Don't buy wiping polyurethane! (How to make AND use it properly.)

Don't waste your money on wiping poly. Here's how to make it for a lot less, and how to use it for a great, easy finish!
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[StumpyNubs]

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[colinexl]

Informative and to the point. Thank you for not making a 20 minute video about this topic.

[brian]

Just a quick tip…hopefully one that hasn’t been discussed here. When a matte or satin finish is desired, and you apply multiple coats, due to the additives that make it satin, it can make the wood grain look cloudy or less than the clear look you want. So if you use a gloss poly for the first 4 or 5 thin coats, then only use the satin for the last coat or two…you still get the clarity you desire, but with the satin or matte finish you desire. Try it..amazing.

[web]

A wood workshop to die for. Sometimes I stop the video just to gaze at the background and be inspired!

[TomHoppe]

Water based wipe on poly: I've used it on White Oak, when I wanted the original white oak color to shine through. Regular poly and other oil based finishes made it too yellow. So it was either $1million for White tinted Rubio Monocoat, or thinned water based poly, wiped on, as I didn't want the thick film that it normally leaves :)

[otherbrothersteve]

I thinned the poly for a long time, but I finally discovered you can use a disposable microfiber cloth and wipe it on, and the finish looks the same. If you prefer putting on a large number of really thin coats, go ahead and thin it. But don't have to. The regular stuff will wipe on just fine.

Note: I have never, ever found a way to brush on poly without it having bubbles. But a wipe-on finish doesn't bubble.

[nikanj]

Nothing says "I know what I'm talking about" better than a collection of 100 planers behind you.

[williamshaffer]

I Have been using this method for 30 years and it works well. use 50/50 for first 2 coats and about 2/3 mineral spirits to 1/3 poly for remaining coats, [maybe 4 more]. On last coat I use the 50/50 heavy and use 1200 grit paper to sand then wipe it off and its a great finish.
James thanks again for your tips. An old man like me likes the way you present every
subject you discuss. Keep'em coming Jimmy my boy.

[alexfrey]

everything i look for in a video. short, to the point and no filler/ rambling! love your videos stumpy!

[birdman]

That one spot is killing my ocd, lol...

[notmyrealname]

I applied polyurethane to my custom made Spanish cedar doors an it was a mistake, No luster an lasted a couple of years in the sun and weather. Tung oil was a better looking finish, but did not last as long in the weather. I finally switched to Epifanes clear varnish an after 6 coats with sanding between (starting at #220 with #320 for the last few coats) an the finish was spectacular an durable. If you don't want a glossy finish use a satin finish on the last coat.

[philippeterson]

Here's another hint. When you thin a urethane with flatteners in it, they will settle more quickly, and be harder to mix back in, so stir it frequently. Also, every flattener out there will add some haze to the finish. To cut down on that, use a high gloss for your first couple of coats, and then the satin or semi gloss for the last two coats. Another way to use a high gloss to get a satin look is to let the finish cure for a week or two, then wet sand with automotive sand paper. I like to use mineral spirits instead of water for the wet sanding. Stop at the grit when you see the gloss level you want.

[SteveBrecht]

Just a quick thanks to Stumpy as this video has completely changed how I finish projects now. I have completed 2 items since this came out and used a diluted poly on each with great results. I used to brush on my finish but was never thrilled with trying to keep out brush marks and dust. Now I'm applying 6-8 very thin coats and ending up with a great satin finish that still shows the texture of the wood. Thank you!

[cynthiawilson]

Excellent timing on this one; just got a gorgeous unfinished door, so you pretty much answered all of my questions.

[julesoyler]

Wow! Where have you been all my life! I am forever changed! Thank you!!

[Bulldog]

Very timely. I’ve seen this method used before, but not explained. I appreciate your attention to details when showing a new method. Will be trying it out this weekend. Thanks for another great tip!

[mothman-jzug]

Solid, informative, and to the point. It's why I keep coming back for more of your videos.

[samanthajohnson]

As a beginner looking to learn more, thank you so so much for this content!

[kubdude]

This was a great video! I really like these short and informative segments. You have a very method of conveying a topic in a thorough and very concise manner. Thank you again for providing us with this content and knowlede.

[thomasjohnson]

Thank you for the easy to follow directions and instructions, but more importantly the “why” behind them. Very informative for those of us who don’t do this type of thing on a regular basis. 👍🏼