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What Type of Sealer Should I Use?
That's a question I've been asked so many times by homeowners wanting to do a project themselves. The answer? It all depends on what you want to seal. But it's really very simple:
Surfaces that are wood or painted (walls, cabinets, furniture).
Polyurethane works great on these surfaces.
There are generally two types: Wipe on and brush on.
*Wipe on "Poly" (short for polyurethane) is a fabulous product that is so easy to use it's just disgusting! Simply pour some on to a clean terry cloth towel or sponge and wipe it on! You get a good, durable finish that has no brush marks or bubbles and is great on just about anything. So it's ultra easy to use and great for the beginner.
It does not however, come in a high gloss formula but that's no biggie for simple projects like furniture, cabinets and stairs.
I used "Minwax" Wipe on Poly on my basement stair case faux finish project two years ago. I did two coats, it was ultra easy and to this day those stairs look fabulous! They have just enough sheen to look like they have been waxed which is great and the ambering has deepened the faux wood grain finish which looks even more rich and beautiful.
Drawback: It tends to yellow slightly over time and does not stay crystal clear.
*Brush on water and oil based Polyurethane:
Brush on types of polyurethane provide a very hard surface. They come in crystal clear (meaning they won't yellow) or standard Polyurethane (which will yellow). Yellowing simply means that there is a natural amber that develops over time with these products.
When using over darkly painted or stained surfaces, this natural action can actually help to deepen the tones of the color and make them look more antique.
I prefer brush on Poly over my faux finished counter tops.
Water based sealers clean up with soap and water. (Certainly my preference).
Oil based products clean up with turpentine or other solvents.
Urethane-This type of sealer is great for floors. You can find it in crystal clear formulas for use over colors that you don't want to yellow over time.
Use great caution when using some of these products as they can tend to need open ventilation because of the smell.
Trust me when I tell you to follow the manufacturers cautions when using certain types of sealers. I learned the hard way when i decided I'd seal my new bathroom counter tops in our Idaho home in the winter time.
I used a brush on polyurethane that had quite a chemical odor to it. Thinking I'd be fine, I opened the bathroom window, closed the door so the odor didn't fill the rest of the house, put on a painters mask and went to work sealing my counter.
By the time I was finished, I felt dizzy, a bit nauseated and nothing seemed to make sense to me. So watch out!
Using the right sealer, following the manufacturers recommendations to the letter and doing a good job can make the difference between a top quality finish that you can be proud of and one that looks shabby. So take your time, choose the right sealer for the job and follow the instructions. Make yourself proud!
