How To Fix Uneven Polyurethane Finish: 3 Easy Steps

Polyurethane finish turning uneven is a really common problem. This issue affects your furniture’s appearance, which isn’t welcome at all. But doing nothing won’t solve your issue.

So, how to fix an uneven polyurethane finish properly?

First, use fine-grit sandpaper to sand the uneven finish. Don’t try to sand aggressively. This may sand through the stain which will cause it to re-stain the area. Then take a clean cloth to wipe away any dust or dirt. Lastly, with a paintbrush apply a polyurethane coat to your sanded surface. The coat should be thin and even.

This is just a preview. We’ve guided you with a complete step-by-step process to fix the uneven polyurethane finish.

So, without waiting, let’s start working, shall we?

The Best Way To Fix Uneven Polyurethane Finish

The Best Way To Fix Uneven Polyurethane Finish

Polyurethane is a synthetic resin-based varnish. This is used for finishing floors, cabinets, and other work.

These coat surfaces protect the materials from scratch and help to resist water damage. Polyurethane improves the durability of wood furniture. At the same time, it gives the wood or other material a glossy, smooth finish.

So, if the finish isn’t even, you’re bound to get frustrated. But you can fix the uneven polyurethane finish with our help. But before that, you have to gather some tools-

Hand gloves

Orbital sander
6-mil plastic sheeting
Polyurethane

240 grit Sandpaper
Synthetic sanding pads

Have you gathered the tools? Well if you have these with you, you can start the work-

Step 1: Sanding the Surface

First, prepare your fine-grit sandpaper. Start with sanding the surface with the help of that fine-grit sandpaper.

Now, do you want to know how to fix uneven Polyurethane finish on furniture? Well, even if that’s the case, this step is helpful.

So, let’s continue sanding the surface. Take square-sized foam (preferably styrofoam) and cover that with sandpaper. This will allow your hand proper space for moving freely.

Now, hold both your scrub and sandpaper. Keep the sandpaper facing the surface and start sanding the wood surface. Draw the foam back and forth to knock off the dust bumps.

By the way, keep in mind, sanding roughly might damage your wood finish. To be fair, you might sand through the stain. In this case, you need to re-stain the area.

So, try to not push any harder and try to sand firmly.

Step 2: Cleaning the Surface

After the sanding is done, you need to clean the wood surface. So, wipe away all the sanding dust and dirt with a cloth (preferably a microfibre cloth).

Wipe it dry at first with any microfibre cloth. Keep the water away so that you leave no spots after rubbing the surface.

After that, use mineral spirit or dish wash cleaner to clean the sticky spots if needed. Rub over the spots and clean the surface with a dry cloth again.

Make sure the surface is clean before you apply a polyurethane finish. This process keeps away specks of dust from getting trapped in the finish coat.

Step 3: Apply Polyurethane Finish

Now, we’re on the verge to apply our first coat of polyurethane finish. So, take a soft brush and put 3 tablespoons of polyurethane in it. Rub it all over the wood surface steadily. Make sure you don’t haste or push yourself hard.

There is another alternative option to brush. You can use a rubbing pad and random orbit sander to polish the surface.

Just put 3-4 tbsp of polyurethane to the pad and fit it with a random orbit sander. Pressing the rubbing pad to the surface, let the orbit start buffing all over the surface. Also, keep the speed of the orbit sander at a medium level.

This process will smoothen the finish on your surface even more. Now, let the first coat dry completely to check on its evenness.

If your coat seems to be thicker than you wanted, sand the surface. Then reapply the finish. And if the coat is too thin, apply additional coats until the surface is even.

So, this was the way to fix your uneven polyurethane finish!

FAQs

Question: Can you touch up polyurethane?

Answer: Yes, a polyurethane-finished hardwood can be recoated. It takes to follow proper steps to have a perfect finish. Using a heavy floor buffer, you have to lightly sand with steel wool. Or, you can sand on a dull 120- to 150-grit abrasive screen with the buffer.

Question: Do you sand the final coat of polyurethane?

Answer: Yes, a 600 grit sandpaper can be used to gently sand the polyurethane’s last coat. Sanding, on the other hand, is optional. If you sand your polyurethane finish, it may appear clouded or scuffed.

Question: Are 2 coats of polyurethane enough?

Answer: It depends on the surface. If the surface needs to roughen up, we might need 2 coatings. This gives the surface better traction. It’s the same for multiple coatings. Multiple coats make the Coating get thicker, tougher, and more glossy.

Question: How to fix uneven Polyurethane Finish on floor?

Answer: First sweep the floor. Clean the floor with a mop soaked in water and white vinegar. Next, sand the floor with an abrasive pad or steel wood. Afterward, with the 5′′ to 3′′ brush, apply polyurethane to the edges of wood floors. You can add polyurethane to the center of the floor with a roller or bristle brush.

Question: What causes an uneven polyurethane finish?

Answer: An uneven polyurethane finish can be caused by a variety of factors, including incorrect application technique, poor surface preparation, or environmental conditions.

Question: Can you fix an uneven polyurethane finish without sanding?

Answer: In most cases, it is necessary to sand the surface before fixing an uneven polyurethane finish.

Question: How do you fix an uneven polyurethane finish on wood floors?

Answer: To fix an uneven polyurethane finish on wood floors, sand the affected area and apply a new coat of polyurethane, following proper application technique.

Question: How do you fix bubbles in polyurethane finish?

Answer: Bubbles in a polyurethane finish can be fixed by sanding the affected area and applying a new coat of polyurethane.

Question: How long does it take for polyurethane to dry before fixing an uneven finish?

Answer: The drying time for polyurethane can vary, but it is generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before attempting to fix an uneven finish.

Question: Can you apply a new coat of polyurethane over an uneven finish?

Answer: It is possible to apply a new coat of polyurethane over an uneven finish, but it is important to sand the surface and follow the proper application technique.

Question: What is the best way to apply polyurethane to avoid an uneven finish?

Answer: To avoid an uneven polyurethane finish, make sure to apply the finish in thin, even coats, using the proper application technique.

Question: How do you prevent an uneven polyurethane finish in the first place?

Answer: Proper surface preparation, correct application technique, and ideal environmental conditions can help prevent an uneven polyurethane finish.

Question: Do you need to use a specific type of brush or roller for applying polyurethane?

Answer: It is recommended to use a high-quality brush or roller specifically designed for use with polyurethane.

Question: Can you use a different type of finish to fix an uneven polyurethane finish?

Answer: It is possible to use a different type of finish to fix an uneven polyurethane finish, but it is important to follow proper application techniques and ensure compatibility between finishes.

Bottom Line

Hopefully, now you’ve got some ideas about how to fix an uneven polyurethane finish. With the above instructions, you can easily perform the process.

If there’s anything bothering you, let us know.

That’s all. Good luck fixing the uneven polyurethane finish! Hope to see you soon!