Perfect Wipe-On Poly Finish! How to do it!

[@flyingirl1flyingirl119]

Thanks for this. Question, hoping maybe you can help - i’m using Minwax wipe on poly oil-based varnish applied with a foam brush to finish a painting, and the Minwax wipe on was recommended. I’ve been shaking it because that’s what the can recommends, and I keep getting bubbles. Frustrating! The Minwax site says never shake polyurethane varnish, but their own instructions for this product says to shake it repeatedly while using it, which tells me it must settle out. I thought perhaps I could shake it up, then dump the whole can into another container that has a wide enough mouth to be able to stir it, let it settle overnight, and then maybe stir it prior to use? Hoping this might reduce the bubbles. I heard you say not to shake it so it would seem to me this approach might work if the product does need to be mixed. Any suggestions? Thank you!

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I would say with just stirring it only, unless it is old and needs a good mix. Then I think your idea of letting it sit overnight will work just fine.

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

Don't shake Poly and don't overthink it. Get rid of those foam brushes. Either use a high quality natural bristle brush. You will have to spend some money on a good brush but it is worth it or...forget the brush altogether and do what is being done in the video and wipe the poly on for a smooth, no brush mark finish. Trust me. The results will make you very happy! Cheers.

[@williamboettcher4457]

It would be helpful if you mentioned in more detail what rubbing pads brands, course and manufacture is.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Sorry about that, they are the 3m between coat abrasive pads, they come in three differ grits according to the color. I use the extra fine a lot.

[@DavidJWatson16]

So I have done a walnut end table and finished with watch danish oil. Not happy with the sheen. Can i apply a watco whipe on poly to up the luster?

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

You should be able to, just let the danish oil dry completely ( I think it is 72 hours). Good luck with your project and thanks for watching.

[@stevecakouros1482]

Master Nerd; I have heard about using a Paper Bag between coats of Wipe-On (instead of the 3M Pads), What is your Wisdom on this matter. Thank You.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I have used paper bags on my wood turnings because it has a high spin rate and a lot of work passes over the paper. The paper has a very small amount of abrasion and it will work for smoothing out the finish if the finish is smooth. But if you have some dust or small imperfections then I like using the pads because for me they work a little faster to level out the coats.

[@marcelavazquez6595]

Looks so easy but its not..if i do circular motions but the time I want to straighten it its already dried , i have been watching videos , and i still getting marks ..so frustrated

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Your Wipe-on may be old or a bit thick. Try thinning it with Mineral sprits and apply it in colder weather (if you are in a hot area of the country). Hope that helps and thanks for watching.

[@marcelavazquez6595]

@@MadNerdWorkshop I bought it for this project, but after re done the tables finally I got them done (it was my first project) though, thanks! Your videos help!

[@JohnAdams-xc5yk]

No problem i use 1/3 Naptha 1/3 poly 1/3 linseed oil dries good and gets hard, don't buy the stuff in a can it is mostly thinner

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Once I run out I will be trying that, Thanks!

[@chrisdaniels3549]

I use slower drying mineral spirits in my danish mix. It seems once the wood is sealed, the linseed oil doesn't want to dry and gets sticky on the surface. That's usually the point where I wipe it down good with mineral spirits and start wiping on thinned poly. Is this the right approach?

[@travisedwards9983]

Find it better to just mix your own. Take gloss minwax normal oil poly and mix it 50/50 with mineral spirits. Or thinner if like

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I do have to try that out. Thanks travisedwards.

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

You will be glad you did. @@MadNerdWorkshop

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

Fact.

[@_swampyankee]

It works great. Just did some banisters with the 50/50 minwax gloss poly and mineral spirits.

[@KenEDuke-y9p]

Yes - I've been making my own wipe on for a few years. 50/50 works well. I always use gloss for my build up coats - approx 6 coats and for my last coat I'll use the sheen I am looking for like satin or semi. Lets the grain show through better.