after staining wood, do I sandpaper it (fine) before applying polyurthene, or, not?
Answers:
I think you are supposed to do your sanding before staining. The polyurethane will just create a clear protective coating; it doesn't need a rough surface.
Other answers:
In general no -- sanding after staining can blotch the stain, as it will only remove portions of it.
If you're careful you can do a very light sanding with very fine sandpaper...but it's best to do all your sanding beforehand. Some water-based stains can raise the grain a bit, though, in which case you will want to very lightly sand.
In general no -- sanding after staining can blotch the stain, as it will only remove portions of it.
If you're careful you can do a very light sanding with very fine sandpaper...but it's best to do all your sanding beforehand. Some water-based stains can raise the grain a bit, though, in which case you will want to very lightly sand.
yes, stain raises the grain, 200 paper smoothes it, then poly, then if your adding more poly, another light sand. Don't forget to wipe it between.
no only sand lightly before every coat of poly
there is much confusion here,,, 1st you stain, this will raise fibers in the wood, so you use different grades of STEEL WOOL to cut these fibers and remove them then you can gage wether or not a bit more stain is needed,, do not sand the piece after staining,,,!
One way to eliminate the grain raising problem is to slightly dampener the surface of the wood before the final sanding. This will raise the grain and you will eliminate it with the sanding. Then apply the stain and you should not have to sand again until you have applied the varnish.