What Does Clear Coat Do For Wood

While wood stains add color and bring out the beauty of the wood clear finishes protect the wood and enhance its beauty.

What does clear coat do for wood.

A fresh coat of paint can give almost any wooden piece such as furniture cabinets or room trim a much needed face lift. A clear coat often referred to as a poly or top coat basically a clear protective finish that you brush on your painted or stained furniture piece after it has dried. Oil based polyurethane is an excellent product to use for this purpose. Start by sanding the surface thoroughly and wiping it down to remove any dust.

In addition to adding a protective coat it also can add a warm amber color to wood. A stain is intended to darken or color wood by adding pigments but stain does not protect the wood. Polyurethane wood finishes are synthetic coatings that prove highly durable and water resistant making them the best clear coat for wood protection. It gives the piece a shield against scratches water rings from drinking glasses and just dirt in general.

You can substantially extend the good looks of your furniture. Clear coating furniture whether bare wood or previously stained or painted creates a long lasting stain and scratch resistant finish. Most clear finishes are available in gloss semi gloss and satin sheens. Applying a clear finish to wood brings out the wood s natural beauty while sealing and protecting the wood s surface.

They provide a natural appearance with a variety of satin semi gloss and glossy sheens and are ideal for kitchen cabinets doors furniture and floors but not recommended for outdoor use. Go a step further and apply a clear polyurethane over the painted surface to help protect the paint as well as the underlying wood. Add protection to painted wood by applying a polyurethane topcoat. If you don t apply some kind of sealer the wood will be dried out and lifeless.

It can be affected by heat white rings will appear under a hot bowl or mug or chemicals so a kitchen table might not be the best place to use it. When you rub stain into wood it brings out the grain.