To Poly or Not to Poly?

Oh-Fudge

I am installing beadboard wainscoting and don't know if I should apply polyurethane over the paint for extra protection, or just use paint. If I can use poly, what is the best paint to put under it - flat, semi, gloss, other? Thank you.

ltd

i like cover stain oil primer by zinnzer ,then top coat with pro classic acrillic ,or pro classic warter bourn alkyd in a semigloss by sherwin williams. oh to answer first question

Oh-Fudge

ltd, I don't quite understand your answer. You're saying prime with oil base and paint with semigloss? No poly on top then?

This is a DIY project. The beadboard came pre-primed (white). I was hoping to stay water-based for ease of cleanup. I guess my main question is can I put waterbased poly over waterbased paint, and if so, is it really necessary? Thank you.

Oh, sorry, I just noticed the little head-shaking "no" icon on your post.

Windows

No need to poly over top of paint. THe kinds of protection poly top coats give surfaces are already in the paint. I would use a water based primer followed by a water based paint.

Brushjockey

I agree you don't need to clear coat it- just use a good satin/ semi finish. Beadboard is most often given the same treatment as wood trim- use a good primer, 2 top coats.
I like BM Waterborne satin impervo or BM Aura satin - Zinsser 123 or BM fresh start are good primers. Sand lightly between all coats.

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Oh-Fudge

Thanks Guys! That's what I wanted to know