Can I apply a WATER-BASED polyurethane over a coat of regular polyurethane?

Question

We're building a wooden enclosure for one of our reptiles. We want to coat the wood with polyurethane. Now, my father already applied one coat of REGULAR polyurethane. Can we still go over that with a few coats of WATER-BASED polyurethane?

Answer 1

Yes. Give it a light sanding before applying the sealer

Answer 2

No I ran into this problem over the winter when re-doing my kitchen table.  I tried the water-based stuff initially because it is suppossed to have less odor but I did not like the way that it dried.  I ended up calling min-wax for some tips and they definitly said to not mix the regular and water based.  I would stick with the regular.  It hold up a lot better too! I ended up starting completely over again using the regular stuff.  If you are still confused, call the number on the back of your can.

Answer 3

Drip water on the table.  Does it bead up?  If so, so would a water based polyurethane.  I wouldn't take the chance.  I hate sanding off my mistakes & trying to fix them.