Rubbing out poly-how long to wait?

tsade | Posted in Finishing on September 17, 2002 03:23am

I just complete a qswo mission style dresser which I finished with 8 coats of a 50-50 gloss poly/naptha wipe on finish. I plan to rub this out using paste wax and 0000 steel wool. How long should I wait for the poly to cure before rubbing out? Thanks, Tony

Replies

RSRose | Sep 17, 2002 03:34am | #1
Tony,

Keep feeling the hardness of the surface with a thumbnail. The finish will get harder over a period of days. I would give it a week. You will notice a difference in the final rub-out done at 2-3 days vs about 7 days. It might even change significantly in hardness beyond that time.

Polyurethane hardens faster than alkyd varnish, but it still takes some time to get adequate film hardening.

Rich