If you’re looking to get one of the Wagner paint sprayers or already have one, you may be wondering, “can you spray polyurethane with a Wagner sprayer?” After painting your furniture, you’ll need to seal it with a protective coat. Using your sprayer for both painting and sealing is super convenient and gives you consistently smooth results.
We’ll answer that question as well as give you tips on how to use a paint sprayer on furniture for polyurethane. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced with paint sprayers, there are some things to keep in mind for the best finish possible.
Paint sprayers are a game changer for DIY-ers and professional painters alike. They allow you to get a smooth, even coat of paint on any surface with minimal time and effort. No more brush strokes or roller marks!
Now Wagner paint sprayers take it to the next level with their user friendly design and high quality results. They come in a variety of models to fit any budget and project needs. You can use them for a wide range of painting tasks, from small to large furniture pieces.
But can you put more than just paint in these sprayers? As mentioned, polyurethane is often used as a finish for painted furniture, so it makes sense to wonder if you can use your Wagner sprayer for this task.
Can You Spray Polyurethane with a Wagner Paint Sprayer?
Wagner paint sprayers are actually versatile tools that can be used for more than just paint. So to answer the question, yes, you can spray polyurethane with a Wagner sprayer! That makes a Wagner sprayer a great investment for anyone looking to do multiple painting and finishing projects.
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How to Spray Polyurethane
Now aside from the convenience of using one tool for both painting and sealing, there are a few things to keep in mind when using your Wagner sprayer for polyurethane. Check out the tips below to spray polyurethane like a pro.
Mixing Polyurethane
First, you’ll need to mix your polyurethane before using it in your Wagner sprayer. This is because there is a flattening agent in the can that needs to be evenly distributed throughout the polyurethane. If you skip this step, you may end up with an uneven sheen on your finished project.
To mix the polyurethane, simply stir it gently but thoroughly with a stir stick. If you’re using dark paint on your furniture, think about mixing some of your paint into the polyurethane too. This can help cover up any streaks or uneven spots that may happen when spraying.
Filter Polyurethane for Paint Sprayer
After mixing your polyurethane, it’s important to filter it before putting it into your Wagner sprayer. Even if the polyurethane is brand new, there may still be small clumps or bumps that can clog your sprayer. You can use disposable filters like we do!
How to Thin Polyurethane for Paint Sprayer
You’ll also want to thin polyurethane before using it on your Wagner paint sprayer. This will help the polyurethane flow more smoothly through the sprayer and onto your surface. It can also help it dry to a smooth, even finish without any unwanted texture.
Thinning polyurethane is similar to thinning paint – add in a bit of water for water based poly and mineral spirits for oil based poly. You can also use the viscosity cup that comes with your Wagner sprayer to make sure the polyurethane is at the right thickness for spraying. Here’s how to thin paint for Wagner Sprayer since again, thinning polyurethane is similar to thinning paint.
Test Spray Polyurethane
After getting your polyurethane ready, it’s a smart move to do a test spray before you put it on your furniture. You want to make sure your sprayer’s working fine and the polyurethane is coming out just right. Plus, it’s way better to adjust things or sort out any problems before you actually spray your project.
So take some scrap material and do a few test sprays. Pay attention to things like spray pattern, thickness of the polyurethane, and any potential clogs or spitting from the sprayer. This will give you an idea of how to adjust your settings for a smooth finish on your furniture. And once everything looks good, it’s time to get started on your actual furniture!
Spray Painting Polyurethane
Spraying polyurethane is a lot like painting. Just keep the sprayer moving at a steady pace and the same distance from the furniture. Overlap each pass by about 50% to get an even coat. Apply 3 coats of poly for maximum durability, letting each one dry completely in between. Let the last coat dry for 24 hours before handling the furniture.
As you can see, you can definitely spray polyurethane with a Wagner sprayer and it’s super easy to do! Just make sure to mix well, filter, and thin the poly before spraying, and do a test spray beforehand.
Best Wagner Paint Sprayers for Polyurethane
Now Wagner offers a range of paint sprayers, but which paint sprayer should you get for painting and polyurethane projects? Here are our top recommendations for the best Wagner sprayers to spray polyurethane.
Wagner Control Spray 250
The Wagner Control Spray 250 is a great option for those who are new to using paint sprayers. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, making it perfect for extended painting sessions. With 3 spray patterns and adjustable material flow, you can use it for a variety of projects, including spraying polyurethane on furniture.
It may not be suitable for thicker paints without thinning, but it’s a reliable choice for painting and sealing furniture pieces. Check out our Wagner Control Spray 250 review for more on the features and performance of this model.
Wagner FLEXiO Paint Sprayers
Wagner has a FLEXiO line of paint sprayers, and they’re a great choice for those looking to spray polyurethane with ease. These sprayers are incredibly versatile, handling not just poly but also stains and thick paints without any hassle. This makes them the perfect tool for your furniture makeovers!
With FLEXiO paint sprayers, you don’t even need to thin your poly, but we do add 5-10% water still so that it flows more smoothly through the sprayer. If you wonder which Wagner FLEXiO is best, check out our feature on the FLEXiO sprayers and decide from there!
And if you’re looking for other paint sprayer options, our post on the best sprayer for polyurethane includes other brands and models that work well with polyurethane.
Can You Spray Minwax Polycrylic
If you have Minwax Polycrylic on hand and you want to try spraying it onto your furniture, you can definitely do it! It’s a water based polyurethane, so the same tips and steps apply when using it with a Wagner paint sprayer. Just follow the steps we mentioned above – mixing, filtering, and thinning – to prep your polycrylic before spraying.
There’s also a Minwax Polycrylic spray can version, which is super convenient and maybe even the easiest way to topcoat painted furniture. You don’t need any special equipment – just shake the can and start spraying onto your project. Learn more about the Minwax Polycrylic Spray here for your future DIY projects!
Whether you already have a Wagner paint sprayer or you’re thinking of getting one, now you know that you can definitely use it for spraying polyurethane. Just remember to mix, filter, and thin your polyurethane before spraying for the best results.
More Paint Spraying Tips
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