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I was wondering what kind of poly most of you use on your projects. I have used brush on and the results arent as nice as i would like. I cant get all the bubbles out, so I'm not getting that nice smooth finish I woukld like. Is wipe on better?

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hey steve, I like the wipe on better, I've used both. The wipe on dries faster and you can get alot more coats on in a days worth of time. I think the brush on poly works good also but it is a little more fussy to use. for smaller projects I like to use the spray on poly

 

i have used brush on for years. in addition to what ray says wipe on does't raise the grain as much allowing for a light sanding. you can make wipe on by diluting your regular brush on with mineral spirits and save some money

 

I used wipe-on for a threshold once. It did OK but my beef with it is that it took so many coats to get a good finish. Brush-on is a far superior finish in my opinion. As for getting it smooth, rubbing it down with steel wool or wet-sanding between coats will get you better results. I read an article the other day that addresses the bubble issue. It explained how the "cut" on the end of the bristles makes all the difference. I don't remember what the cut was called, but you basically need a brush that the bristles are tapered across the thickness rather than toward the center. I'm still looking for one.
The wipe on poly is my preferred choice for the same reasons as Ray has said.

Hugh,

I've had great success, using the ""Purdee'' brand brushes.

The bristle tips feature ''tapered & feathered'' ends, resulting in a very smooth ripple free finish, with no bubbles.

Long bristle brushes produce finer finish results.

Use long smooth strokes vs short strokes---its all in the arm & wrist motion---

and feathering the ends, on the up-stroke.

 

Like you  said, light sanding between coats is necessary, to obtain optimum finish results.

There are sanding papers on the market, that are most ideal for a super-fine finish, one desires for the top coat.  I prefer the type that employs a flexible poly sheet, on the back side.

 

Bubbles form in the container, when the material is shaken---''stirring'' is better, using a circular and lifting motion.

 

The ''steel wool'' fine fibers can break off, leaving fine dust-like metal particles or short strands, in the finish.

Most of the particles may not be noticeable by naked eye, but under a magnifier, they're noticeable.

 

Hugh Clare said:

I used wipe-on for a threshold once. It did OK but my beef with it is that it took so many coats to get a good finish. Brush-on is a far superior finish in my opinion. As for getting it smooth, rubbing it down with steel wool or wet-sanding between coats will get you better results. I read an article the other day that addresses the bubble issue. It explained how the "cut" on the end of the bristles makes all the difference. I don't remember what the cut was called, but you basically need a brush that the bristles are tapered across the thickness rather than toward the center. I'm still looking for one.
Min-Wax offers brushes, that are supposedly ideal, for applying a smooth finish.

 

Ken

 

I've reread the article. The ideal brush is tapered as opposed to "flagged", which is the typical brush. I understand the dangers of steel wool and am careful that the finish is completely dry to avoid the fibers getting trapped in the finish. :) I learned the stroke techniques from my grandfather, who was a furniture refinisher by trade,

I've not seen the Min-Wax brushes anywhere.

 


Ken Darga said:

Min-Wax offers brushes, that are supposedly ideal, for applying a smooth finish.

Hugh,

I've seen the min-wax brushes, on display at a Rockler store.

I didn't have time to examine them closely, but I plan to, on my next trip.

Ultra-fine finish sandpaper.

Rockler offers this product, in a variety of several grits.

The sanding sheet features a flexible back-side---

ideal for irregular and curved surfaces.

 

wipe on is virtually fool proof.  I love it.  I have it on my butcher block kitchen counter tops and after 5 yrs it just now could use a light sanding and redo.  I have it on oak parquet floors, office desks, "fine" furniture.... I absolutley love the stuff!  I'm a 61 yr old female who is now spoiled by wipe on poly and will never go back to any other surface... :-) lightly sand with very fine paper or steel wool between coats and add coats until you like the looks... I usually use 3 - 5 coats depending ...

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