How To Apply Polyurethane Without Bubbles, Puddles, Runs or Brush Marks | Updated

It isn't difficult but it isn't logical either. 90% apply it wrong and their results prove it!
Let me teach you how to apply polyurethane without bubbles, puddles runs, or brush marks. I currently have very close to 500,000 views on my video "Fixing Polyurethane Bubbles, Puddles, Runs and Brush Marks". Let's avoid this video by allowing me to be your pesrsonal guide to the step by step right way to apply polyurethane.
My original polyurethane application video has over 1.5 million views and a 95%approval (like) rating. This is a step by step update to the original video.

Please leave comments. I really do love to hear from y'all.

You can for free view, choose, download and print any or all of my 1-2 Page Summary Sheets from my website HERE:
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0:00 Intro How to apply polyurethane without bubbles puddles, runs or brush marks
0:47 Water vs Oil Based Polyurethane
1:49 Why Fast Drying Polyurethane is bad
2:25 Polyurethane Brush Choices from the really bad to the really good
6:24 Tools and paraphrenalia you'll need to apply polyurethane
6:59 Why you shouldn't use ODORLESS MINERAL SPIRITS to thin polyurethane
7:37 Why polyureythane needs to be thinned
8:15 Thinning polyurethane 3:1 ratio
10:30 Prepping your brush for proper polyurethane application
11:56 Disposing of chemical soaked rags
12:25 Proper brush loading - DIP - DRIP - DAB - DRAG your brush
13:09 Laying down the first coat of polyurethane - drag coating
17:32 What to do with your brush between coats
18:07 Bubbles after polyurethane laydown
18:53 Sanding between polyurethane coats - 220 grit for unstained wood - paper bag for stained surfaces
21:12 Second polyurethane coat
22:50 Summary suggestions and tips

VIDEOS:
Project Preparation:
Finishing:
Clean Up:

ARTICLES:
Project Preparation:
Step by Step Guide to Refinishing Furniture

Sanding Efficiently

Finishing:
Choosing the Right Clear Wood Finish

How To Apply Tung Oil Properly

When and How to Wipe On Polyurethane

How to Apply Boiled Linseed Oil - Tips and Technique

[garydavidson]

I have seen a dozen other videos showing short cuts to an “ok” result. Yours is the first I have seen on how to do it right. Much appreciated. Especially the part about the brushes.

[brandoncueto]

i didn't know i could learn so much in just 1 video. people usually split this to more parts. thank you for just literally giving away for free all your years of knowledge on this one specific finish.

[marvinqualls]

I’m currently working on a coffee table for the wife. I don’t have a lot of woodworking experience especially when it comes to finishing. After watching many YouTube videos I thought yours made the most sense. I loved your no nonsense approach and the best information I heard was, “leave it alone!” I am Terrible about not doing that. I followed your advice and didn’t mess with the tiny bubbles ( drove me crazy) and when I came back they were all, GONE! I like the fact that if a product is not any good you tell it like it is. That is appreciated! The wife has looked at the finish on the coffee table and is already lining up more projects for me. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us rookies!
Keep up the good work!

[nsxnrfg]

Dude, I watched several videos on this and practiced on a 2x4. I got lucky and seen this video before I did another 2x4 and what I learned from this video made my finish so much better I didn't watch any more videos and I refinished my first table top. A lot of video makers skip steps to keep people handicapped. You're a true educator. Much appreciation for the videos you make.

[theyard]

Ok I have to stop you at 12:12. First of all, I have learned quite a bit from this video so far, clear, ans simple instructions and explanations as to why. I am a contractor as well and I cant tell you how many contractors I have worked for where I have done painting for. Never have I had any instruction like this or in such great detail, even just about the brushes. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me(Us).
I would like to add something. I have been professionally trained to deal with FMC's (flammable, and combustible materials), and its always been taught that all FCM's should be either placed in a metal bin with closed lid, or they should be set out flat, and separated, so they dry. after they are dry they then can be safely put in the trash. Putting them in the trash wet, is very dangerous. I have seen dumpster on fire from mineral spirits rags. Shipyard dumpster fires are a horribly toxic and hot fire.
Anywho, I just wanted to say that to prevent someone from setting their garage on fire.
I will finish the video now and I wont be surprised if you just repeat back to me everything I just said. lol
Cheers! and Thank You.

[GratefulWarriorMom]

The hardest part is, LEAVING IT ALONE.

[kawima]

Sir, I can’t thank you enough. The gravity only strokes and the “leave it alone” is the best advice I’ve gotten. It works beautifully with even the water based poly I use. Thank you very much!!!

[jessicamcneil]

Watching your video and having the printout really helped. I was refinishing my kitchen table and thinning the polyurethane was like winning the grand prize. My table top is smooth as glass thanks to you. Sent a tip.

[colleenadams]

I stumbled upon your channel this evening frantically looking for a solution to my polyurethane nightmare I have found myself in. Your voice is so soothing and encouraging. It was like I was sitting in the room listening to you talk me through it! Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with those of us who "thought we knew what we were doing" 👍🏼😊

[valenbaenae]

This has been the best advice on applying polyurethane that I’ve seen so far! I was struggling with my technique but couldn’t figure out how to improve it. This hit so many of those crucial points. Thank you so much!

[Laura-tokz]

Hi Paul, I just found your channel and am so very happy that I did! I lost my husband about a year and a half ago… he built us (really for him) a new garage/workshop. He made the most beautiful furniture and could restore just about anything. After 30 years I had learned a lot, but wasn’t good by any means when it came to using his tools. Last summer I ventured out into his workshop and with the help of YouTube, taught myself how to use everything. I now have a passion for restoring furniture and until your video, always thought the only way to get a smooth finish was by being a master, lol! This video was so educational, so easy to follow, and full of awesome tips! Going out to buy my first ox hair brush and to try out your instructions. Can’t wait to binge watch the rest of your videos!!! Thank you for your time and for sharing your vast knowledge and talent!!

[davidbressler]

I'm ashamed to say how many times I had to sand my kitchen table down to bare wood because I followed the manufacturers directions and put down a terrible coat of poly. Thanks to your fantastic video and instruction, my kitchen table is now a thing of beauty and I can proudly add one more skill to my "Jack of all trades" credentials. Thanks so much Paul!

[konomikohara]

Greatest and most detailed tutorial of all time! This video corrected so many mistakes I've been doing which are not covered by other videos, it helped a lot for absolute beginners like me. Thank you very much for this masterpiece and your professionalism, hope you all the best!

[Pallor]

Still at it, love your videos Paul. Thanks for being my Internet dad yet again. Great stuff, I have a new project coming up soon and this was the refresher I needed.

[diggers]

This video has saved my project. I had a custom desk made at cost from my friend under the condition I finish it myself. I followed the instructions as per the can on the underside and after one coat I was disappointed with the look. Clear pooling, uneven mixing and brush marks. Luckily it won’t be seen but I have been to the DIY store, bought a decent brush and started the top following your technique. I’ve only done one coat but it already looks 1000% better. Thank you for putting the time and effort into this video.

[lourias]

I have a 100+ year old collapsible wardrobe, which is near to its finishing stage. This How To video arrived at a perfect time for me to review. Thank you.

[msjudy]

Thank you so much for your perfectionism and all your tips and tricks, especially the “brown paper bag” for the last coat trick! You have been a great help. Happy I found you😊

[haic]

Paul, thank you so much for your video. I’ve been wondering what I’ve been doing wrong with my poly coats for so long! I could never get it right no matter what I tried! The results are great now, really appreciate you sharing your knowledge!

[chrispalffy]

There's a good reason you have a 1/4 million views in 7 months, Paul. You're a professional, and thank-you so much for sharing your decades of expertise, you've been a great help.

[kerrywillis]

Paul, you saved my staining project with your expert tips on applying polyurethane. I just wish I had watched your video before my first attempt, and I wouldn't have had to watch "Fixing Polyurethane Bubbles, Puddles, Runs, and Brush Marks". That video was also excellent and helped me to achieve the result that I was looking for. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with those of us who want to learn new skills and explore new challenges. You are the best!