You can apply polyurethane over latex paint to seal it from moisture, water, and scratches. You can use water-based, oil-based, or exterior polyurethane over it.
Polyurethane forms a clear glossy coat over the paint and protects it from different elements. However, the paint must be fully dry before sealing it.
How Long Must Latex Paint Dry Before Applying Polyurethane?
Latex paint must dry for 24 hours before applying polyurethane over it. The solvent of the paint (water) must fully evaporate before applying a moisture-resistant coating such as polyurethane over it; this takes 24 hours.
The exact dry time of latex paint depends on humidity levels, room temperature, the thickness of the coat, coat number, and the surface type.
Latex paint is water-based and uses water as its solvent. Since water evaporates fast, the paint will also dry fast.
Polyurethane has a moisture-resistant coating that doesn’t allow anything to pass through it. If you seal the paint too soon, the finish will turn tacky. That’s because the evaporation process of the solvent will be stopped by the sealer. The solvent (water) will stay on the paint coating and won’t allow it to dry.
Does Polyurethane Seal Latex Paint?
Polyurethane seals latex paint from moisture, water, scratches, handling, and UV rays. Polyurethane is a sealer that produces a moisture-resistant and glossy layer over the paint and protects it.
Latex paint is water-based, meaning it isn’t durable or resistant. Its coating will be removed if exposed to constant water or moisture.
For outdoor surfaces, sealing latex paint is necessary because the paint isn’t durable enough to withstand weather elements like rain.
For indoor or decorative surfaces, sealing latex paint is optional. That’s because indoor surfaces aren’t exposed to harsh weather elements, so the paint lasts longer.
How To Apply Polyurethane Over Latex Paint?
To apply polyurethane over latex paint, do the following.
- Clean and Sand the Latex Paint.
- Apply Polyurethane.
The tools you need for this project are listed below.
- Rags or Tack Cloth
- Fine-Grit Sandpaper
- Polishing Compound
- Polyurethane
- Bristled Paint Brush
- Paint Bucket (Optional)
1. Clean and Sand the Latex Paint
Clean the latex paint with a damp rag to remove dust, dirt, and debris that can show once the polyurethane coating is applied and dries.
Sand the latex paint finish with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit) to remove surface imperfections and bumps, and create a smooth and even layer.
2. Apply Polyurethane
Apply three (3) thin polyurethane coats over the latex paint using a paintbrush, roller, or sprayer. You can apply water-based, exterior, or oil-based polyurethane over it.
Wait until one coat dries, sand between coats, and apply the next coat.
If you use a sprayer to apply polyurethane, thin the sealer as it is too thick and can clog the nozzle of the sprayer. To thin oil-based polyurethane, use mineral spirits. To thin water-based polyurethane, use water. Thin it in a ratio of 4:1 (4 parts poly, 1 part paint thinner).
Can You Mix Polyurethane With Latex Paint?
You can mix water-based polyurethane with latex paint because both have the same solvent or base (water) and they are compatible. Mixing them will produce a durable and colorful finish.
Since polyurethane has no tint (color), mixing it with latex paint will give the finish a tinted color. The finish will h ave the color (or pigments) of the latex paint and the durability of the polyurethane.
Mixing them is hard, so to get a colorful and durable finish, apply latex paint first and then seal it with polyurethane.
Don’t mix polyurethane with latex paint as they use different solvents (oil and water) that aren’t compatible and don’t mix well.
Can You Apply Polyurethane over Exterior Latex Paint?
You can apply exterior polyurethane over exterior latex paint because it’s formulated with extra additives to make the coating more durable for outdoor surfaces.
Exterior latex paint is a durable paint used for outdoor surfaces, but it won’t last more than 3 years if it isn’t sealed. So, to increase its durability, you can seal it.
Sand the finish with fine-grit sandpaper before sealing a high-gloss exterior latex paint. That’s because polyurethane doesn’t stick well to high-gloss finishes. For flat or semi-gloss exterior finishes, don’t sand.
Can You Apply Latex over Polyurethane?
You can’t apply latex paint over polyurethane because the sealer has a moisture-resistant layer that repels liquid, including paint. So, if you apply it, the paint won’t stick.
Latex paint must penetrate a surface to stick. But, since the moisture-resistant coating of polyurethane doesn’t allow penetrate, the paint won’t stick over it.
You must either sand the sealer with medium-grit sandpaper or remove its coating completely before applying latex paint.
