurethane over oil based stain or not.

You should be aware of the types of wood you have because certain types don’t support the two mixtures. Moreover, you can use a strong coating before applying water-based onto the oil-based stain.

Go through the above instructions once more if you still feel ambiguous about applying them to your hardwood furniture or floor. Again, have a clear vision of what you want.

Don’t make mistakes you can’t undo!

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