How to Get Bumps Out of Polyurethane Finish

We research in-depth and provide unbiased reviews and recommendations on the best products. We strive to give you the most accurate information. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

If you are wondering how to get bumps out of polyurethale finish, then this article is for you. In this article, you will learn how to get rid of alligator skin, bubbles, and craters from polyurethane finish. Follow these steps and you’ll have a flawless finish in no time! Read on to discover the most effective ways to fix any kind of polyurethane finish imperfections.

Fixing bubbles in polyurethane

While applying polyurethane finish over a wooden structure, you might experience air bubbles. These bubbles can ruin your DIY project. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix this problem. Sand the bubbled area with a 120-grit sandpaper to remove any air bubbles. Then, wipe off the sandpaper dust with a damp cloth. If you have extensive bubbles, use a palm sander to remove them. Use slow motions when moving the sanding brush to avoid creating more air bubbles.

First, prepare your surface properly. While polyurethane is a water-based paint, it can have bubbles if you use an oil-based brush. It is best to use water-based paintbrushes when applying this type of finish, because they form fewer bubbles. Another way to solve this problem is to fill in the cracks and holes in the surface before applying the polyurethane.

If the bubbles persist, sand the area with a 220 grit sandpaper. This will remove any excess polyurethane, but may also damage the surface. You may have to apply additional coats to correct the problem. Using a rag can also be helpful. If you have a large area, you may need to apply multiple coats of polyurethane to avoid the problem.

Another method of fixing bubbles in polyurethane finish is to apply another thin coat. It is best to apply two thin coats of polyurethane to prevent a thicker surface. Make sure that you thin the coats well with acetone or nail polish remover before applying them. You should also ensure that you have a well-ventilated room. Regardless of which method you choose, always use a high-quality brush and solvent.

Another way of fixing bubbles in polyurethane finish is to remove any debris or insects. If the bubbles are a result of insects, remove the bug using a needle or toothpick. In most cases, the finish will recover when the bug is removed. If the bubbles are caused by oil-based polyurethane, you can use mineral spirit to remove the problem. Mineral spirit will remove the finish, but make sure to do it quickly.

One of the most common causes of bubbles in polyurethane paint is using too much polyurethane. Using a brush will help you avoid this problem, but be sure to choose the right brush for the job. Natural bristles are best because they will carry the finish from the can to the surface, while synthetic bristles will clump up and cause bubbles. Natural bristles can also create brush marks.

You can sand the area between coats of polyurethane before applying a second coat. The amount of sandpaper you use will depend on the thickness of the bubbles. For small bubbles, use a 220-grit sandpaper, while for larger bubbles, use 320-grit sandpaper. Afterwards, you can wipe away the sandpaper with denatured alcohol.

Fixing craters in polyurethane

If your polyurethane finish has craters, it might be a good idea to fix them first. Sanding them away with a 120-grit sandpaper is the first step. This is only a temporary fix because the poly takes forever to dry. Once the sandpaper is clean, you can apply the polyurethane in a thin coat. Repeat this process for craters that are deeper in the polyurethane finish.

Read More:   How Much Does a Wood Router Cost?

Using 600-grit wet/dry sandpaper is another option to fix small surface scratches. Dip the sandpaper in lemon oil or water and gently rub the affected area with steel wool. The wood will usually recover with the help of this technique. Oil finish does not adhere to polyurethane surfaces but can be applied with an artist’s brush. Apply several thin coats and let dry before applying another coat.

Before you apply the second coat of polyurethane, you should sand the area. Make sure that the surface is smooth and free of dust before applying the second coat. The second coat of polyurethane should be applied with a foam brush, starting from the edge of the patch with about a one-inch overlap. When sanding, be careful not to spread polyurethane on the surrounding surface because dust will float into the first coat. So, lightly sand the area before applying the second coat.

Fixing alligator skin in polyurethane

There are a few different ways to fix alligator skin in a polyurethane finish. One way is to remove the previous coat. Once you do this, you will see ridges in the finish that resemble alligator skin. This is a common problem with both water-based and oil-modified finishes. To solve this problem, follow these steps. You may need to repeat the process for subsequent recoats.

If the scratch is deep enough, you may need to sand the area and apply a new layer of polyurethane. Using a fine-grit sandpaper, you may need to reapply a thin layer of polyurethane, waiting between each coat. If you do not want to sand too much, simply start over. However, be careful not to scratch the surface of the piece.

Why trust Handyman.Guide?

s written by Itamar Ben-Dor, who has 25 years of experience in renovations, carpentry, locks, creation, landscaping, painting, furniture construction, and furniture renovation, works with concrete, plumbing, door repair, and more.

Itamar Ben-Dor has been in the home improvement business for over 25 years. Itamar Ben-Dor is a jack of all trades. He's worked in the renovation field for years, doing everything from locksmithing to carpentry. He's a small repairs specialist. But his true passion lies in furniture construction and renovation - he loves seeing old pieces come back to life with some new woodwork or a fresh coat of paint.

He has taken courses on many topics in these fields at professional colleges in Israel. Over the years, Itamar has also become quite skilled in gardening, carpentry, and renovations. He's worked on projects of all sizes, from massive renovations to small repairs. No job is too big or too small for him!


Disclosure: handyman.guide participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

HandyMan.Guide
Logo