In retrospect I suspect I have been studiously avoiding any use of varnish or polyurethane for fear of failure. I used polyurethane years ago, but don’t recall it being a total fail. Maybe it’s my constant battle with floating yellow lab hair.

I’ve used a variety of hand applied rubbed finishes to get around using a more difficult finish. When I made the large ottoman tray I opted for water based polyurethane to avoid mineral spirits clean up. I watched a video showing how to dilute the finish with 50% water and applying with a cloth and I loved the technique and the result.

Since I had leftover water based poly and I used the water based poly with the same technique to get a  beautiful finish on the bench I made for the entry  – I just worry about how durable it is.

I recently built a living room table in the same style at the entry bench. When it came time to finish the table for the living room I opted for oil based polyurethane for a more durable water-resistant finish. While I would like people to use coasters, drips happen. Especially in humid Florida.

I hoped to emulate the same technique I used with the water based poly and read articles by people who mix a 50/50 oil based poly/mineral spirits and apply with a cloth. I applied minute coats that appeared almost non-existent after 6 coats. The table base looked okay, but the table top made of 2 x 6 pine seemed to be soaking it up so there was no finish.

Back to the drawing board. I found a video where a guy thinned poly by 25% with mineral spirits and applied it carefully with a foam brush in one direction only. I thought applying polyurethane with a foam brush was pretty much considered heresy, but I was ready to wrap up this project and dreaded the clean up of using a brush.

I poured some of the finish in a plastic cup, thinned it 25-30% with mineral spirits, and applied it carefully in one direction with a foam brush making sure I didn’t squeeze any bubbles from the brush. I checked for runs or excess and brushed problem areas in one direction until it looked like there was a uniform coating.

I went in to check it the next morning and was thrilled. The surface was gorgeous. I sanded lightly with 600 grit paper, wiped it down and applied two more coats of the oil-base polyurethane with a new foam brush each time.

The table top and base have a perfect satin finish with no bubbles, drips, runs or other flaws. I had no idea that would be possible with foam brushes that you can throw out after use instead of cleaning. I figure 6 coats of hand applied and 3 coats of brush applied should provide a nice protective finish.

Now the table parts are sitting protected in the spare bedroom to dry for 30 days before moving it into the living room to use. Then I’ll screw the table top to the base and put it in the living room. I can’t wait.

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