What I learned about Water Based Polyurethane

My Test of Wipe on Poly for My Cabinets

After a number of tries and using every technique for applying it. I let you know what I learned about Water Based Polyurethane and how to apply it. Enjoy!

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#wipeonfinish #wipeonpoly #polyurethane #Woodworking

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Some of my favorite tools I use all the time.

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[fretbuzz_]

Roll and dip method with a foam brush. We used to use it painting yachts that were in the water because your not allowed to spray. You roll an area with a fine roller then go back over it with the foam pad to smooth out the texture.

[VaracolacidVesci]

I have use a lot of water poly in large projects with excelent results. As always thin is better. I just thin it a lot with water, many say that beyong 25% will make it not work but i have thin it 50% or even a little more ans i have some pieces from 2017, 7 years old now still looking great, so no worries there

[henrysara]

Thank you, very helpful tips on finishing.

[CBBC]

Glidden makes an oval synthetic brush with such a fine edge you could swear it's sable. I use it for polycrylic. No air pockets. Very fine application.
These brushes are sold in the Walmart paint section.

[joshuasmith]

One thing you could try to extend the working time of the water-based poly is using one of those fine continuous mist spray bottles to just spritz it with a little water and that may allow it to stay wet a little longer to get your brush through without leaving marks. I saw a video of a lady who paints furniture who does that (with paint though). She will also give a spritz to her brush before loading it. And I'm pretty sure I saw a video of someone who covers their their paintings in polycrylic doing something similar, also with great results.

[lalomunoz]

Similar to prepping for oil based poly, you prep for water based with a barely moist brush and you'll get good results. For large projects, I will spray polycrylic and that's the best method for applying it.
BUT!! I've switched to wipe-on poly after watching your video on finishing the shuffle boards. Got CRAZY smooth results.

[LilyBecca]

Yep, it is so unexpected, but everyone swears by the foam brush. Maybe on the edges you could use the purdy brush and then wipe over it with foam.

[LilyBecca]

I've heard people have excellent results spraying the water based polly

[joelsusser]

I've had excellent results applying oil based wipe on poly with paper towels, shop towels, and old cotton rages. My favorite is the cotton rages because it holds the poly well and never leaves any lint. What is your experience using these three applicators to apply water-based poly?

[Camidoodi]

I am a complete newbie and am finishing a dining room table that I paint washed. I need to use the water based because I can’t move this table from where it is and my husband works from home and he can’t with the fumes. Should I go with Minwax wipe on or the One coat? And what would you suggest I use to apply it? A good synthetic brush or the foam brush or pad since it’s a flat but large surface?

[lawrencealdridge-ykdm]

i was curious how this would work on turned wood pen

[johnhouli]

I’m thinking about screening and re coating
My. 72 year old Hardwood Flooring in my main room and bedroom but before I do the poly I need to pre stain and then stain oil base minwax. Then stain the floor within 2 hours of prestain. My question is would you suggest buffing the stain on the floors or doing it buy hand wipe on then wipe off.
The room is 24x18 or do you think I could put on pre stains and stain with a roller and take off by hand
Thank you.

[gregj]

I’ve been using foam brushes for a long time. Saw Norm Abram use them on New Yankee Workshop. Have you tried any exterior water based poly?

[ismaelcampa]

How about using an hvlp sprayer with a fine spray nozzle? Have you tried that? Would that leave a smooth finish with a water based poly?

[nevermindthebullcks]

I just tried brushing gf endurovar on. Ehh. I'll go back to spraying it.

[Sweetaccord]

Can dip metals and plastics in it for a clear coat protection coating?

[amateurjuggler]

Thanks very much for sharing your results! Quick question for you as I'm switching to water based stains due to the intense fumes. Do I need to stick with a water based poly if I use a water based stain? It seems like you tested water based and oil based poly on the same shelves, and I'm assuming you didn't use different stains. Basically I'm saying I'll stick to the oil based wipe on poly if I can put that on top of a water based stain.

[travhammer]

Purdy extra glide 3' finish brushes

[hu]

I’ve heard the wipe on poly is nothing more than thinned down regular poly. So make your own and save money!

[alexi]

Stick to making the cabinets and let a painter finish them. I have no clue of what you are talking about or how to do it.