Will Polyurethane Keep Wood From Cracking?

Have you just experienced that frustrating moment when your beautiful project gets ruined because of the wood cracks? They are natural; what can you do?

Certainly, there are ways to prevent it from happening. Working with green wood logs or slabs is tougher than anticipated. Does that mean we ought to try everything that we read online?

Admittedly, I am exactly the kind of person who does that – which is how I know what works and what does not. But will polyurethane keep wood from cracking?

The only way to find out is by continuing the read!

What is Polyurethane?

First, are you a novice who is about to do things without seeking help? Then remember there are many wood sealers similar to polyurethane, are they substitutable?

No, and that is where I draw the line. Instead of explaining all types of wood sealing brands, I will focus on the subject at hand. It will assist you in spotting the dissimilarities.

Think of this finishing product more like liquid plastic – scratch resistant and resilient to drying when dried. Polyurethane is anti-porous. It means there is no chance of air or moisture getting through/out.

Although such flexibility can shift its course when exposed to UV lights. The change in temperature and humidity might cause a breakdown in the finish. But that will take several years.

Polyurethane Types

There are only two kinds, fellows. Some of you already know that sealants come in water or oil base. Well, it’s the same for this sealer as well.

1. Oil-Based

• Highly durable
• An ideal choice for furniture/wooden floor refinish
• Capable of handling heat better
• Resistant to water
• A great option for withholding moisture within wood objects

However, you will notice a slight yellowish tint despite the glossy sheens. It is suitable for woods that can hide that unpleasant color.

2. Water-Based

• Easy to work with due to less odor
• Dries faster
• No yellowing after drying

But it lacks the resilience to moisture and high temperature, unlike the oil-based ones.

So, does polyurethane prevent cracking without compromising the wood quality? You will find out in the next section.

Mending the Cracks: Wood Slabs

Wood slabs are the simplest yet most modern-style way to create projects indoors or outdoors. Needless to say, there are plenty of options to bargain for, just to get a corner of your house classier.

It does not have to be an over-the-top kind of design. Just a wood slab dining table top or an office desk in a room will do the trick. Of course, the advantage of wood slabs includes facilitating the piece into any project!

From countertops, live edge bar to benches, doors, cutting boards, etc., you name it. These slabs come in multitudes of wood grain, color, and character.

And, that, my friend, is enough to make your home ultra-sophisticated without renovating the whole interior. Neat trick – right?

Wood Checks & Its Treatment

Nevertheless, every object is accompanied by drawbacks. Wood slabs are no different. Wood check or wood cracks can form a few years later due to high traffic, moisture evaporation, and shrinkage.

Does that mean you are back to square one with your project? I will not let that talent go to waste.

Therefore, this is where you will learn about how to keep wood slabs from cracking using the one and only polyurethane!

Heed carefully to the procedure below to obtain an effective outcome:

• If this is an old slab with a split formation, start with sanding.
• Begin with 80-grit, move it up to 220-grit afterward.
• The sanding amount is up to you, though more means a smoother finish.
• Clean the dust particles with a vacuum or a piece of dry cloth.
• Make sure to remove any mess, or the finish will be uneven.
• Now take a brush and coat the slab with polyurethane
• Let it dry well
• Sand with 500-grit
• Apply the coat again, let it dry, and sand again. Do this twice.
• Finally, wet sand the area; clean the residue.
• Dry the slab overnight.

Mending the Cracks: Wood Slices

I have seen many questions in the online forums regarding wood slices. However, one query strikes the most – how to fix cracked wood slices?

First, why the wood slices? They have endless artistic purposes. Some examples comprise coasters, side tables, wall clocks, centerpieces, wall art, jewelry holder, and more!

Clearly, it also indicates proper caring to prevent creative blocks after facing multiple wood cracks.

Here is how you do that using the dedicated polyurethane:

• Take tough grit sandpaper; sand both surface sections.
• Use low grit sandpaper to smoothen the area.
• Avoid sanding the barks around the edges if there are any.
• Use a brush to coat the slice all over with polyurethane. It should be a thin layer.
• Dry it and sand the surface.
• Apply the coating again if the wood slice is large.
• Let it dry and wet sand for a finer finish and crack resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

So, will polyurethane keep wood from cracking? Only if you know how and what type to apply. It offers better durability than many expensive alternatives.

You can now safeguard your work from damage because of a natural occurrence. There is always a way; we humans have made sure of that with various innovative tactics.

Do not give up just yet!

Learn more:

• How To Keep Green Wood From Splitting [4 Simple Tips]
• How To Split Green Wood? (Safety, Equipment & Manual Splitting)
• How To Split Large Logs With A Log Splitter?
• How To Replace A Pick Axe Handle?