How to Paint a Table With Colored Polyurethane

Sand the surfaces of the table with the sandpaper to prepare the wood for the polyurethane. Rub the sandpaper lightly over the entire surface of the table until the wood has a scuffed feel and appearance. Wipe the table with the tack cloth after sanding to remove sawdust.

Apply the wood conditioner if the wood is porous or soft because these woods may absorb the colored polyurethane unevenly. Load the paintbrush with wood conditioner and apply it in a thin and even layer over the wood. Allow the wood conditioner to dry for between five and 15 minutes and then wipe off the excess product with the old cloth.

Load the paintbrush with the colored polyurethane and apply it within two hours of applying the wood conditioner. Brush the polyurethane onto the wood in a thin layer, coating the table evenly. Allow the polyurethane to dry for at least six hours.

Rub the table surfaces lightly with the steel wool and wipe down the wood with the tack cloth to remove dust.

Apply a second coat of the colored polyurethane to create a deeper stain color on the table. Allow the second coat of polyurethane to dry for at least six hours.

Clean the paintbrush with mineral spirits (for oil-based polyurethane) or with water (for latex polyurethane).