Polyurethane can be a perfect topcoat on wood. You may find the perfect poly for your wood, but suddenly you remember you have already applied an oil stain on the surface. It is known that due to having no polar parts, water doesn’t mix with oil. It may have made you worried and may force you to think about the use of water-based poly over oil stain. So, can I really use water based poly over oil stain?”
Yes, you can use water-based poly over oil stains if the stain is completely dried and gassed out. If the stain is wet and not cured, you may face adhesion problems. Hence, applying polyurethane only when the stain has dried well is crucial.
I have seen many cases where people failed to apply water-based poly over oil stains. Hence, it is essential that you know the process in detail and also select the best product for the job. Stay tuned with me till the end to learn everything about using polyurethane over oil stain and don’t forget to check the exclusive tips at the end.
Can I Use Water-Based Poly Over Oil Stain? Step-By-Step Process That Works
I mentioned earlier that water-based polyurethane works well on oil stains. It lets you have a better finish, but usually, these two substances do not go well with each other.
No worries, you can get a good result and overcome the issue by following some specific procedures. It will help you properly apply the water-based poly over the oil stain without any chaos.
Let’s know how you can use water-based polyurethane over oil stain.
Things you need:
You will need the following items to apply water-based polyurethane on the oil stain:
- Water-based polyurethane
- Brush
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Mineral spirits
- Tack cloth
- Lint-free cloth
Easy 5 Steps to follow while using water based poly over oil stain
Once you are ready with the above items, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Let the stain dry
First, you must allow the oil-based stain to cure completely, or else it will not set with the water-based poly. Let the stain dry for at least 8 to 24 hours. Depending on the temperature and moisture of the location, the time may vary.
Tip: Try to keep the wood in a dry place with less moisture to fasten the curing process.
Step 2: Do a test run
There isn’t a sure timeframe after which you can say that the surface is ready to apply water-based poly. Therefore, I will recommend you do a test run to avoid messes. You can test whether the oil-based stain is completely dry or not in two ways. First, use mineral spirits, and second, apply a little bit of poly on the wood.
For the first method, take a small amount of mineral spirits in the lint-free cloth and wipe the stained surface. The surface is ready if no stain comes off on the cloth. Or else you need to wait for more. If you do not have lint-free cloth, you can purchase the MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, which is pretty cheap.
Tip: Try working in a well-ventilated area to avoid suffocation.
Secondly, take a little water-based poly and apply it to one corner of the wooden surface to see if it is set up well. If yes, you can proceed to the next step or wait a few more hours.
Step 3: Apply polyurethane
Once you are sure that the surface is ready for water-based polyurethane, you can start the application process. I hope you have already bought your favorite water-based polyurethane. If not, then you can get the Bona Mega Semi Gloss Waterborne Wood Floor Finish. I love this product because it provides an eye-pleasing finish and comes at a reasonable price.
Anyway, now start applying the polyurethane on the surface. Use a brush and apply in line with the grain for proper results. This is the first coat; therefore, avoid using excess poly.
Tip: Use a foam or synthetic bristle brush to apply polyurethane to get a better result.
Step 4: Sand the surface
After applying the first coat of poly, let it dry for a few hours. When the polyurethane is dry, use 220-grit sandpaper to gently sand over the surface. If bubbles, dust nibs, brush marks, or lines are visible, everything will be smooth at the end of step 4.
Step 5: Apply the second coat
After sanding the surface, there will be some dust and residues on the surface. Use the tack cloth to clean everything. Then apply the second coat of polyurethane following the same process as step 3.
You may apply a thicker coat now if you want this to be the top coat. Ensure that you are getting an even finish.
However, most people prefer three or four coats of polyurethane to get a smoother finish. If you also want the same, repeat steps 3 and 4 until you are satisfied with the results. Now you are done applying the water-based polyurethane on the oil-based stain successfully.
Best finish over oil based stain
However, if you haven’t bought any wood finishes yet, I can suggest you some. Whether you want an oil-based or water-based wood finish, you will find both in the list.
The following two wood stain finishes are my favorite:
Minwax 273 Espresso Wood Finish Oil-Based Wood Stain
The Minwax 273 Espresso Wood Finish Oil-Based Wood Stain is most popular for its rich finish. Apply the stain in the direction of the grain and wait for a few hours. You will be astonished to see the attractive appearance. Minwax has been successfully offering high-quality products for over a hundred years and there is no reason you can go wrong with this product.
Minwax 233334444 Polycrylic Protective Wood Finish, Clear Satin
My second favorite is also from Minwax, which is the Minwax Polycrylic Protective Wood Finish. It provides excellent protection for wood from dust, scratches, and dirt.
However, remember that it is a water-based product, but it is not to worry about as it is suitable for water and oil-based stains. Overall, it’s one of the best wood finishes for the interior.
Can I use water based varathane over oil stain?
Yes, you can use water-based Varathane over oil stains. However, water and oil don’t go well with each other. Therefore, you may face some adhesion problems while trying to do so. But if you follow the proper process, you can get the job done successfully.
To talk about the process, you can follow the exact same step-by-step process I just explained above in the article. That process is applicable to all water-based polyurethane, including the ones from Varathane.
Can you use Minwax water based polyurethane over oil-based stain?
Yes, you can use Minwax water-based polyurethane over an oil-based stain on any wooden surface. If you try applying the water-based polyurethane on wet oil-based stains, they may not stick together.
Hence, wait until the stain is cured completely and then apply the Minwax water-based polyurethane for better adhesion.
How long for water based polyurethane to dry?
Water-based polyurethane takes around 2 to 4 hours to dry before it is ready for a second coat. However, depending on the humidity and temperature, it can take around 24 hours to dry completely to the touch.
Remember that different polyurethane may have different drying times. Check the label to know the exact drying time.
Nonetheless, water-based polyurethane takes 7 to 14 days to cure fully. But sometimes the curing duration can be as long as 30 days.
Oil based stain vs water based stain
Both the oil-based stain and water-based stain can produce amazing results on wood. But when you select only one, you must know the differences to reach a decision.
The key differences between oil-based stain vs water based stain are:
Appearance
Oil-based stain usually produces a natural-looking appearance, whereas water-based stain results in the product color. Over time, the oil-based stain attracts a darker appearance and the water-based stain flakes.
Drying time
Oil-based stains take more time than water-based stains to dry. Usually, oil-based stains will dry in 12 to 24 hours, whereas water-based stains take only three to four hours.
Durability
Oil-based stains are more durable than water-based stains. Oil-based stains can survive pretty well in harsh environments. Water-based stains also offer long-lasting performance, but they tend to damage fast when exposed to rough weather.
Raising wood grain
Raising wood is a pretty common problem with water-based stains. But you will not face this problem if you use water-based stains.
Ease of application
Personally, I found water-based stains easier to apply compared to oil-based stains. For beginners, it is easier to get an even finish with the water-based stain.
After knowing the differences, if you want an oil-based wood stain, then you can get the Minwax PolyShades Wood Stain + Polyurethane Finish. It dries fast and offers a classic warm and light look on your wood.
Again, if you prefer a water-based polyurethane, then try General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain. It is extremely durable and its rich pigments produce an attractive finish.
Can you mix stain with polyurethane?
Yes, you can mix stains with polyurethane. There is a limited color available in stains and polyurethane. That’s why it is common in woodworking to mix stain with polyurethane to get the desired color.
Caution: Before mixing stain and polyurethane, ensure they have the same base. You can not mix oil-based stain with water-based polyurethane and vice-versa.
To mix stain with polyurethane, take a large container and put both products in the same container. Then continuously stir them until you mix them properly and get your desired color.
Tips for Using Water Based Varnish
If you are applying a water-based varnish, you can follow the tips below for a superior result:
- Use sealer on the oil-based stain before applying water-based varnish if the stain is not cured properly.
- Always raise the grain first to avoid raising grains while applying water-based varnish.
- Use a fine-bristle nylon brush for ease of use.
- Wet the wood with distilled water first to have better control over the varnish color.
- Try applying more than three coats of water-based varnish or polyurethane for a better look.
Try to follow these tips while applying a water-based varnish, and surely you will love the results.
FAQs:
1. What happens if you put water based poly over oil based stain?
If you put water-based poly over an oil-based stain, they will not adhere to each other, as oil and water do not mix. But if you apply the poly when the stain is fully cured, they may stick together.
2. How long after oil stain can I Poly?
After applying the oil stain, you should wait at least 8 hours to use poly. However, if you use water-based polyurethane, you must wait at least 24 hours, or else you will face adhesion problems.
3. Should I sand stained wood before applying polyurethane?
Yes, you should sand-stained wood before applying polyurethane. It is not a must-have thing to do, but if you do, you will get a better finish. Try using 220-grit sandpaper or orbital sander for best results.
4. Why is my polyurethane still tacky after 24 hours?
Polyurethane can still feel tacky after 24 hours of the application due to not curing properly. Usually, poly will dry within 4 to 8 hours but can take 2 to 4 weeks to cure completely.
5. Will a fan help polyurethane dry faster?
Yes, a fan might help polyurethane dry faster. However, it is not very useful to reduce the curing time, considering it takes several weeks. You can use the fan only on the first day, which will not be helpful.
Verdict
Lastly, yes, you can use water based poly over oil stain even though they do not go well with each other. Your only chance to avoid the adhesion problem is by applying the polyurethane on a dry oil stain.
However, the best solution would be to use some kind of sealer or Dewaxed Super Blonde Shellac Flakes over the oil stain first and then put the water-based polyurethane.
