{"id":2222,"date":"2021-07-30T13:33:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-30T17:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/?p=2222"},"modified":"2024-02-28T16:28:22","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T21:28:22","slug":"applying-water-based-polyurethane-over-oil-based-stain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diywithchristine.com\/applying-water-based-polyurethane-over-oil-based-stain\/","title":{"rendered":"Applying Water-Based Polyurethane Over Oil-Based Stain: What Happens?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Wondering what will happen if you apply a water-based polyurethane over an oil-based stain, and whether this is something that you can\/should do, or not? Well, look no further because I have your answer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water-based polyurethane can be applied over an oil-based stain as long as the stain is completely dry. Applying the polyurethane onto the stain too early can result in the polyurethane rubbing off and\/or the stain being damaged underneath. To fix this, the finish will need to be sanded off and the process restarted.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Quick Navigation: Using Water-Based Polyurethane Over Oil-Based Stain<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  1. What Happens If You Apply A Water-Based Polyurethane Over An Oil-Based Stain?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Will The Polyurethane Alter My Stain Color?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. How Do I Know If The Stain Is Dry?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Do I Need Any Other Coating?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Other FAQs About Using Water-Based Polyurethane Over Oil-Based Stain<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

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    What Happens If You Apply A Water-Based Polyurethane Over An Oil-Based Stain?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    So you already know you can apply a water-based polyurethane over an oil-based stain, but you’re wondering what the actual risks are. Well, let’s break it down further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If the stain is not dry, you are likely to get adhesion problems, and this will result in the polyurethane rubbing off fairly quickly and possibly even damaging the stain beneath it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    However, there are some things that you can do to avoid issues and make sure that the polyurethane sticks to the stain properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The most important of these is to allow the oil-based stain to thoroughly dry before you put the polyurethane on it. This means leaving it for a minimum of four days, allowing all the minerals to evaporate off the surface. And if you’re doing this in cold or damp conditions, give it longer to dry.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is better to be patient than to rush it because if you put the polyurethane on too early, it is likely to cause issues down the road, even if it looks fine to start with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is also a good idea to raise the grain of the wood before you stain it because the water-based polyurethane will raise the grain whether you want it to or not. (Raising the grain opens up the wood and lets the stain soak in better.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To raise the grain, take a damp, clean rag and wipe the wood down completely. Let the wood dry completely, sand it smooth, and then apply your stain and the polyurethane coat for the best results.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you don\u2019t do this, you may find your wood ends up rough, and you’ll have to sand it down \u2013 losing both your polyurethane coating and your stain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Skipping this step won’t ruin your wood project, but it can level up your woodworking game and help you to achieve a flawless finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Will The Polyurethane Alter My Stain Color?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Another valid concern you could have is whether water-based polyurethane will affect your stain color or not. I was worried about this as well, but no need to fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Again, if the stain is still damp when applied, the polyurethane can alter the color of the stain. The wet stain will wipe off with the brush as the polyurethane is applied. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Before you cover the piece of wood with polyurethane, make sure you test it in a small area first, preferably somewhere inconspicuous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To avoid this, however, just make sure the oil-based stain has cured before adding a thin coat of polyurethane. It will change the color while it is still wet. However, in many cases, this change should revert once the polyurethane has dried.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As long as the stain is completely dry before you start adding the polyurethane, any water-based polyurethane should dry clear and not affect the color of the stain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Another tactic you could use to ensure the stain will be completely dry before the application of water-based polyurethane is to use mineral spirits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This video does a great job of explaining the benefits of wiping the oil-based stain with mineral spirits before applying poly. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The mineral spirits will help remove any tacky spots on the wood and help the stain dry faster.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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