Hey everyone! I'm using Minwax Polycrylic (the water-based kind) on pine wood, and I'm facing an issue with a rough texture after application. I've tried using both sponge brushes and synthetic bristle brushes, but unfortunately, the result is still gritty. Prior to applying the coat, I made sure to sand the boards until they were super smooth and wiped them down with a tack cloth to get rid of any dust. Is this roughness something common with water-based finishes? Should I add more layers, or do I need to sand it off and start over? I really want my shelf to have a nice, smooth, hard, and clear finish!
3 Answers
It sounds like you might be dealing with the wood fibers swelling from the water in the finish. A good trick is to sand the boards smooth, then lightly spray them with water before sanding again. This process, known as "raising the grain," helps prepare the surface. Once you sand it smooth again, applying your finish should yield better results without that rough texture. Especially for pine, this method can really help!
Before you do anything drastic, try rubbing a part of that rough texture with brown paper, like a craft paper bag. If it smooths out, you might just need to buff it with the brown paper as a final touch. I always do this step with poly and it can really make the finish pop!
I started doing this too, and it works wonders! It’s like giving your project a final polish. Makes the finish look incredible!
Make sure to sand between layers! For the final sanding before the top coat, aim for a higher grit—like 400. Just take it slow and don’t skip grit sizes. If it still feels rough afterward, a little polish with a green or white Scotch Brite pad can really make a difference after the top coat has cured!
Definitely agree with this! It’s especially useful for softer woods like pine.