Best Polyurethane Finish For Stair Treads

The best kind of finish will differ based on the type of wood that you are covering with polyurethane.

Best polyurethane finish for stair treads.

For everyday furniture that receives a lot of use surface finishes are the way to go because they are more protected. Some popular types include. The next one from our list is a 32 fluid oz polyurethane finish from minwax. Others remain crystal clear.

The finish can raise the grain of the wood and is susceptible to watermarks. Crystal clear or amber tone. For example wooden tabletops would benefit from a gloss finish top coat as this will improve the appearance and enhance the natural color. Choose a stain that enhances the richly grained lines of oak such as a honey or deep red oak color.

Shellac and polyurethane varnish. First thing first the minwax 63010444 is a wood only finish. Water based polyurethane can be more temperamental. You can choose whichever look you prefer for your project.

Apply the polyurethane using a good quality brush starting in one corner and working across the tread with the grain. On the other hand it dries quickly and doesn t have such a strong odor. Water based polyurethanes dry faster between coats and are easier to work with. Many clear finishes add a rich warm amber tone to the wood.

Surface finishes are known for making the wood more durable but they also don t look as natural. Let s check down the facts and if it s really worth your attention or not. 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. 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 slowly and evenly so as to avoid bubbles. Additionally water based polyurethane is not as thick as oil based polyurethane so you may need to apply up to four or more coats. Surface wood finishes these types dry on the surface of the wood. A good quality water based polyurethane is recommended in lieu of oil based.

Homeowners and contractors choose oak for stair treads because of oak s strength resilience and durability. It s called the minwax 63010444 and it has the tag of fast drying with it.