I'm working on a project with pine and plan to paint it using water-based paint. I'm considering adding a layer of polyurethane (poly) for extra durability. However, I'm unsure if I should sand the last coat of paint before I apply the poly. What do you think?
3 Answers
You might not really need poly over paint since paint itself is a decent protective layer. Are you looking for a clear coat finish? If that's the case, more layers of paint could do the trick without needing poly.
If you're aiming for a smooth finish, it's usually recommended to do a light sanding between coats. But if you decide to put poly over the paint, definitely don’t sand the last coat—as that could just remove the paint instead! Using a good paint that offers a solid finish might save you the hassle of the poly altogether.
In my experience, you should always sand after every coat no matter what materials you're using. It helps achieve a smoother finish overall. But ultimately, it's up to your desired outcome. Sounds like you're on the right track by considering your options!
That's a good point! I’m mostly looking for extra protection, but maybe just a few more layers of paint would be enough.