paint help

[donkro]

So I painted the tear with an exterior latex, and then decided to polyurethane to seal it and make it more weather proof. When I brushed the polyurethane on, it changed the color of the paint, (it's green ) makng it a lighter shade. I used a glossy finish and am not happy with it either, it's hard to not get brush strokes. I'm an amateur, any ideas to get a smoother finish. Is it necessary to polyurethane an exterior paint? Are there other options for sealing the paint

[Podunkfla]

So I painted the tear with an exterior latex, and then decided to polyurethane to seal it and make it more weather proof. When I brushed the polyurethane on, it changed the color of the paint, (it's green ) makng it a lighter shade. I used a glossy finish and am not happy with it either, it's hard to not get brush strokes. I'm an amateur, any ideas to get a smoother finish. Is it necessary to polyurethane an exterior paint? Are there other options for sealing the paint

Hmmm... Good acrylic house paint doesn't need anything to "weatherproof" it? That's its purpose in life. Polyurethane is not a good choice for outdoor UV exposure and it doesn't bond well to latex or acrylic. So, it sounds like you now have a mess? Short of sanding it down to bare wood again, I don't know of any way to make it better? I'm sorry to sound so pessimistic... But, it is generally better to ask questions before you do something your not sure about than after.

[madjack]

I hate to say it as well DK but Brick, covers it pretty good...there is not much you can do to improve what you have other than paint strippers, sanders or an Aluminum skin......
madjack

[donkro]

Aw, what's a little more sanding going to hurt me! Thanks, I need to learn the hard way sometimes. Any suggestions for the best way to paint with the smoothest results?

[madjack]

D, the secret is in the prep work...if your surface isn't smooth, then the finish will not be...use a roller but finish with a brush by "tipping" will usually work the best...be sure to sand between coats...actually, a sprayer will work best...BUT ya gotta have one(15bucks at HF) and a compressor to run it...
madjack

[DaytonaGTS]

Like Mad jack said your quality of prepping makes a huge difference.... sorry to say you're going to have to sand that mess off.....

Spaying is your best bet at getting a smother finish.... but if you need to brush it I would recommend an oil based enamel and pick up a small can of penatrol, this will help smooth it out and get rid of the brush strokes...... not all the way but it helps a lot. All it takes is a cap full for about a half gallon. It may also help to add a bit of Mineral Spirits to thin it down a bit ....