Replies

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Feb 08, 2002 10:17pm | #1

   *
   John,

   Well, I kinda hate to repeat myself but...

   When Min Wax's Wipe On Poly first hit the market I was very skeptical about it. So, I did some testing and ended up doing my kitchen cabinets using the semi gloss, I was so impressed I've incorporated it into my finishing operations where a "rubbed" on look is needed along with a high degree of durability.

   While Min Wax recommends 3 coats, I never go less than 6. They also recommend against the use of tack cloths which is a good recommendation. I don't like their suggestion on using 0000 steel wool between coats, especially on an open grain wood such as Red Oak. I use 400 grit silicon carbide, dry, with a very light touch after the second coat for sanding.

   By the way, those kitchen cabinets are about 4 years old now and have held up extremely well and have no qualms in recommending that others use it.

   Dano

1. 
   Mike_Hadley | Feb 13, 2002 05:05pm | #2

   *Miniwax Wipe-On Poly is a natural for kitchen cabinets. Ludicrously easy to apply, and durable to boot.Also, though you are using oak, it is worth noting that the wipe-on poly exhibits less ambering over time than alternative urethanes, and as such, would be truly ideal for lighter coloured kitchen cabinet woods such as maple or birch.I'll defer to Dano's experience regarding his suggestion of 6 coats. I use 4 coats on all my work, and have been immensely satisfied with the results...

1. 
   Larry_Summitt | Feb 13, 2002 06:39pm | #3

   *John,A while back I read one of Dano's earlier suggestions on finishing and used it and applied many coats of Miniwax Wipe-On Poly to a bed I built. It turned out nice. I highly recommend the Wipe-on Poly.Lar

1. 
   Seth_Frankel_ | Feb 15, 2002 05:00pm | #4

   *Guys, just to confirm, you're using the Minwax Rub-on Poly for the carcase interiors as well as the faces and frames? Thanks.Seth

1. 
   wedgehead | Feb 15, 2002 05:38pm | #5

   *Used Bartleys gel on mine. Probably not as easy as wiping poly, but maybe even harder to screw up. Seems to dry hard and has been very durable so far, about 2 years. Used just the varnish on my kitchen (cherry), and their stain and varnish on the upstairs cabinets and banister (oak). When done correctly it leaves a nice soft hand rubbed look.

2. 
   John_Lasher | Feb 18, 2002 01:32am | #6

   *Seth, from what I understand from reading other forums is that using oil based finish on the interiors is not wise. It takes so long to dry that you may have a smell for years. Most people are recommending using a water based finish on the interiors. Anybody got any experience here please speak up?John

3. 
   Sgian_Dubh | Feb 18, 2002 02:34am | #7

   *John, That refers specifically to b pure oil finishes such as tung oil and linseed oil. They do smell rancid for years, but you'll have no such problem with a film forming oil based finish such as the wipe on Polyurethane, or any other varnish for that matter. Slainte, RJ.