How do I get a smooth even top coat?
by
Kristina Cox
+3
I recently stripped and stained my dining room table. However, no matter what method I use I cannot seem to get a smooth streak free finish with the top coat. I have tried the best brushes, foam brushes, foam rollers, rollers made for top coats and rollers for flat surfaces. I am lost. I either get bubbles or streaks. HELP!!!
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Did you shake or stirred the top coat in the can? If you shook the can , that will introduce bubbles. Could this top coat be too thick? It may need to be thinned out a bit. Either a bristle or foam brush should work, not a roller as that too will make bubbles when applying. I hope this helps. You could also ask the clerks at the store where you bought this top coat finish for suggestions too!
If you are using paint, you can purchase an "extender" which really helps smooth the paint. Your paint company will know what this is.
I like to use rags or pieces of cotton fabric to apply stain... perhaps that might work for the top coat too?
Check out my post https://karupp-did.net/bench-part-2/. I stained that bench and I was amazed at how great it came out....It seriously felt like I bought it at a furniture store. I tell in detail what I did to get that amazing finish. I do something in between coats of the finishing sealer I 'swool'. ha...HUH?....lightly steel wool in between coats. Definitely check out the post because I tell in detail what sanding tricks, what stain I used and what sealer. I am not a photographer so the pics don't really do it justice but after I finished it up my mother said to me, How did you get this finish? I have never ever gotten it like this. She stains all the time so I was shocked to hear her say that. But I am married to a woodworker so he gave me the secret to one of the best sealers:) Waterlox. Go check it out....and I show steps. Good Luck!
What are you using for top coat? For paint, a damp paint brush will help. For stain and clear poly, use the leg of pantyhose rolled up and tucked back to make a "pad". Dip and apply. It's flexible and leaves no streaks. Just make sure to wear gloves like a mechanic or medical professionals use so that you don't have a huge mess.