Don't use wood finishes from a spray can!

Wood finishes from a spray can provide poor coverage, cost more than non sprays, and put harmful fumes in the air. They just don't provide the same finish as a brush on product.

[markhansen]

I just refinished a 4’ X 6’ table. I tried brushing on polyurethane and wiping on. Never could get a smooth finish. Had to sand it all off. A spray can gave the smoothest finish I’ve ever done. Yes it’s expensive, but worth it.

[SteveO]

I'm a painter, have you ever tried brushing clear laquer, or shellac? It has to be sprayed, and these cans lay it down like glass!

[ronb]

The spray cans are ideal for my work on electric guitar necks. I can't even imagine using a brush, especially for decal applications.

[grbggaming]

I buy a 5 dollar trigger spray thing to put on the top of the can and get a perfectly smooth finish with spray lacquer. The cans are cheap and I've never been disappointed. There are different ways to apply different finishes, and all have their pros and cons.

[hajeriqbal]

Always use brush on poly if you can. Just make it more runny by adding some mineral spirit, use a fine natural brush, and avoid over coating at one time. You can do layers upon layers, as needed, as it dries up fast and hardly needs sanding in-between the coats.

[joshriver]

I generally avoid spray cans myself. primarily because of cost and fumes and over-spray in the air.
When I do use spray, I submerge the can in hot water for several minutes. It really helps with clogs and spitting. It also minimizes orange peel significantly.

[jethrofrancis]

Sir, no offense but this is ridiculous. There's trade offs on every options. If you use wipe on poly or use a brush. Either way there's cons for those too. buffing out brush marks, Extra time spent etc. it all matters. If one prefers spending extra couple of $ over extra time. That's there choice. One is not worse than the other.

[TheLostVector]

I tend to not leave a great surface finish when I brush on poly (probably my brush), so I'll do 3 coats of brushed poly, followed by a light sand, and finish it with one coat of spray.

[MythWorks]

These are actually some pretty nice points. However, I still personally really love spray lacquer. That lack of coverage really does bug me, though. I go through cans fast.

[bluwng]

It depends on application and time constraints

[klubstompers]

I use sprays for hard to reach areas, like inside corners of trim pieces, recesses, ridges, textures, etc, and they work great for that, but i wouldn't normally use it for say, a large table top. Iv'e also noticed that the water based, thinner products, like the polyclinic have the best coverage out of a can, and could definitely see using that on a larger project if needed.

[lucaspatterson]

I’m not so sure I agree with this video. The three points you made did not have much to do with performance of the finish. For the weekend warrior who does not have an HVLP gun, you can get a very nice, durable finish using just spray lacquer in a can.

[laifwaldron]

Love spray Laquer, been using it for years. Gives a wonderful finish. Better than brushing it on.

[adamwilliams]

I am finally coming to your conclusion. Every attribute you mentioned...fumes, poor coverage, defective spray pattern...blonde brush, a little thinning with mineral spirits....has yielded fantastic results in the finish. If I get high or low...might add small touch of spray...but cans do an ineffective job. Great points

[dericcormier]

Thanks for all the advise. Im doing a nice bench seat and didntknow what to use. I have multiple things here and i also have this spray can. I guess ill save it for something small. Thank you again.

[wooddrdavis]

Been using the spray polly for years and with experience you learn what the can can do and not do. I prefer it to brush on, I can get a much smoother finish, I only build small projects so 1 can is more than enough for 3 to 4 coats, yes it is expensive but at least with my experience I can get a really good finish and many have asked what is my finishing process they are shocked when I tell them.

[charliegregg]

Thanks I agree with all your opinions but in making coasters the acrylic spray was quick, yes the fumes ran me out of the basement.

[scottlepage]

He is 100% right! I’ve been painting for 55 years and trust me when I say Stay away from these cans! I use to apply polyurethane on school gymnasium floors. But one day I made two special jewelry boxes., stained them and then destroyed them with this product. It sprays uneven then spits out globs and causes many runs. It even says four coats required. Take his advice SERIOUSLY! If not you’ve been warned!

[dougbarr]

Points well taken. I have found I love the cans for trim. I'm not looking for the heavy protection as on other projects and a couple coats of spray and done.

[mikesprau]

Thanks for doing this video. I'm on my way back to the store to exchange the spray can for the brush-on product. You got me on reason #1. 😂