Best Polyurethane Finish For Stair Treads

Others remain crystal clear.

Best polyurethane finish for stair treads.

Some popular types include. Applying polyurethane to new stairs can be tricky if you have to use the stairs while the finish is drying but you can get around this by coating only every other step at one time. Surface finishes are known for making the wood more durable but they also don t look as natural. The finish can raise the grain of the wood and is susceptible to watermarks.

First thing first the minwax 63010444 is a wood only finish. Shellac and polyurethane varnish. Choosing a finish the simplest way to finish oak stair treads is with two coats of clear polyurethane which enhances both the grain and the natural reddish to goldish tinge of the wood. Apply the polyurethane slowly and evenly so as to avoid bubbles.

For everyday furniture that receives a lot of use surface finishes are the way to go because they are more protected. For example wooden tabletops would benefit from a gloss finish top coat as this will improve the appearance and enhance the natural color. It s called the minwax 63010444 and it has the tag of fast drying with it. The best kind of finish will differ based on the type of wood that you are covering with polyurethane.

However if your project is a light color whether stained or unfinished wood it is best to protect it with a finish that remains crystal clear. Apply the polyurethane using a good quality brush starting in one corner and working across the tread with the grain. Choose a stain that enhances the richly grained lines of oak such as a honey or deep red oak color. On the other hand it dries quickly and doesn t have such a strong odor.

Surface wood finishes these types dry on the surface of the wood. Many clear finishes add a rich warm amber tone to the wood. The next one from our list is a 32 fluid oz polyurethane finish from minwax. Oak stair treads usually sport a bullnose or rounded edge along their length.

You can choose whichever look you prefer for your project. Crystal clear or amber tone. Let s check down the facts and if it s really worth your attention or not. A good quality water based polyurethane is recommended in lieu of oil based.

Water based polyurethanes dry faster between coats and are easier to work with. A satin polyurethane finish will protect the stain and provide a suitable surface for foot traffic.