Rubbing Out Poly

Good evening!

I'm (still) trying to figure out how to rub out a polyurethane finish (minwax polyshades to be precise). The wood I'm finishing is Poplar...a large tabletop. I let the last coat dry for 5 days...I realize longer is better. I wet sanded first...using a 600-grit (abralon or abranet...can't remember, new to me) on orbital sander...and used soap and water for lubricant. I keep getting what I can best describe as milky-white water stains...and am wondering what I could be doing wrong...hopefully a simple fix.

I appreciate any suggestions (other than get a new hobby:roll:).

Thx!!

PolyU doesnt buff out all that well unless its a 2pac or if its cured for several months, 600 is a little to rough I would start a maximum of 1200g... which is not good if the finish isnt very smooth to start with, 600 will give you a nice key for the next coat...
To get a super buffed shine I wouldnt use polyU, start with a good quality 2pack automotive clear as they are designed for buffing out.

I can not help in you with your question but I will comment on your statement.

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Originally Posted by bryanfaz

I appreciate any suggestions (other than get a new hobby:roll:).

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No question asked, is stupid, if you do not know as I have just stated then ask the question. Stick with your hobby as long as you want to. :2tsup:

Thanks guys! I'm to stubborn to quit...the only way to learn is to try. Mistakes are part of the process.

You might try using EEE Ultra Shine then Polish Reviver as a final clean up and protection.

Don't keep rubbing out the poly as you'll end up with nothing left. It's entirely possible that the white sections could be where you've sanded back too far.

Hope this helps.

Cheers - Neil :U

Welcome, Bryan. :) My two cents on your subject. Minwax Polyshades is an attempt to combine the stain and the polyurethane finish in the same product (as you are no doubt aware). My wife tried to use this product once to finish a piece she brought home from one of those unfinished furniture places. The results were less than desireable. It left a rather muddy finish. I can't see that this would rub out well because of the stain particals suspended in the top coat itself. A better bet would be to seal your poplar tabletop first (since poplar tends to be blotchy) with non-waxed shellac, stain to the desired finish (perhaps using a gel stain), and then top coat with an oil-based urethane product. Urethane tends to stay rather soft compared to other finishes so 600 grit is far too aggressive. Wet sanding with 1200 or 2000 and following up with automotive compounds and a random orbit buffer will give better results. Don't begin to try to buff it out until you can no longer smell any solvents. Stick your nose right down there and get a good whiff. Since it's a table top (flat) a car buffer will make quick work of it. Watch burning through the edges. Urethane can be rubbed out, it just takes care. This is my opinion only and your mileage may vary. Best of luck to you. :)

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Originally Posted by Christos

I can not help in you with your question but I will comment on your statement.




No question asked, is stupid, if you do not know as I have just stated then ask the question. Stick with your hobby as long as you want to. :2tsup:

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+1 to that. We used to tell our students that we would rather answer 1000 stupid questions than have to answer 1 ministerial for something stupid someone did.