restoring question from beginner

[Bonnie Jean]

I have two large pine bookcases that I finished about 10 years ago. They
are stained dark. I forget if there is water or oil based polyurethane on
them, but there are two coats of it.

My problem is that the grain was raised and so it is somewhat rough, which
makes dusting difficult. I was thinking if I sand and put a couple more
coats of finish on it, it may smooth it out. Am I incorrect on this point?
Does it matter if I put water based or oil based polyurethane on it, not
knowing what's underneath?

thanks for any advise,
Bonnie

[WoodMangler]

Bonnie Jean did say:

You're correct. Sand the existing finish and put on a new coat of poly. if
you need to use multiple coats, lightly sand between each. It shouldn't
matter if you use water or oil based.

[Bonnie Jean]

Bonnie Jean did say:
> I have two large pine bookcases that I finished about 10 years ago. They
> are stained dark. I forget if there is water or oil based polyurethane on
> them, but there are two coats of it.
>
> My problem is that the grain was raised and so it is somewhat rough, which
> makes dusting difficult. I was thinking if I sand and put a couple more
> coats of finish on it, it may smooth it out. Am I incorrect on this point?
> Does it matter if I put water based or oil based polyurethane on it, not
> knowing what's underneath?
>
> thanks for any advise,
> Bonnie

>"WoodMangler" wrote

>You're correct. Sand the existing finish and put on a new coat of poly. if
>you need to use multiple coats, lightly sand between each. It shouldn't
>matter if you use water or oil based.

Thanks Woodmangler.

Water or oil based polyurethane......is one considered better than another?

[WoodMangler]

Bonnie Jean did say:

I seldom use poly, so others may have differing opinions: They're both
reactive finishes and do not combine with previous coats, so for
good adhesion you'll want to lightly sand either one before applying
another coat.
Oil based dries somewhat slower so will take more time, but
may flow a little better than water based, so may level out and create a
smoother finish. Water based may raise the grain a bit when applied to
bare wood, but you're past that point.
Either one will give you a good hard protective finish.
I think I'd suggest an oil based, probably a little easier to get a nice
smooth finish. Just takes a bit longer to dry.

[Chris Hornberger]

"WoodMangler" <woodm...@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:pan.2004.11.10....@bellsouth.net...

> I think I'd suggest an oil based, probably a little easier to get a nice
> smooth finish. Just takes a bit longer to dry.
>

I agree. I've used both (not on the same project) and I prefer the final
finish the oil-based ones give. The extra clean up and time-to-dry is worth
it. I *generally* just hit a coat before I leave for work in the morning
and/or one before turning in for the evening, so I don't really notice the
time-to-dry issue. If you're careful with application you can use cheap,
throw-away brushes and avoid more clean up issues.

[nosp...@vcoms.net]

Oil imparts an ambering color while water doesn't and water dries
faster without much odor.

On Wed, 10 Nov 2004 05:51:58 -0500, "Bonnie Jean" <nos...@comcast.net>
wrote:

[Mike Marlow]

"Bonnie Jean" <nos...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:dM6dnb6YocY...@comcast.com...

Won't matter a bit. Knock the finish down with some fine sandpaper to
smooth it out and put on whatever you have around now - oil base or water
base. Once this stuff dries the carrier is gone and it does not matter
which one you put over it later on.
--

-Mike-
mmarlo...@sprintmail.com

[Rolling Thunder]

On Wed, 10 Nov 2004 05:51:58 -0500, "Bonnie Jean" <nos...@comcast.net>
wrote:

>

If you're using steel wool don't use water based poly.

Thunder

[Bonnie Jean]

I asked: Water or oil based polyurethane......is one considered better than
another?

Thanks to all for your responses. You've been a big help.