WIPE-ON POLY - MY GO TO FINISH

If you’re interested in building this project, check out the links below of the items I used in the build (not all items are exactly what I used, but are similar)As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases).

This is my first video of a series I’m calling “Quick Tip”. These videos will be about items and tips I use in my shop that makes it easier for me, resulting in enjoying my shop time a bit more. That does not necessarily mean it will be easier for you, as we all have our preferred method of doing things. This video is about the finish I use for most of my projects, wipe-on polyurethane. You can purchase a premixed wipe-on poly or you can mix it yourself with mineral spirits. Making it yourself can be half the cost and is simple to do.

In the video I state that there is no grain direction in plywood. That was a poor choice of words on my part, as there is a grain direction on plywood. A better way I could have worded it is that the way plywood is made the direction of the grain is not as critical in applying a good finish coat as it is on solid wood.

[jorgeandrade]

Great video, quick and straight to the point. To complete the info: Wait about 6 hours after the first coat, then 2-3 hours for the remaining coats (on a 3:1 mixture). Lightly sand in between coats with 400 grit. 5 total coats produce the best results. These are scattered around the comment section so I figured it would be nice to have it all in one comment.

[socialcaterpillar]

OMG ... your video is a lifesaver!! We tried applying polyurethane (with a brush) to an oak stair railing and ended up with lots of drips on the underside. We sanded down the whole railing and started over. Using your method, the finish came out perfectly!! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[louislandi]

VERY valuable lesson for me! Thank you for the clear and quick instruction.

[Gryph]

Straight to the point and exactly what I needed to know, great video thanks!

[TheSleepyCraftsman]

Very nice. I actually went and made some after watching this. I can see why this is your goto finish.

[EPeltzer]

I would try just wiping on the undiluted stuff. I do this with Arm-R-Seal with a paper towel and sand between. Pretty perfect, usually 3 coats is plenty.Let hardned fully, wax using 0000 steel wool, buff to final. I was thinking of trying the Minwax though, but not if you can't wipe it on straight.

[RyanONeill]

Does this work with wood pieces that have a lot of grooves, corners and angles? I'm looking for a method for finishing a farmhouse barn door and I'm trying to eliminate running and build up.

[ChrisWrightDVM]

Nice video! I just finished my 4th and final coat of poly on an 8ft by 3.5ft farmhouse table top. At the very end, I noticed a small fly where I started, pulled it out, brushed over the 15 min old poly, BUT now there is a 2" X 3" brush mark. When it dries tomorrow, is there a way to fix JUST THAT SPOT? Can I sand with 800 and then do just a dab of wipe on poly, smoothing the edges seemless? Or will it show an edge no matter what? I've never wet sanded, but, I'm guessing another option would be to lightly sand that brush mark with 800 and some mineral spirits? Thanks for your time! Chris

[danarahman]

Hi. Thanks for this and one question please, can it be used on cutting board and any other food projects?

[Munchaussen]

Thank you for the video, it is great! Question, it is the same formula for poly made for flooring? I have a can and I would like to use it as wipe-on.

[lindajoyflower]

B Between poly coats after sanding do you wipe it off with a towel or paper towel? And if so should it be wet or dry?

[pigjubby]

What do you think about boiled linseed oil as the first coat with this mix on top? The grain on my buddy's mahogany guitar was amazing with plain BLO. What happens if I go more mineral spirits than poly to start? I saw one video where the first sealer coats were thinned 1:3 The following were 2:1 Thank you.

[ScrimigeProMidtownPro]

Great video! I’m about try your mixing technique but figured I’d ask, will this method work fine on a freshly black stained surface?

[tracyharper]

Could you use this method with polyshades?

[KJ-rdtn]

Does it have smell because I want to use it indoor office table?

[johnshaker]

can i apply this method on the kitchen cabinet on vertical position or i it should to be horizontal ?

[Sal_The_rd]

Do you have a video of fixing a scratch in this finish? Also… is it ok to spray?

[thetruthshouldbeclear]

I have a question. My ladder is supposed to be metal with a semi conductivity of 5.7 mhz and still not able to each the top without getting zapped. Will this help preventing the static if applied to the underside of the ladder. This was recommended by my veterinarian. Thanks

[jonathanhowey]

Will this be as strong and durable for a table top as it would if you brushed it on?

[HagerHay]

Good narration. Does it build up a thickness like 5 coats like the straight poly does at 3 coats?