MINWAX Poly in a spraycan

Boogie | Posted in Finishing on February 18, 2003 09:21am

Minwax fastdrying polyurethane, I am curious has anybody used this stuff and what are the long term results? I tried it on a couple of small projects and loved it, went on smooth no runs, and could put on 4 coats in one day with each coat taking a fraction of the time required with a brush.

Replies

RW | Feb 19, 2003 02:36am | #1
I'm almost afraid to admit it, but I've used it. I think the most serious long term results are delirium and nausea, but you don't get them if you use a box fan to ventilate. Okay, that was funny. It doesn't do too bad. Theres no self respecting finisher on the planet that will tell you that this is a great finish. End results aside, can anything aerosol be great? I dunno. We're sort of programmed to go for things like badger brushes and HVLP systems.

When I've used it has usually been for touchups on things that already have poly on them. Example - fixed a window in a house, it's already hung and cased, there's some markings on it that I'd just as soon touch up to make the whole job look a little better. That kind of thing it comes in handy since it takes ten seconds to hit it after the stain has dried. I don't think I'd finish any heirlooms with it, but it's handy to have a can in the truck.

" To the noble mind / Rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind" - Wm Shakespeare, Hamlet, III,i,100
HowardAcheson | Feb 19, 2003 05:03am | #2
Get the current issue of Fine Woodworking in the newstand. They have an article on spray can clear finishes. Minwax is one of the brands covered.
RoyinMD | Feb 19, 2003 06:20am | #3
Boogie,

I have used Minwax fast drying poly in the spray can many times. I really like it for the small projects. I do a lot of custom picture frames and the speed at which I can shoot on a quick coat or two beats brushing anytime. I have learned from the school of hard knocks not to try and put on a heavy coat. We all know sanding runs is no fun at all. I leave this job to the end of the day and leave the shop for the night right after. I'll prop the picture frame at about a 60 degree angle or more with a scrap cut to the proper length and scrap strips underneath. I've used it for pine, white oak, cherry, maple and walnut. Stained or unstained all with great results. Sometimes I will wax afterwards.

I learned custom mat cutting several years ago after my wife paid $160 to have one on her artworks framed at a local store. Teach me to not be responsive huh. For that price, ya I can buy a new toy and learn to do it. I bought the 'Alto's Mat Cutting Sytem' at one of the local woodworking shows, and honestly I really like using it. The proper tools make it easy and fun. Toys, toys, toys.

Enjoy, Roy
Clay | Feb 19, 2003 07:13am | #4
It is quite a good finish and I have used it often for years. I have no bad things to say about it. Minwax is a top quality brand and very commonly available.