What kind of brush should I use to apply polyurethane to wood?

Question

I have a foam roller, but I don't know if I should use that or go buy a foam or bristle brush. Also, how should I clean the wood before the first coat and between coats?

Answer 1

China bristle brush.

You can clean the wood with a mineral spirits-soaked rag.

Sand between coats with 320-grit paper, and read all instructions and cautions on the can.

Answer 2

I would not use the foam roller. this will leave air bubbles which will burst and leave you with a pitted surface.

I have not used a natural bristle brush for years. They have an annoying habbit of leaving broken bits of bristles in the finish. These days a high end quality synthetic brush will always out perform a natural hog's hair brush. Two of the best brands are wooster and purdy.

if the sections of wood are very large then use an anza paint pad (these are 170mm wide and easier to handle than a brush of the same width). All other brands are c**p, hairs fall out or they have a foam backing which absorbs too much paint

http://www.anza.se/Templates/Product1.as...

Once the first coat has dried sufficiently (normally the next day) sand it using a grey silicon carbide paper (these have a sterate coating to reduce clogging). Go for a rougher grit for the first coat (approx 180g), and less rough for the other coats (between 300 and 400g). Dust/vacuum the surfaces and the use a tack cloth (a wax backed cloth) to remove any remaining dust. Failure to do this could result in fisheyes (pits in the finish).

To make life easier for yourself buy some owatrol. This is a paint additive that will help the varnish flow with greater ease. it will enable you to maintain the wet edge whilst you are working. You wil only need a small amount but can use it future in any oilbased paints/varnishes. I cannot recommend this product highly enough.

http://www.owatrol.com/products/OwatrolO...

goodluck

Answer 3

sand the wood..

wipe with mineral spirits

let dry

apply  the poly with a new foam throwaway brush....