Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Aug 07, 2007 03:37am | #1

   Mikevance,

   Sounds like a couple of interesting projects.

   A wipe on poly is by nature a very thin coating and to get any protection from it requires multiple coats.

   I personally don't feel it's the best finish for a kitchen. They tend to take more abuse than other cabinets so a more durable coating is called for.

   I'm guessing you're not equipped to spray but if you were a pre-cat lacquer or conversion varnish would be my first choice.

   To keep it in a hand applied family consider some of the varnishes out there such as Behlen Rockhard, Mccloskey Gym Seal or Heirloom, and Pratt and Lambert.

   You can thin any of these varnishes with mineral spirits to make a wiping varnish if you'd like.

   If you like the way the oil enriched the grain thin the varnish 50 % and wipe a thin coat on and wipe it dry. This becomes your sealer coat. Let it dry overnight and proceed with your varnishing. Otherwise you can use a sealer such as blonde shellac  to create a foundation for your finish to flow on.

   The Mylands sealer is a fast drying product that seals the wood and allows you to build a finish very quickly. The friction polish is shellac with a lubricant added for ease of application. I wouldn't use it as a finish for a vanity or a kitchen. Furniture would be a whole other issue though. I know from talking with Teri in the past that she really likes the product.

   One thing to keep in mind, as I said before any wipe on coating is very thin by nature. To build a little bit of mill thickness takes quite a long time. If you use a brushing varnish that has been thinned slightly, you'll get a build far quicker. You also have more drying times to contend with. (It's always something isn't it?)

   Good luck and keep me posted on what you decide.

   Peter