QA

Question: How To Make Wipe On Polyurethane

Can I make my own Wipe on Poly?

First, you can use any full strength oil based clear finish. Polyurethane varnish or non-poly varnish is fine. If you are making your own wipe-on the mix is scientific – thin. I suggest 50/50 with mineral spirits because it is easier to type than any other ratio and easy to remember.

Can I use paint thinner to make Wipe on Poly?

You see, oil-based wipe-on polyurethane is essentially a diluted form of polyurethane finish thinned with paint thinner. As a thinner, you can use mineral spirits, turpentine or most other commercial oil paint thinners.

How do you make homemade polyurethane?

Can you make Wipe on Poly with water-based polyurethane?

Yes, water-based wipe-on poly is good. However, it is not a necessary product to have. Water-based polyurethane dries quickly anyway and can be wiped on, given how thin it is. So, a wiping version doesn’t really add more advantages.

Can you add mineral spirits to polyurethane?

Thin your polyurethane with mineral spirits. A good formula is three parts polyurethane to one part mineral spirits. Stir the mixture very SLOWLY. You don’t ever want to shake or stir the polyurethane vigorously as this can create air and more bubbles, which is what you’re trying to avoid.

Can any polyurethane be wiped on?

Polyurethane is one of the most common, durable, and best all-around finishes for the everyday diy-er. It’s relatively easy to apply, provides excellent protection, and gives the wood a beautiful luster. Depending on the project, I use either wipe-on or brush-on polyurethane on most of my work.

Can you hand rub polyurethane?

You can rub out all types of film forming finishes, including shellac, lacquer, oil based varnish and polyurethane, waterbased coatings and catalyzed or conversion coatings.

How do you make a water based wipe on polyurethane?

For water borne polyurethane I use tap water or distilled water (never well water) as my thinning agent. To make your own wipe on polyurethane I recommend thinning to 50/50. One part polyurethane to one part thinning agent.

How do you make polyurethane thinner?

Typically, when you are thinning out oil-based polyurethane or oil-based varnish, you will be working with mineral spirits. First of all, you need to think about ratios. The usual ratio is about 3 or 4 parts varnish to one part of the mineral spirits. However, you can go as far as half mineral spirits and half poly.

Can I apply polyurethane with a rag?

Polyurethane is so durable and water-resistant, it has largely replaced shellac and varnish as a wood finish. Originally, it had to be brushed on, but different formulations mean it can now be applied as a spray or by wiping it on with a rag.

How long does Wipe-On Poly take to cure?

Wipe-On Poly will dry to the touch in 2-4 hours, to handle in 8-12 hours and can be recoated in 4-6 hours. Full cure will be achieved in 24 hours. Use paint thinner or mineral spirits.

Can I use oil-based wipe-on poly over water based stain?

Flooring wholesalers and veteran floor finishers agree that you can recoat water-based poly with oil-based as long as the original coating has completely cured—generally 30 to 60 days. You’ll have to lightly buff the old finish with a power buffer to prepare it for the new polyurethane.

Can you wipe on oil-based polyurethane?

Wipe-On (also called oil-based) polyurethane blends the best of both worlds of finishing: the high durability and protection of polyurethane with the simple wipe on application of an oil finish. Unlike water-based polyurethanes, you don’t have to worry about drips or brush marks.

Can you wipe on Minwax Fast Drying polyurethane?

Just keep adding to the ball and keep wiping. Twist the cover to squeeze the ball and let more poly out. I also always sand with 320 grits between coats. Don’t over-wipe it, keep a good wet coat on it and let it flow out.

Can I wipe down polyurethane with mineral spirits?

As a paint thinner, mineral spirits offer compatibility with many oil-based paints and polyurethane varnish, although it is not compatible with lacquer or shellac. You can also use mineral spirits to clean wood surfaces such as cabinets and floors.

What grit sandpaper should I use between coats of polyurethane?

Yes. Minwax Polyurethane should be sanded between coats. Sand with 320 grit sandpaper to get rid of any fine particles of dust that have settled on it while it was still wet. Sanding in this case not only allows for a smoother finish but can also help abrade the surface and increase inter-coat adhesion.

What do you clean wood with before polyurethane?

Clean the wood very thoroughly to remove sanding dust before each new coat of polyurethane, using a vacuum (if available) and a tack cloth. You can also use a rag moistened with mineral spirits (for an oil-based poly) or cheesecloth moistened with denatured alcohol (for a water-based poly).

What kind of rag do you use for Wipe-On Poly?

Here’s what I use when I apply wipe on poly to a finished piece of furniture: Minwax clear gloss wipe on poly. Minwax satin finish wipe on poly. White, lint-free cotton rags.