| Clean off the racetrack surface. The best way to do
this is to use a rag that's dampened with Mineral Spirits. I would
also suggest getting a tack cloth to use for wiping down the surface now
(and in between your coats). It will help prepare the wood,
and lift off any debris that's on the surface. |
 |
 |
Your 1st coat of poly should be very thin/light. Don't
overdo it, or it won't adhere well to the wood. Remember, you're going to
be adding a lot more coats (at least 4). I suggest applying the poly
inside (if you can stand the smell) because it cuts down on the dust, etc.
that might land on the table. Be sure you cover the entire racetrack, and
pay special attention to the edges and the areas around the cupholders
(those have a tendency of getting left out). To get a good view of the
coat, simply lower your head down so it's even with the surface. You
should be able to see spots that you've missed. Brush slowly, and towards
the dry area. Also you should brush with the grain of the wood (and alwasy
in the same direction). I often brushed sideways, at the beginning and
then made my final brushes all in the same direction to ensure an even
stroke. The final strokes should be slow, and soft while holding the brush
at a 45 degree angle. Make sure you don't have any airbubbles in the poly.
Once finished, let it dry for about 4-5 hours (until it doesn't feel
sticky/tacky at all). If in doubt, let it dry longer. |
|
|
 |
Once it's dry, you need to gently sand it down with
a Fine sandpaper (180+ grit). Do this by hand. Don't sand against the
grain! After sanding, the poly will look pretty ugly (scratch marks,
etc.). That's normal!
Next, remove all debris by wiping it down with a
rag, and also a tack cloth. Once all the debris is off, you can apply your
second coat of poly.
|
 |
The racetrack after 2 coats.
Starting to look good. Keep
sanding it down in between coats, but use Finer sandpaper each time (180 -
220 - 320, etc.).
Before the last coat, I used 320 grit sandpaper.
Once
all the coats have been applied (I used 5 coats), and the racetrack is
dry, you're finished! Just put it on the table, throw on the padded rail
(you can screw them all together from the bottom if you want, but it may
not be necessary), and you're done!!
|
| |
|