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When using a wipe on poly finish, it is important to apply several coats to achieve a durable, buildable finish. It is easier to apply than a brush on finish, but requires more time. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of this finish. After you’ve chosen a finish, you should know how many coats it requires to get the desired look. Also, remember to wait at least a week for it to cure completely. When it’s time to buff, you can use an 800, 1,000, or 2000 grit pad.
Buildable finish
A buildable finish is a high-quality polyurethane finish that is water-resistant and provides a classic hand-rubbed look. A single coat of this poly provides a clear, hard finish that protects wood from water, household chemicals, and daily use. Its wipe-on application method prevents brush marks and dries quickly. Here are some tips for applying wipe-on poly to wooden surfaces.
A piece of clean t-shirt or cotton balls about the size of a ping pong ball are the best tools for applying the buildable finish with wipe on poly. You can also use a clean rag to wipe on the polyurethane. Use a plastic container to store the product after it has dried and avoid storing it for a long time. Wipe-on poly is a highly protective finish and requires a few days to dry completely. It is best to apply four to eight coats with a two to three-hour interval between each. To avoid damage to your wood or finish, you should test it on a scrap before applying it to the wood. Follow the safety precautions that come with the package.
Before applying polyurethane to the wood surface, you should test it on a scrap piece of wood to ensure it will work properly on the surface. If the stain is too dark, a few coats of color will be necessary to get a nice, even color. It is important to avoid sanding the stained wood with 400-grit sandpaper, and to use a block to avoid sanding the wood into the color coats. The final coat of clear finish should be applied to the wood surface.
Wipe-on polyurethane is most suitable for wood surfaces that do not receive much wear and tear. It is best suited for small projects like trim and furniture, such as bookshelves. It won’t take as much abuse as a table top. Applying a couple of coats of wipe-on poly will seal the wood and give it a nice, finished look. However, if you are planning on using wipe-on poly on your floors, you may want to consider brush-on poly or another type of polyurethane.
Easy to apply
To properly apply an Easy to Apply Wipe on Polyurethane, the material should have a thick, absorbent consistency. It should be mixed at the right temperature and have the right texture. Do not overmix or it may end up being too thin and poorly finished. You can also make your own wipe on poly with a few basic ingredients. Use disposable vinyl or nitrile gloves and apply the material liberally to the wood.
If you plan to apply it on a piece of furniture that will not experience a lot of wear and tear, then a wipe-on poly is best. It can be brushed on for a light finish, or sanded for a darker finish. Because wipe-on poly comes pre-mixed with mineral spirit, it is also easy to apply. To prevent the product from drying too quickly, you can also purchase pre-mixed wipe-on poly.
To apply an Easy to Apply Wipe-On Poly, open the can gently and stir it slowly. Avoid shaking the can, as air bubbles may form. Pour the liquid into a plastic bowl or a food-grade container. Add a small amount of mineral spirit. Dip a rag in the mix and spread it evenly on the surface of the wood. To prevent blotches, apply a thin layer of Wipe-On Poly.
A standard brush-on polyurethane is thinner than a wipe-on poly. This makes it easier to apply and eliminates drips and brush strokes. Wipe-On poly requires a lint-free cloth. Wipe-On Polyurethane does require more coats than brush-on poly, but the application process is faster and the clean-up is minimal. These products can be expensive, but the speed of application is worth it.
Better than brush-on finish
There are two types of poly finishes: brush-on and wipe-on. Brush-on poly is the most popular choice for broad horizontal surfaces. However, it’s also prone to drip and run. Wipe-on poly is much thinner and easier to apply. The only drawback to this type of finish is that it can’t be used on wood floors or stair balusters. Wipe-on poly does require four coats for maximum protection.
Wipe-on poly is applied using a cloth or cotton rag. It’s easier to apply and dries faster. However, you have to remember that brush-on poly can cause bubbles and drips, so you should use a brush or a microfiber cloth to smooth it out. Also, brush-on poly should not be applied with a foam brush as it produces bubbles and interferes with subsequent coats.
Although brush-on polyurethane offers adequate protection with just two coats, it’s a softer finish than many others. This makes rubbing out the finish more difficult. Harder finishes such as nitrocellulose lacquer and shellac are also less protective than poly. Until recently, most furniture was finished with lacquer. Wipe-on poly is better for carved and round surfaces because it dries faster.
The wipe-on method also requires no skills and does not require an expensive brush. The best way to wipe poly coat is to use a white T-shirt or drop-cloth for application. During application, use disposable gloves or rags to protect your worktable. To keep your workspace clean, you can use a resin paper or drop-cloth or newspaper. A small cup of cream cheese works great as a wipe-on poly.
Time to apply
Before applying the next coat of wipe on poly, it is imperative to allow it enough time to dry completely. This is usually two to three hours, although in humid weather the material will take longer to dry. The same holds true for wood, which may require more than six coats to be fully protected. The longer the wipe on poly is allowed to dry, the more pronounced its effects will be, so be sure to wait the recommended time before applying a new coat.
A wipe-on polyurethane finish is less viscous than a brush-on finish. This makes it ideal for on-site finishing, as there is no clean-up required after application. The only drawback to wipe on poly is the high cost of the product, which is almost double the price of brush-on poly. It may take more coats, but the speed of application will more than compensate for the cost.
Before applying the second coat of wipe-on polyurethane, the surface should be sanded lightly. The wood grain should be sanded with 220 grit sandpaper. Afterwards, wipe on polyurethane on the wood in the direction of the grain, allowing it to dry thoroughly. Apply a third or fourth coat, depending on the condition of the surface. Once the surface is completely dry, the final coat is applied.
Before applying a second coat of wipe-on poly, it is important to sand the surface with a dry microfiber cloth. The purpose of this is to ensure even application and to avoid overlapping. A thick layer is likely to drip and wrinkle. A thin coat may be more effective than a thick one, but a higher number of coats will ensure a durable finish. If you have a lot of excess wipe-on poly, you can use mineral spirit to dampen it.
Using an old cotton garment as the wipe-on poly applicator is another great way to apply the finish without having to purchase a new one. Use a lint-free, dust-free rag. Using a white cloth will help you see any solid contaminants or dust particles easily. While you can use a special microfiber cloth, it is unnecessary to buy one. Instead, reuse your old clothes and save money.
