Hey folks! I recently applied a coat of fast-drying semi-gloss polyurethane in my garage where it was around 95°F, and it dried way too quickly. This led to some visible streaks in the finish, making it difficult to spread evenly. I'm thinking the high temperature played a big part in this issue. I plan to sand it with 220 grit to remove the streaks and possibly restart in my basement. Do you have any other tips for me? Is my plan a good one? Should I consider switching to wipe-on poly instead? Has anyone else faced similar problems? I really want to get this finish right! My table looks perfect except for these streaks.
3 Answers
Definitely sand between your coats! You don't need to remove the first coat entirely; adding more coats can help flatten out those streaks. When you apply your next coat, try thinning it out gradually with mineral spirits—start with a 3:1 ratio and adjust as needed. Also, working in your basement is smart as it helps reduce dust and lets you control the temperature better. Just make sure to wait until the previous coat is dry enough before you sand and reapply.
That temperature is definitely causing problems, but also consider the product you're using. If it's Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane, I’d recommend switching brands. For large surfaces like a table, using a paint pad can really help get a smooth finish. Make sure to apply it in one smooth motion, then let it be—don’t go back and brush it again. If you want a better finish, look into General Finishes Arm-r-Seal; it’s easier to apply and doesn't require thinning.
You might want to switch to the regular non-fast drying version of polyurethane. I usually prefer going the wipe-on route; just thin it out with mineral spirits if you’re using oil-based poly or water for water-based. It usually dries faster and helps avoid streaks. Just keep in mind you'll need to apply more coats and sand between each one.