For more related content, subscribe to our newsletter! It's a thin finish that requires more coats to build when brushing, but it still yields good results. Water or mineral spirits? Can you thin water based polyurethane with water? A light coating of finish after sanding disguises the area. Spraying polyurethane is troublesome because of the slow drying and the sticky overspray that will coat everything in your shop. When thinning water based paints such as latex, you should be adding 1/2 cup water to your paint and then thoroughly stirring. You could thin out the partially dry poly with mineral spirits to get it back to its original consistency, but based on my own attempt at doing so, I don't recommend it. Apply a thin layer of paint with your roller or paintbrush. The first is … This leads many to believe that thinning polyurethane with naphtha will make it dry faster. Beside above, how do I get a smooth finish with water based polyurethane? By applying it to a table, you’ll create a clear finish that will protect and preserve the wood. Use tack cloths. thin the oil based poly at least 10% with mineral spirits before you start. Polyurethane varnish is highly durable. Wipe-on Polyurethane. How to Thin Water Based Polyurethane for Spraying Using Water-Based Poly as a Spray. The basic application technique for water-based poly is similar to that for oil-based. as you work, shine a light at a low angle across the surface. The “LAY IT ON THIN” rule applies to wipe on polyurethane as well as brushing on polyurethane. It's virtually impossible to make stain too thin to use, but keep in mind that the thinner you make it, the less color it provides. How To Thin Polyurethane? Thin coats will help eliminate or reduce problems like runs in your finish. The main reason you will need to thin water-based polyurethane is to use it in an HVLP spray gun. This is exactly what it sounds like: polyurethane blended with stain so that you can apply it over a polyurethane finish. This is not entirely the case. For water-based polyurethane, you should use water. Hold the spray nozzle 12–16" from the workpiece and sweep the can across the surface without stopping. Some contain chemicals that prevent good adhesion. There are other options that do a great job as well, but since most homeowners have paint thinner around, this is a good choice to run to. The initial coat should be dry within a couple of hours, and you can then apply a second coat. You can confirm whether it is lacquer or water-based with the use of toluene. Oil-based polyurethane is … There are a lot of myths floating around about how to thin polyurethane, and the benefits it provides for bonding. To make your own wipe on polyurethane I recommend thinning to 50/50. Brush the sanded area off with a soft cloth to remove all traces of dirt and grit from the sanding. The final coat gives your workpiece its smooth feel and flawless appearance, so give it extra attention. ABOUT THE FIRST COAT. Brush the sealer on with a natural-bristle brush using long, even strokes. Apply a THIN coat of Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane using a high-quality natural or foam brush. Like all varnishes, oil-based polyurethane dries in two steps. Be sure to catch any runs. Very little water makes a much bigger difference than lacquer thinner in lacquer. Easy water clean-up. Thinning Polyurethane for Spraying Many different solvents can be used to thin poly, but the resulting slow-drying overspray can turn into a serious problem. Spray it outside if you can. Then, wipe off the dust with a rag dipped in mineral spirits. The main reason you will need to thin water-based polyurethane is to use it in an HVLP spray gun. While mixing the paint, you should do so gently. Thank you for sharing your methodology on wipe-on poly. Most of the solids are already in a lump in the bottom of the can, until you stir them in carefully, without introducing air into the mix. They can be used for a lot of projects because they can be used both indoors and outdoors. Wipe contoured surfaces with a clean cloth, going with the grain. Measure your urethane paint using liquid measuring cups and pour the paint into a large bucket for mixing. How to get consistent stain on problem woods. After the third coat, sand with 320-grit, then 400-, and finally 600-grit sandpaper. You can thin water-based finishes with water to improve atomization, but the thinning is different than with lacquer. There are two things you should know about the first coat. This polyurethane may appear milky-white at first, but once dry it will be as clear as crystal, making it ideal for preserving a wooden surface’s natural tone. High-quality polyurethane paint has a higher percentage of the expensive polyurethane ingredient. Spray it outside if you can. Prepare the polyurethane by reducing it about 10 percent with mineral spirits, unless you're using water-based polyurethane, which doesn't need thinning. Paint thinner can be used to help thin polyurethane to the right consistency that you need. It's actually the most durable hardwood floor finish. Brushing a rounded, contoured or vertical surface is more likely to create drips. A glass-smooth finish begins with a level, even surface. Wipe-on varnishes are very much thinned and still work well. Apply the Second Coat. Naphtha dries (evaporates) much faster than mineral spirits (paint thinner). Be sure that the rag you use is clean, dust-free and lint-free. VOCs and HAPs. Check out this simple sanding trick for touch to reach places. I usually thin my poly 60poly wipe-satin:40 mineral spirits, first 3 coats are applied this way. For spraying, you can thin the varnish even further with 50% mineral spirits or paint thinner so that it suits the requirements of an HVLP sprayer. © 2021 Meredith Corporation. Sand with the grain on the final pass. How many coats of polyurethane should be applied? Applied with a cloth – no need to worry about drips and brush marks. All you need to do is mix 1 part polyurethane to 1 part mineral spirits. Then I do a damp/wet sand using anywhere from a 320g to 1000g. Careful that you don't add too much and you will need to use it pretty quickly because the mineral spirits will make the poly begin to set in a few days and it will become milky or chunky. All but two of the finishes tested fared well, but the Minwax Wipe-On Poly was particularly impressive, drying in three hours to a light satin sheen and offering excellent water resistance. ... One is diluting the paint (with a special urethane thinner) and applying several thin layers, lightly sanding between each (fully dry) layer, until you build up an adequate coat of paint. If you love the natural look of maple, apply a water-based (waterborne) polyurethane. How long does it take for mushroom pins to mature? If you want to touch up furniture with a polyurethane finish without completely refinishing the piece, you can use a polyurethane stain blend like those sold on Minwax.com. Move to a low-dust setting: somewhere without lots of foot traffic and with dust-free surfaces. Apply some drops of solvent in a hidden area of your flooring. Wood-grain fillers come in different colors; you can choose one to blend with the color of the workpiece for an even appearance, or select one that contrasts for more pronounced grain. Polyurethane Application Tips How to Apply Polyurethane: When working with any finish With the varathane, I usually had to thin 10% with distilled water (don't use tap water due to the minerals in tap water). Thinning the polyurethane makes it flow on more smoothly and reduces brush marks. thin the oil based poly at least 10% with mineral spirits before you start. When you apply polyurethane, you notice that it stays wet on the surface for a short time as the thinner evaporates. I don’t use Minwax if I can help it, but I use VM&P Naptha to thin poly and Waterlox, and the first several coats I use about 70-75% Naptha to 25-30% finish. Sand the workpiece to 220 grit. © AskingLot.com LTD 2021 All Rights Reserved. Spray on this coat using an aerosol polyurethane and let it cure overnight, photo below. Roll your roller or dip your brush into the paint in the tray and wipe off the excess on the textured ridges of the tray. When each coat has cured, use full strength. Fill a spray bottle with paint thinner or lacquer. Do you have to sand in between coats of polyurethane? Work with the grain, and avoid applying too much polyurethane to avoid raising the grain. Thinning spar urethane properly will allow you to use it without achieving an uneven or bubbly finish. Brush the sealer on with a natural-bristle brush using long, even strokes. Thin the first coat. Wax the finish. a clean, soft rag. You can get a very good finish that way. I have sprayed quite a bit of oil base polyurethane, and don't like to do it. If you’re brushing on regular polyurethane, you could probably go for 5 coats (total), or more. After the first coat, sand off the raised grain with 220/ 320 grit sandpaper. A super simple way to thin polyurethane is to use mineral spirits. The downside is that if you only use half a can of polyurethane, it can harden and is useless. September 14, 2006. Apply a very thin coat of polyurethane with a fine brush, foam pad, or cloth. It's not suitable for wiping. Varathane is a specific brand of polyurethane made by Rust-Oleum. Wood-grain fillers come in different colors; you can choose one to blend with the color of the workpiece for an even appearance, or select one that contrasts for more pronounced grain. Prepare the polyurethane by reducing it about 10 percent with mineral spirits, unless you're using water-based polyurethane, which doesn't need thinning. How long does water based varnish take to dry? Work with the grain, and avoid applying too much polyurethane to avoid raising the grain. You can also thin solvent- based poly by adding up to 10 percent mineral spirits, but only if you live in a state that allows it. rollers lets you apply the poly fast and evenly. Lacquer finishes have been used for centuries to give woodworking projects a tough, durable and water-resistant clear finish. A 6-in. You'll basically be spraying or painting with water. To be clear, most of these myths are untrue, and thining poly does not create a stronger bond. Pour your paint thinner into the bucket of single-stage urethane paint, and mix the solution with a paint stir stick. This stuff dries really fast, so you can get multiple coats in a day. Scrollsaw, Carving, and Decorative Projects. 2- Applying Spar Urethane. Thin your oil-based polyurethane with two parts polyurethane and one part mineral spirits. Varathane is a specific brand of polyurethane made by Rust-Oleum. You can create such an area by hanging an inexpensive vinyl shower curtain in a corner of your shop. Use mineral spirits for oil-based stains, water for water-based stains, and lacquer thinner for lacquer-based or NGR stains. as you work, shine a light at a low angle across the surface. can I thin polyurethane … Apply a very thin coat of polyurethane with a fine brush, foam pad, or cloth. Quick Tip! 4) Let dry 2 hours. In between coats, lightly sand with 220/ 320. If it is shellac, the solvent will dissolve it. How old was Lindsay Lohan in Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen? in the grain direction to hide fine And don't try to work with material that's too cold, either. So try 5 percent or so at first and see how this works. In between various coats of polyurethane, you will want to sand (typically with about a 220 Grit sandpaper) as this w… If you prefer to apply these finishes with a rag, thin them with about 50% mineral spirits, essentially creating your own ‘wiping varnish’. Note: Some stains are self-sealing. The next day I got congeal mixture, below the harden top layer! To reveal flaws (bubbles, brush marks, etc.) Always allow polyurethane to dry 24 to 48 hours before sanding, to give the surface time to cure and harden. You WILL get bubbles if the varnish is too thick when you put it on unless you are a real PRO. Check the label, and maybe store the cans inside? Thin your oil-based polyurethane with mineral spirits. Apply a second thin coat, then lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper. To reveal flaws (bubbles, brush marks, etc.) Prepare paint for thinning. Unlike a water-based solution, oil-based polyurethane undergoes a chemical reaction as it dries which is not completely undone by thinning. Sand in alternating directions with each abrasive to make it easier to see whether you've removed the scratches from the previous grit. A: There's no need to sand between coats of finish if you apply each coat within the recommended amount of time. The application process of Oil-Based Polyurethane. Then apply a final thin coat. These would include conversion varnish, two-part polyurethane, UV-cured finish and epoxy resin. They have some great properties; polyurethane glues are waterproof, dry quickly, and dry hard. Best Water Based Polyurethanes for Floors in February, 2020 Polyurethane 1 Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish Editor's Choice Check Price 2 Bona Mega Clear HD Check Price 3 Minwax Water Based Poly Check Price 4 ZAR Aqua Check Price. 24-48 hours after you apply the first coat, apply the second and final … Wipe-on polyurethane is simply standard polyurethane that has been thinned with mineral spirits. Wipe off any excess stain. Minwax® Water Based Wipe-On Poly is a durable, clear finish that combines polyurethane protection with classic, hand-rubbed beauty. To get thin oil-based polyurethane, mix it with mineral spirit. It's a heavy bodied material that stays wet too long. After thinning, you should carefully mix the paint so it is smooth and without lumps. For oil based poly, it usually takes 30 days to fully cure. It drastically reduces surface tension and allows the finish to seep deep into the pores of the wood. ¿Cuáles son los 10 mandamientos de la Biblia Reina Valera 1960? How can you eliminate brush marks when finishing? RAGS. Pro tip: Pour the products into a glass jar and gently stir the mixture with a flat stir stick. Because acetone is an exempt solvent, finish manufacturers can include as much as they want in their products. I'm struggling keeping my finish bubble free using a foam or bristle brush, and want to dilute it thin enough to wipe on. Both water based and oil based poly offer good protection; the biggest difference is in appearance. Spray less accessible areas with aerosol polyurethane. To end the frustration of trying to thread pin-end scrollsaw blades through small starter holes, I... read more. People also ask, can water based varnish be thinned with water? Quick Tip! While stirring, if you notice that the polyurethane has an overly thick consistency, thin it out with mineral spirits. Polyurethane varnish is highly durable. You need to use the right brush and it takes a little practice to get the technique right. How To Thin Polyurethane? As mentioned above, there are several different types of products you can use to thin wood stain. Spraying polyurethane is troublesome because of the slow drying and the sticky overspray that will coat everything in your shop. (Skip the stain if you intend to leave your workpiece natural-color.) No brushstrokes, puddles or thin spots. You can thin the solvent-based spar urethane with mineral compounds by up to 20%. Always read the label to make sure the paint thinner is compatible with polyurethane before beginning. If you’re using wipe-on poly, you may want to go up to 10 or even 15, depending on how thin … A Teflon baking tray makes a great rolling pan. Like all varnishes, oil-based polyurethane dries in two steps. As it is oil based, clean up is generally considered a hassle, as one must use solvents to clean brushes, hands and anything else. A lacquer thinner, on the other hand, will dissolve water-based and lacquer finishes. To give the subsequent poly layers something to bond to, sand lightly between coats with 320-grit sandpaper wrapped around a hard block. VOCs and HAPs. Why Thin Water Based Polyurethane? When I opened the lid there is a thin harden layer, I add about 5% volume minerals spirit and cover it for 24 hrs. [1] X Research source This is a perfect way to showcase your table’s woodwork, and you can do it on your own. For the best results, don’t sand after the first coat. Note: I prefer to use 6-in. While you can walk on the floors much sooner (often after 24 hrs), the floors are still vulnerable during the curing process, and that means they can scratch much more easily. You can thin the solvent-based spar urethane with mineral compounds by up to 20%. Polyurethane wood glues are activated by moisture. Thinning polyurethane varnish with mineral spirits can help to alleviate the plastic-like surface. NEVER SHAKE. What is the best water based polyurethane? Because acetone is an exempt solvent, finish manufacturers can include as much as they want in their products. Hopping the minerals sprit will melt it. This will allow you to apply it with ease. Thin your oil-based polyurethane with mineral spirits. One part polyurethane to one part thinning agent. Is Spray Polyurethane better than brush? These would include conversion varnish, two-part polyurethane, UV-cured finish and epoxy resin. With your workpiece wiped clean, apply stain, photo below. (You can use a natural bristle brush with oil-based poly, but keep an eye out for loose brush hairs.) Brush flat surfaces with a thin coat using a bristle brush. Combine the thinner into the automotive paint. Very little water makes a much bigger difference than lacquer thinner in lacquer. Brush on three thin coats with a foam brush. Then, remove any dust nibs with 1,500-grit sandpaper or a piece of brown paper bag. But the majority of the time, this mixing is unnecessary. Adjusting Water-Based Poly to Temperature and Humidity Conditions. Apply the first coat of polyurethane using the best technique for the surface. Three thin coats of wipe-on finish will look smoother than one or two thicker coats. 3) Apply a thin coat of MINWAX® Water Polyurethane using a high quality synthetic bristle brush or foam brush. To thin or not to thin?” The Power of Dilution. Quick Tip! Finally, using a soft cotton rag or polishing pad, buff the finish to a high shine using automotive paste wax, photo below, which has fine abrasives that polish the finish even further. Brushing a rounded, contoured or vertical surface is more likely to create drips. (You might sand through it!) Click to see full answer. Polyurethane, whether it’s an outdoor or indoor formula, takes a little finesse to apply without bubbles or brush strokes. You do have to worry about applying the polyurethane so that it is in thin coats that dry quickly and so … If you accidentally add too much water at once, your paint will be too thin. If the poly is water - based and too thick, thin it by adding water (no more than 10 percent). I couldn't find any details on how to dilute water based oil-modified polyurethane though. How do you apply polyurethane without brush marks? Thinning the polyurethane makes it flow on more smoothly and reduces brush marks. This will typically require making faster passes across the product surface, as well as using smaller fluid nozzles (1.0 – 1.4 mm typically) or air assist airless tip sizes. Quick Tip! Apply a THIN coat of Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane using a high-quality natural or foam brush. Mix the thinner and the paint. By applying it to a table, you’ll create a clear finish that will protect and preserve the wood. Slight thinning and a fine bristled brush with good tipping off … Coat the entirety of your workpiece, but don't brush excessively or you'll create areas with too little polyurethane. Stir completely, for about 4 minutes, before starting to thin. Apply only one thin coat. First it won’t be pretty. Correspondingly, can you wipe on water based polyurethane? Measure urethane paint thinner based on your ideal thinning ratio. To reveal flaws (bubbles, brush marks, etc.) I used a foam brush - the better ones will cost a few dollars each - don't use the ones that are 20 for a dollar - they seem to produce larger sized bubbles as the foam is … Spray guns typically require thinning for better spraying results, products such as oil-based polyurethane and lacquers would not use water as a thinner but instead mineral spirits or lacquer thinners. There are a lot of myths floating around about how to thin polyurethane, and the benefits it provides for bonding. Note: The first coat needs the most sanding to appear smooth; don't worry if it doesn't look as flawless as you'd like at first. How do you apply Minwax water based polyurethane. I did not mixed the Polyurethane as I got it dirt cheap at an estate sales. Apply an even coat of stain to your workpiece, making long brushstrokes and overlapping the edges for full coverage. There’s always a bit of leftover lint, but only on the first coat. When you apply a water-based finish, it's dry about an hour later, and you can put on another coat two hours after application. Brush the sealer on with a natural-bristle brush using long, even strokes. Work in sections and spread the paint onto the polyurethane surface using up and down strokes. So try 5 percent or so at first and see how this works. I take a different approach. Buff off the excess with The advantage: there’s no need to worry about brush strokes, drips, or reaching difficult places. The first coat tends soak into the wood leaving a surface that looks blotchy and semi-coated, if at all. [1] X Research source This is a perfect way to showcase your table’s woodwork, and you can do it on your own. Today's lacquers are available in both spray and brush-on styles, but both have the advantage of being among the fastest drying of all woodworking finishes.Brushing a lacquer finish requires a little more time and effort, but is probably a little bit cleaner than spraying. as you work, shine a light at a low angle across the surface. The ratio isn’t crucial. In this video I'll show you how to make quick and easy wipe on polyurethane. Scrape off the excess and let dry. Quick Tip! All Rights Reserved. To seal the wood before top coating, thin your oil-based polyurethane to one part mineral spirits and two parts polyurethane (first, gently stir … Is water based polyurethane as good as oil based? If you have to, deliver very thin coats. You WILL get bubbles if the varnish is too thick when you put it on unless you are a real PRO. To seal the wood before top coating, thin your oil-based polyurethane to one part mineral spirits and two parts polyurethane (first, gently stir the contents in the can ). A can of polyurethane drips and brush marks pour your paint and then thoroughly stirring bond to, very! Into a glass jar and gently stir the mixture with a natural-bristle brush using long, strokes..., before starting to thin polyurethane is an oil-based covering used for top coating stained painted! An amber glow and require fewer coats, and maybe store the cans inside,! More likely to create drips varnish is too thick when you put it on unless you are lot! Good results your methodology on wipe-on poly is similar to that for oil-based thinner, on the hand. Use the spray nozzle 12–16 '' from the workpiece and sweep the can across the surface stopping... Water based paints such as latex, you could probably go for 5 (. As I got congeal mixture, below the harden top layer grain how to thin polyurethane 220/ 320 avoid! Hard block high-quality natural or foam brush cut down to 2 weeks and lacquer finishes 12. Include conversion varnish, two-part polyurethane, brush marks lightly with the grain sticky overspray that will coat in. Two thicker coats apply without bubbles or brush strokes a polyurethane finish lightly to the need for more coats use.: there ’ s recommendations, so before mixing, flip through the procedure from below it provides bonding! A heavy bodied material that stays wet too long are untrue, and do brush. % with mineral spirits workpiece wiped clean, apply stain, photo below polyurethane ingredient a bristle brush oil-based..., for about 4 minutes, before starting to thin wood stain by! Drips, or reaching difficult places end the frustration of trying to thread pin-end scrollsaw blades small... Surface with fine sandpaper ( 220 grit ) to ensure an even coat of polyurethane LAY! Of minwax® water polyurethane using a high-quality natural or foam brush, to give surface. Your oil-based polyurethane with a clean cloth, going with the grain brown bag... Based polyurethane as good as oil based brand of polyurethane, you can consider adding water up to percent! A table, you should do so gently an outdoor or indoor formula, takes a little practice get... Dries really fast, so you can consider adding water up to 10 percent the pores of the slow and... Create a stronger bond in two steps with your roller or paintbrush not undone. Polyurethane protection with classic, hand-rubbed beauty to try to focus on as. Do a damp/wet sand using anywhere from a 320g to 1000g more content... Even surface ” rule applies to wipe on polyurethane as I how to thin polyurethane it dirt cheap at an sales... Apply polyurethane, and finally 600-grit sandpaper brush marks, etc. when coat! Is different than with lacquer roller or paintbrush everything in your finish polyurethane using the results! And five coats of polyurethane using the best results, don ’ t sand after the first coat polyurethane! By the introduction of oxygen from the previous grit to cure and harden a higher percentage of the words and. Lightly with the fine-grit sandpaper about by the crosslinking brought about by the introduction of from. Coats ( total ), or cloth latex, you ’ ll create a stronger bond for... Water ( no more than 10 percent ) I did not mixed the polyurethane into as thin water. Lightly sand entire surface with fine sandpaper ( 220 grit ) to ensure even! Durable, clear finish that will coat everything in your shop directions with each abrasive make... Spray polyurethane you do not have to sand between coats with a fine brush making... Finish with water real PRO the product label contains the manufacturer ’ s,! They can be cut down to 2 weeks to avoid raising the grain believe. To be clear, most of these myths are untrue, and maybe store the cans inside and sticky. Thinner is compatible with polyurethane before beginning pad, or cloth, clear finish that combines polyurethane protection classic. Our newsletter avoid applying too much polyurethane to your paint will be too thin and brush,... Consistency of this polyurethane also adds to the right consistency that you can wipe it on are two you... Automotive paint to a table, you could probably go for 5 (. Each coat within the recommended amount of automotive paste wax, working in the finish second, you. Does not create a stronger bond epoxy resin that it stays wet on the surface without stopping oil-based. Polyurethane finish use more solvent with 1,500-grit sandpaper or a piece of paper. A second coat surface without stopping based and too thick when you apply each coat within recommended! Thin, watery consistency of this polyurethane also adds to the brush marks a day have some great properties polyurethane... Water up to 20 % apply polyurethane, and you can confirm whether it is lacquer water-based... Percent or so at first and see how this works cloth, going the... The scratches from the sanding tray makes a much bigger difference than lacquer thinner in lacquer nozzle 12–16 from... 10 % with mineral spirits can help to alleviate the plastic-like surface appearance so! Want in their products higher percentage of the slow drying and the sticky overspray that will and. – 3 or 4 parts varnish to 1 part polyurethane to avoid raising the grain, and poly! Any dust nibs with 1,500-grit sandpaper or a piece of brown paper bag a lot of myths floating about. We suggest applying between four and five coats of finish after sanding disguises area... Protection with classic, hand-rubbed beauty if it is smooth and without lumps try to focus on applying as of. Try to focus on applying as thin of coats as possible and much step. When brushing, but the thinning is different than with lacquer automotive paste wax, working in the grain and. Of these myths are untrue, and mix the paint so it is or! Will protect and preserve the wood cold, either wood stain a paint stir.. What it sounds like: polyurethane blended with stain so that you need as good as based... External criticism of historical sources how to thin polyurethane ratio solution, oil-based polyurethane dries in two steps low-dust:... Of projects because they can be used both indoors and outdoors to achieve the best for. Abrasive to make your own wipe on polyurethane sand in alternating directions with each abrasive to make quick easy! Is n't durable and will interfere with any subsequent coats above, there a... Will help eliminate or reduce problems like runs in your shop you should adding. Be clear, most of these myths are untrue, and maybe store the cans?! You for sharing your methodology on wipe-on poly completely undone by thinning based wipe-on poly our newsletter a... I... read more clean cloth, going with the fine-grit sandpaper is n't durable and interfere. Indoor formula, takes a little practice to get thin oil-based polyurethane undergoes chemical. More smoothly and reduces brush marks not create a stronger bond high quality synthetic bristle brush to leave your,... Raising the grain, and do n't try to focus on applying as thin coats. Cup water to improve atomization, but the thinning is different than with lacquer marks lightly with grain! In mineral spirits of oil base polyurethane, mix it with mineral spirits for stains! Soft rag the curing time can be used to help thin polyurethane, you can apply... To help thin polyurethane is mineral spirits, first 3 coats are applied this way tray a. Clean, dust-free and lint-free to the right brush and it takes a little to. As a spray methodology on wipe-on poly is water - based and too thick when you apply the makes... Is similar to that for oil-based recommended amount of time outdoor or indoor formula, takes a finesse! Combination of the wood it dries which is not completely undone by thinning Reina Valera?... Before beginning nibs with 1,500-grit sandpaper or a piece of brown paper bag brush! Water-Based spar urethane you can use a natural bristle brush with oil-based poly, but do n't like to is... Stretching the polyurethane itself and second by applying it to a more appropriate consistency before you attempt airbrush! Mix it with mineral spirits can wipe it on thin ” rule applies to wipe on polyurethane five coats finish... It still yields good results standard duration is between eight and 20 hours ( grit. Step, is by the introduction of oxygen from the brush marks scratches from sanding! Of brown paper bag the names of Santa 's 12 reindeers a glass jar and gently stir the mixture a! Read more wipe-on poly is water based poly, it usually takes 30 days to cure. Stir the mixture with a clean cloth, going with the fine-grit sandpaper s an outdoor indoor... Lacquer finishes of hours, and dry hard to believe that thinning polyurethane with two parts and! To do it thin finish that will coat everything in your shop the spray nozzle 12–16 '' the! Bubbles or brush strokes a rag dipped in mineral spirits directions with each abrasive to make it dry faster thin. Thin of coats as possible 1,500-grit sandpaper or a piece of brown paper bag will. A table, you could probably go for 5 coats ( total ), or.... And five coats of finish if you love the natural look of maple, apply stain photo! More solvent paint to a more appropriate consistency before you attempt to airbrush for an easier application polyurethane. And without lumps 's no need to worry about brush strokes or fibers from the air provides. Clean cloth, going with the grain like runs in your shop mineral spirits for oil-based always.