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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Items in this video
Watco Wipe-on Poly-Gloss: amzn.to/42XnxVC
Watco Wipe-on Poly-Satin: amzn.to/46nLfgM
S&F STEAD & FAST Painters Tack Cloth Woodworking, Tack Cloth for Sticky Tack Rags: amzn.to/2MnJJqM
Minwax Wipe-On Poly Finish Clear, pint, Satin: amzn.to/3mvPWxW
3M Between Coats Finishing Pads,1 Pack: amzn.to/3aZIk39
CANOPUS - 3M Scotch Brite Scuff Pads Very Fine/Ultra Fine: amzn.to/3uItGFE
Bench Cookie Plus Work Grippers with Bench Cookie Risers: amzn.to/3vUd5xF
Rockler Bench Cookie Plus Work Gripper (Single): amzn.to/3jf6Pya
Bench Cookie Cones: amzn.to/3qv95mf
Some of my favorite tools I use all the time.
Titebond II Extend, Pint: amzn.to/3jVh9Ih
Titebond II Extend, Gallon: amzn.to/3k2lNnE
Titebond II Premium Wood Glue, 1 Gal: amzn.to/2JsJAR5
Titebond II Premium Wood Glue, 1 16 oz.: amzn.to/2GydXEO
PORTER-CABLE 892 2-1/4-Horsepower Router: amzn.to/2SjOtMV
Incra LS25SYS 25" Range Positioner with Pro-II Joinery Fence System: amzn.to/3ckhrFA
Incra WONDERFENCE37 Wonder Fence Router Table Fence: amzn.to/2WGy1IX
Stanley Tools 25-Feet FatMax Tape Measure: amzn.to/2BFKjuL
Powermatic 54A Deluxe 6-Inch Jointer: amzn.to/2XrVDDD
RIDGID R4512 10 in. 13-Amp Cast IronTable Saw: amzn.to/2EGfrJf
GRR-RIPPER 3D Pushblock : amzn.to/2EpRpkC
Ridgid R86044B 18-Volt Brushless Compact Router: amzn.to/2T7rw35
Rockler XL Router Table Box Joint Jig: amzn.to/36CHjue
1/2" Box Joint Cauls, 4-pack: amzn.to/2NxN3Nb
CMT 801.128.11B Dado Clean out Bit: amzn.to/2LV3LHt
Bessey LHS-10 10-Inch Wood Handscrew Clamp: amzn.to/2Oyp2ZG
Freud 9/16" Depth Slotting Cutter Set with 1/2" Shank (63-162): amzn.to/2XXSHvV
Incra LS25SYS 25" Range Positioner with Pro-II Joinery Fence System: amzn.to/3ckhrFA
Incra WONDERFENCE37 Wonder Fence Router Table Fence: amzn.to/2WGy1IX
Rockler XL Router Table Box Joint Jig: amzn.to/36CHjue
INCRA I-BOX Jig for Box Joints: amzn.to/36yrR2i
Rockler Router Table Box Joint Jig: amzn.to/3cbV1Fs
CMT Solid Carbide Downcut Spiral Bit, 1/2-Inch Diameter: amzn.to/3c60xJL
Freud 1/2" (Dia.) Double Flute Straight Bit with 1/2" Shank: amzn.to/37hWaL3
Camera equipment used in this video
PANASONIC LUMIX GH5 4K Digital Camera: amzn.to/2SFKgTN
PANASONIC LUMIX G VARIO LENS, 14-140MM, F3.5-5.6 ASPH: amzn.to/2K1dFnC
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II ASPH OIS Lens: amzn.to/2LEbZDw
SmallRig GH5/GH5S Cage for Panasonic Lumix Camera: amzn.to/2YeMwTl
RigLand DSLR Wooden Handle Grip (Right Side): amzn.to/2LEhrGx
NICEYRIG Rosette Wooden Handle Grip (Left Side): amzn.to/32Pvu1m
E-Image EG03A2 2 Stage Aluminum Tripod (Black): amzn.to/2Yff0w5
Canon EOS 7D Mark II Digital SLR Camera (Body Only): amzn.to/2LDo0td
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens: amzn.to/2SBsReO
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[@joshuasmith1215]

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.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I like that idea Joshua, I will try that out. Thanks!

[@Sarah-ci2ks]

Thank you for your expertise ☺️

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Thanks for watching!

[@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.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I know I was not expecting it. Thanks for watching.

[@lawrencealdridge-yk6dm]

i was curious how this would work on turned wood pen blanks??????

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I would work find, but I think I would use the oil base wipe-on poly. I think that would give a smoother finish. Thanks for watching.

[@lawrencealdridge-yk6dm]

@@MadNerdWorkshop i also have wipe on tungoil to try on my pens thanks for the help

[@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?

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Sorry for the late replay Camidodi, I go with the one coat that way you will have only one or two Coats to do, and it will hold up better. There are still some fumes they are just mot as bad. With wipe on I almost always do at least 3 coats.

[@lalomunoz6605]

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.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

You know I have to get a good spray guy and try spraying it. With so many cabinets it would be great to just spray them. But I am liking the results I am getting with the wipe on.

[@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.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Great tip! I will try that out.

[@ismaelcampa2028]

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?

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I did in another video, and I agree, it does work well. Thanks for watching.

[@gregj2647]

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?

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

The foam brushes do work great. I have not tried exterior water based poly. Do you find it easier to use?

[@gregj2647]

@@MadNerdWorkshop I’ve never tried exterior either.

[@LilyBecca]

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

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Yes, I even have a later video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip2aoJaFo7eohNk

[@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.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Once they are dry you should be able to use either one on top of each other. As always try it on a test piece just to make sure. Thanks for watching.

[@LilyBecca]

I believe you just need to give it extra dryimg time, like at least 24 hours is what I've heard

[@hu5116]

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

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

you can do that and it will save you a fair amount of money. In addition, you can make it the thickness you like to work with.

[@nevermindthebull0cks]

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

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

Spraying is the best way, thanks for watching.

[@johnhouli3450]

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.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I never did anything that big, or hardwood floors. So I am not sure how to advise you on that. Sorry.

[@johnhouli3450]

I appreciate your honesty

[@thexflexclan]

Wipe Polly it’s good on small projects and small arts but in bigger things like cabinets handrails or any woodwork big it’s better to go regular Polly the protection it’s better and not do many coats like regular do on wiping 🧻 Polly

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I agree with you thexflexcian. But after saying that, I did do all of my kitchen cabinets with Wipe-on Poly. I like the finish look of wipe-on.

[@henrysara7716]

Thank you, very helpful tips on finishing.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

You are so welcome and thanks for watching.

[@war3405]

Hi can you polish that PU to a mirror effect ?

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I have never tried to do that. So, I am not sure if you can. sorry.

[@Sweetaccord]

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

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I am not sure on that one Sweetaccord.

[@Sweetaccord]

@@MadNerdWorkshop OK 😊

[@travhammer]

Purdy extra glide 3' finish brushes

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I just got one to try out. :)

[@alexi8661]

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.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

If you have a painter available, that is the best way to go. Thanks for watching.

[@travisedwards9983]

He is simply stating something that we all know. Water based poly is hard to work with on large flat surfaces. Also, most wood workers finish their projects and don't source it out to a painter.

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

I think you did a great job,well explained,thx

[@travisedwards9983]

Iv grown to hate water based poly with with a passion. Even the expensive stuff, it has zero bubbles but it will not self level hardly at all on large surface. Stripping down yet another table now that had general finishes water poly and going with a homemade wipe on oil poly.

[@MadNerdWorkshop]

I don't hate it...yet. :) But I do like the oil based ones better.