polyurethane after 2 coats of semi-gloss paint?? is it really needed?

Submitted by avamommy on Tue, 01/11/2011 - 19:26

So I got my book case built -- the 6 cube bookcase -- now painting.

do I really need to apply polyurethane after painting?
the bookcase will hold books and toys... so wondering if i need to polyurethane for nice finish and durability

I was hoping that a semigloss paint would stand up to a kiddo putting toys and books back on the case

thx !

avamommy

Wed, 01/12/2011 - 03:27

Ha!

I'll answer my own question.  From what i could find on other threads:

"...the Waterbourne enamels are the way to go here. SW ProClassic or BM Impervo will both work just great for this application. Just make sure you practice on scrap wood first, as they don't go on exactly like paint. (Just search this forum for ProClassic and SirWired, and you will find my advice on this product.)"

 

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I used SW Proclassic -- so I'm gonna cross my fingers and hope that my 2 coats will be durable enough for the kiddos

darlintxmomma

Wed, 01/12/2011 - 04:14

ONe thing I found when I painted some end tables with semi-gloss paint, was that anything paper sticks to it terribly and rips to shreds when you try to pick it up. I wished I had used some poly over top of it but my hubby told me that wasnt possible. (now I know he was wrong). So from now on, I do plan on sealing anything that I paint with a waterbased poly. Let me know how your project turns out.

selah

Wed, 01/12/2011 - 08:31

I can say, definitely YES! I built the Grace bookshelf and the plastic boxes being pulled in and out have scuffed it up bad. I tried to do a shortcut and used clear spray paint, didn't work. However I have a hallway bench that has been abused by my kids for about 9 months that doesn't have one spot of missing paint. I used poly on that. Should mention it is actualy Polycrilic. HTH

avamommy

Thu, 01/13/2011 - 03:29

thx Selah! exactly what i was wondering!

avamommy

Thu, 01/13/2011 - 03:29

thx Selah! exactly what i was wondering!