Applying Polyurethane Over Paint For a Smooth Finish

Paint cans in an array of colors.
What You'll Need
Polyurethane stain
Paint tray
Paint roller
Protective mask to shield you from harmful fumes
Pair of thick construction gloves
High-quality brand of polyurethan
Respirator
Adequate ventilation
What You'll Need
Polyurethane stain
Paint tray
Paint roller
Protective mask to shield you from harmful fumes
Pair of thick construction gloves
High-quality brand of polyurethan
Respirator
Adequate ventilation

Applying polyurethane over a painted surface will give it an impeccably smooth finish. Furthermore, polyurethane application is a very simple procedure that virtually any household handyman is capable of tackling—provided, of course, that they're armed with the proper set of tools and a helpful set of instructions. So if you've been looking to add a nice, smooth finish to your home's painted surfaces, read on to learn everything you'll need to know.

Step 1 - Protect Yourself

As is the case with most home improvement projects, safety should be your number one priority. When working with polyurethane, it is essential that you take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. First and foremost, make sure that you have a strong protective face mask that is capable of shielding you from harmful fumes emitted by the sealer. Also, make sure to protect your hands with a nice, thick pair of construction gloves, as the sealer can be quite harmful should it ever come into contact with your skin.

It is also extremely important that the area in which you are applying your sealer be properly ventilated and have sufficient airflow. Lastly, take care to promptly and meticulously wash up once you've completed the job.

Step 2 - Choose the Proper Type of Paint Roller

Paint rollers are perhaps the most important tools when it comes to applying a sealer to painted surfaces. Therefore, it is essential that you have the right one for the job. The size of your paint roller should reflect the size of the surface to which the sealer is being applied.

For example, small paint rollers should be used when applying the sealer to pieces of furniture, whereas larger paint rollers should be used when applying it to ceilings or walls. Using the wrong type of paint roller to apply sealer is likely to result in an improperly finished surface.

Step 3 - Begin the Application Process

Now that you've taken the proper measures to protect yourself and have acquired a paint roller whose size is relative to that of your painted surface, you are ready to begin applying your sealer. Start by pouring sealer into your paint tray. Then, using your paint roller, carefully begin applying it to the painted surface.

The sealer application process is very similar to painting. Take care to use quick, precise strokes and to apply the sealer in an up-and-down fashion. Once the painted surface has been fully finished, consult the sealer's packaging to determine how much drying time it requires. After the sealer has dried, wait at least thirty days before cleaning your newly finished surface.

So there you have it. Using the three easy-to-follow steps outlined in this guide, you'll be able to apply polyurethane to your home's painted services with precision and ease.