For added durability a third coat can be applied.
Clear coat for maple wood.
Apply a coat of finish and then tone the wood by spraying pigment on the dried finish or wiping on a gel stain.
Another commonly used finishing technique on maple is to apply tung oil or linseed oil after the final sanding.
Natural clear coat no stain on soft maple wood.
Then remove all the sanding dust and apply a second coat.
Most clear finishes are applied with a brush working in the direction of the grain of the wood.
Allow each coat to dry for 20 40 minutes at 1 3 mils wet film thickness per coat.
Use this guide to learn more about choosing and using polyurethane the toughest of the clear coatings.
When applying polyurethane finish allow the first coat to dry overnight then sand it lightly with 220 grit sandpaper.
Oil based polyurethane is an excellent product to use for this purpose.
Related products options.
Fine sand the 2nd coat with 400 grit to remove surface defect and apply one more coat.
Even when you seal the maple and apply a stain the color may be more uneven than you d prefer and there s an easy way to remedy that.
Allow to dry for 2 hours allowing for shrinkage and tightening of the films to take place.
Follow the oil with a coat or two of shellac.
After it dries sand lightly.
These oils tend to bring out the curly or tiger looks of the maple.
If desired these two options can be combined for a mix of beauty and durability.
Most floors require two to three coats of polyurethane for adequate protection.
The main difference is that a clear coat does not alter the color of the wood while a stain does.
Open the can of clear coat and use a stir stick to mix it up.
Keep stirring the clear coat until it s thoroughly mixed.
Applying a clear finish to wood brings out the wood s natural beauty while sealing and protecting the wood s surface.
The 3 coats will melt into one another and will form a hard clear shell within 24.
A good finish whether a clear coat or a stain gives you a chance to lock out moisture and remove the risk of rot mold or mildew.
For a more durable finish top coat over the shellac with a clear lacquer or polyurethane.
Most projects will be ready for normal use in 24 hours.
Stir the polyurethane clear coat with a stir stick.
Always apply a second coat and you may want to repeat the process with a third coat.
Be sure not to shake the can since it could form bubbles and ruin how the clear coat applies to your piece of maple.
Coating wood cabinetry furniture or trim with a clear finish whether you stain it or not gives it richness and depth while protecting it from knocks scrapes and the weather.