When working with polyurethane, wet sanding is the best way to ensure a smooth finish.
Make sure that the sandpaper is labeled as “wet/dry. ” You can find this type of paper at most hardware or home improvement stores, or you can buy it online.
If you don’t have any super-fine sandpaper on hand, you can use a lower grit level, like 320. [5] X Research source You may have an easier time sanding by hand if you wrap the sandpaper around a block of styrofoam.
Sanding polyurethane can be a time-consuming process, so you may have to do this several times.
Switch out your sandpaper pad if it looks dirty or clogged with polyurethane slurry. [8] X Research source This process may take several minutes to complete. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results right away!
You can buy car polish online, or in an auto supply shop. Feel free to use more or less polish, depending on the size of your project.
Don’t be discouraged if the surface doesn’t look shiny right away. It’ll take a few minutes before the polish is completely buffed in. Be careful when you polish around the edges, as you don’t want to burn through the polyurethane.
This helps to get rid of any excess polish stuck to the surface.
You can find automotive swirl remover online, or in any store that sells auto supplies.
You can also use a section of 0000 steel wool to buff the surface. [18] X Research source To make things easier, apply wax to the end sections of the wood first. Always follow the grain when you do this! For a more careful polishing job, use short, smooth strokes as you go.
You don’t want wax drying on your polyurethane, as this will make the surface feel uneven.
