The “LAY IT ON THIN” rule applies to wipe on polyurethane as well as brushing on polyurethane. Seems like 10 different https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P0JjpV-9O4&t=2sA lot depends on the dep[th of the marks and blemishes (which sound like dust nibs. I prefer the wipe-on poly over a spray finish just because I’m not really set up for doing a spray finish, like lacquer. Sand off the original finish with heavy grit paper. I haven’t thinned the first two coats with water yet because before I read your blog, a woodworker who wrote in his blog said the water in Water Based Poly is the carrier, and the solvent used when they make water based finishes are in the glycol ethers family. Trying to brush these surfaces lends itself to runs, puddles and brush marks. Since you are handling polyurethane directly it’s best to wear latex gloves. I will be experimenting a little this fall since it is becoming extremely popular. Control paul. Thanx paul. Are you thinning the polyurethane before applying? First you need to put down the perfect coat: no runs, sags, dry streaks or rough spots; nothing that needs to be sanded out with your 220 or 400 paper, as the next coat is never enough to hide the scratches. 3. 1. I am painting a shot put, as in a 6-lb iron ball for track-and-field. Can you provide the brand that you use? The table is finally finished. While a thicker coat of polyurethane affords better protection, it’s important to realize that thickness is built in layers. Hi Paul, Remember in applying polyurethane the secret is to “Lay It On Thin”. To make your own wipe on polyurethane I recommend thinning The wood forum people look down on it and on every occasion implore you to buy other finishes which are not for sale anywhere. Wipe-On Poly is a thinner concoction, thin enough to be wiped onto the wood without leaving trails. I was correct! Repeat step five before applying a third coat or subsequent coats to build up the finish. I’ve used wood conditioner and a Minwax dark oak stain that worked out fairly well (despite forgetting to wipe the bottom side resulting in drips that puddled up on the top surface which I then “fixed” with some mineral spirits and an old credit card to scrape them off and re-stain a bit) but now I’m at the point where I need to put on poly. What do you think about an extender made specifically for water base topcoat finishes ? If the finish cut with water extendscthe open time, does the finish turn to a duller sheen when wiping on? best . Lastly The key to avoiding run off is to LAY IT ON THIN. Wipe on polyurethane definitely has its place when brushing isn’t efficient or practical. The best tip from the wood forum knowledge trove is to apply poly like the busboy at the diner. Thank you so much for the awesome videos. For oil borne polyurethanes I use mineral spirits, paint thinner, turpentine or acetone as the reducing agent (acetone should only be used when the more common thinners are outlawed by states and cities due to Volitile Organic Compounds [VOC’s]) . Milk Paint is durable enough to stand up to low or medium wear without top coat. Grease stains, dirt, dried mud, and any sort of other filth needs to be washed off before you can apply the first coat of polyurethane. Much respect, sir. Currently I have been directing people to Gordon Brush. The Wipe On Poly Over Paint Product Details. It would take forever! A nitrocellulose guitar finish is applied multiple times over several days, with each coat essentially melting the previous one. Future coats should cover all the surface. You get runs all around the edges that are much more troublesome than just doing it right. Brush Cleaning – Paint, Polyurethane, Varnish, Shellac. The tackyness of the poly helps to adhere the decal and the edges can slightly sink into the yet to harden poly underneath. The unevenness is common with the “first coat”. Poly hates to be reworked. Do the dry time extenders some brand offer work, or just expensive water? I would recommend oil based polyurethane (watch my YouTube vids) and a good brush. paul, I have a question regarding poly stain? Glance over, move on. 5.                              Not as Messy Sanding multi-directional grains is tough, what grit is you final sand? Once cured, “sand” the piece with a brown paper grocery bag, which it’s said is akin to 2500 grit. It’s a satin and I’m having problems. Is there a performance issue if you increase water? best . Make sure they are oak though. Hey Jerry. 2. Very satisficed with results. The first thing you have to get down is a sealing coat, a base for all the others to build on. I applied a few coats of Minwax stain to a birch butchers block (for a desk) and then started to layer on water based Minwax wipe on poly. Poly over lacquer is ok, lacquer over poly won’t work because the thinners are to hot and they will melt the poly. the way I have been doing it for over 30 years. Add Tip Ask Question Comment Download. Grain raise commonly occurs after the first coat of any liquid (polyurethane, stain, sealer). I would choose oil over water, especially since stripper really dries out the wod. I have been asking them to send me samples so I can give them a a try but to no avail. Hope my or your wife doesn’t read this. For water borne polyurethane I use tap water or distilled water (never well water) as my thinning agent. 5. best . Yeah there’s logic to that and the theory has been around for a long time. best . 2. Anyway Dish the spray can as quick as you can. I the company I recommended for years went out of business this past summer. Hopefully this is NOT THE END but A GREAT FINISH!! Wood forum people will tell you that, if you must use it, you can save money by mixing your own, a … I created a few videos on YouTube dealing with application of brush on and wipe on polyurethane. This is a wipe on poly top coat with a matte finish that claimed to be non yellowing from the brand Fusion Mineral Paint. Polyurethane is an oil-based finish, and they don’t get on. This is my last try. Want more? You can get four coats done in a day. Apply a liberal amount of Wipe-On Poly to a clean, soft, lint-free cloth and rub it into the wood. All your help will be appreciated! Your email address will not be published. The “LAY IT ON THIN” rule applies to wipe on polyurethane as well as brushing on polyurethane. In part 1 I demonstrated my technique for sanding and sealing the wood. Thanks again! Wipe it down, get out. The last trick from the wood people is a good one. Application Technique  What is it you don’t like about the end results? Thank you. but could be rag lint). paul. Spray Poly Question Discussion in 'Tele-Technical' started by jimd, Jan 23, 2007. Hi Paul: Pour a second batch of Wipe-On Poly onto a lint free cloth and wipe over the surface of the wood and allow it to dry for two to three hours. Bubble-Free Polyurethane Application Technique, “Bubble-Free Polyurethane Application Technique”, Choosing the Right Grade . . I put on a few coats of oil-based Rustoleum paint (spray). I recently did a full review on their mineral paint if you want to check it out. paul. Could you imagine trying to brush the spindles on this Windsor type chair? The poly is an oil base, fast drying, clear semigloss. I just completed a second coat using a water based poly that I wiped on a vertical surface. Buying a pre-made wipe on polyurethane is expensive. Ultimate Guide to Bubble Free Polyurethane Varnish – Detailed Hi! Seal the wood. Home Forums > Main Telecaster Forum > Tele-Technical > Win a Broadcaster or one of 3 Teles! Warning: Lay the rag out flat to dry, not scrunched up, outdoors if possible. It can be used on bare wood as a primary finish, over repairs leaving a durable protective finish, and over … The weight of your hand is enough, and you’ll just leave deeper scratches. Make sure you sand after your last coat of stain to remove grain raise. Water-based poly cleans up easier and builds a protective coat faster, but looks much cheaper. I seem to have rag marks on the surface and it doesn’t feel smooth, it feels kind of grainy when I run my hand across it. jdo, Hey John, I can direct people there but not endorse their product. Acoustic guitars sound better with nitro because it can allegedly, be applied in a thinner coat. Thin happens in two ways. Cabinets and wet surfaces – 3 COATS BRUSHING – 5 COATS WIPE ON POLYURETHANE, Floors, steps, stools, foot rests (heavy traffic) – 4 COATS – 6 to 7 COATS WIPE ON POLYURETHANE. I want it to be pretty water resistant so I picked up a spray can of semi-gloss and a tin of the same brand but it’s brush on and tested on a piece of scrap butcher block. proper guidance virtually anyone can achieve a quality, durable, lasting, Choosing the Right Grade Pour it in a Plastic Tub A margarine or cottage cheese tub is just right for wipe-on. I hope this comment finds you well and I hope you’re still planning on doing more videos. It provides a strong, thin surface finish with a pleasing satin texture, currently in vogue. polyurethane is. So for a truly professional looking finish multiple thin coats of polyurethane is the key, not globing on extra thick coats. In a few hours, depending on heat and humidity, the body can be ready for the next coat. . Place folded cardboard tubes underneath the bottom of the guitar to raise it from the work surface, making sure the guitar is steady. There’s a lot less finish here and you’ll go through in a heartbeat. There’s two things going on. Heavy single coatings tend to leave your project looking “plasticy”. You can see swirl marks from the rag across the table – not thick marks but you can definitely see them in the light. Three thin coats of wipe-on finish will look smoother than one or two thicker coats. with your project. It will also cause a discrepancy in the Wear a dust mask, eye protection, and gloves. If you are new to staining and polyurethane practice somewhere obscure until you get the hang of it. I have redone the table several times because the polyutherene doesn’t look good. Poly can be oil-based or water-based. Their appearance looks more natural and does not tend toward yellowing. . Thank yo for your kind words. Learn too from my knowledge-trawls through the manly, pipe smoking world of the wood forums, seeking technique and tips. You just need to scratch the surface a little so the polyurethane has something to grab onto. Ate you using an oil or water-based polyurethane? I also prefer to make my own wipe on mixture. The first one is, how do you prevent the uneven sheen (or gloss) when wiping? Step 1: Materials. You’ll see results quickly. . Test on some scrap wood to get an idea of the color, though it’ll warm up quite a bit under the amber hue of the forthcoming poly. No tools are required for this tutorial, but if you do have a sander, break it out; it will work on the flat areas. I kelt getting questions like yours so I created titled “Fixing Polyurethane Bubbles, Puddles, Runs and Brush Marks”. Use it for spraying chess pieces or model cars. paul. Leave the body hanging, and sniff it once in a while. I would recommend an oil based polyurethane as it has a longer initial dry time allowing brush marks to settle and tiny bubbles to pop. . Wipe the body clean of sanding dust using a rag dampened with mineral spirits. I was thinking it was due to how it was sanded. Actually on the poly/stain combo – I was never a fan of them – but on pine have found them to highlight grain much better than a stain first, then poly over – even when using a prestain. paul, Ella Paul. Bubble-Free Polyurethane Application Technique paul. Could the uneven sheen be caused when harder pressure is applied to some areas causing dull spots and lighter pressure causing glossier spots? Wipe down the guitar with paint thinner two to three times, sufficiently cleaning the surface. Please leave feedback on this site. It’s typical of both water and oil based polyurethane. Hit it with 3M Scratch Remover, following the bottle’s directions, pressing firmly in circular motions until the cloth squeaks, and watch a glassy finish emerge to reflect the room around you. Apply a thin coat of polyester spray paint to the guitar. So when do I brush polyurethane and when do I wipe polyurethane? I think you’ll have better control and more color choices with a straight stain. paul. He used your recommendation of using 3-1 parts of Poly and m spirits and 5 coats. Thanks, I’m probably going to use this method in the summer when I piece together a partscaster. If it’s not tacky, repeat the sanding and poly steps. Also, spraying gathers dust and air pollutants and directs it to the surface. Minimal Pickslanting: The fastest, easiest way to do it, Sandpaper: 60 and 220 regular, 400 and 600 ‘wet or dry’. It looks awful". Don’t mind being your surrogate dad!! No big deal, grain raise can be taken down by a light sanding with a 220 grit sandpaper or a #0000 steel wool pad. 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