Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 15, 2003 08:30pm | #1

   Thash, I remember your post and thought perhaps one of our finishing guru's would respond.  I see nothing wrong with your post -- it was in the correct discussion, and was clearly stated.  Could be there just isn't anything that meets that criteria (restated here):

   • I need a wipe on finishing product and technique that will result in a crystal clear, non yellowing, gloss finish. I have used wipe on oil based poly. in the past but it has an ambering effect. From the research I have done water based poly is the way to go but I have not found a product that is wipe on. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks

   My understanding of water-based poly is that it dries too fast to be workable in a wipe-on application.  I'm also not sure if there are any finishes that stay crystal clear.  I suppose Varathane might.

   Maybe someone else who can help will see this new thread.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

2. 
   Splintie | Mar 15, 2003 09:05pm | #2

   A wipe-on, crystal clear finish--hell, let's make it waterproof, too--is likely the Holy Grail of woodworking. The concept of "cyrstal clear" in regard to wood finishes is a head-scratcher in itself, let alone the wipe-on part that is associated with those ambering oils.

   Welcome to the forum, but only ask us things we know, OK? <g>

3. 
   forestgirl | Mar 15, 2003 10:41pm | #3

   Take a look at this page:

   http://www.homesteadfinishing.com/htdocs/OILSVARNISHES.htm

   paying special note to the McCloskey Heirloom Varnish, which according to the text, has been re-formulated using soya oil and is "a much lighter and less yellowing prone varnish."  Also, at the bottom Zinnser Quick-15 Clear Finish.  Not a wipe on, though.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   lcw | Mar 16, 2003 07:20am | #6

   Thank everone who replied and offered their advice. I asked basically the same question on a forum at Target Coatings. Below is my question and their suggestion.

   : I make pepper mills out of laminations of maple and colorful exotic woods. I would like a crystal clear, non yellowing finish that can be wiped on, since I do not have spray equipment. UV protection would be a plus also. On other project I have used an oil based wipe on poly but it has an ambering effect. Can the Oxford super clear poly be thinned and wiped on? What do you recommend?

   : Thanks: Tom

   Tom,Thank you for your inquiry.I suggest that you use the 9000 Super-Clear for your application. the 9000 Series can be used as a wiping finish if reduced with a combination of basic water and our SA5 Retarder. Start with reduction of 10% by liquid volume (5% SA5- 5% Water), then move up from there until you obtain feel that works for you. use a lint-free gauze pad for this type of work.JW Perhaps this will be helpful to others.

4. 
   Paul_Snyder | Mar 15, 2003 11:58pm | #4

   Thash - water-clear finishes are best applied by spraying. They are fast drying finishes that are not easy to apply using the wipe-on technique.  Forest Girl's recommendation is a good alternative.  Some of the oil-base varnishes are based on very lightly colored oils that are not nearly as amber as others.  Oil-base finishes are easier to apply using the wipe-on technique.

   If you need a crystal clear finish, like over a light wood, stain, or paint, then you want to use something like Target Coatings "Super-Clear Polyurethane."  ( http://www.targetcoatings.com/ ) It's designed for spray application, but with some practice, it is possible to use the wipe-on technique.  Wiping a water-born finish is a lot like padding shellac.  Jeff Jewitt has an article that describes the technique at this link - http://www.homesteadfinishing.com/htdocs/Wiping%20Waterborne%20Finishes.htm

   Paul

   F'burg, VA

1. 
   Sancho | Mar 16, 2003 01:26am | #5

   Thrash, They do make a brush on water base finish someone already recommended fuhr thats primarily what Jeff sells at homestead it is good stuff. i have heard lots of good things from guys about the customer service fuhr has. i havent used the product personally. I have used enduro coat at http://www.compliantspraysystems.com

   They claim it can be brushed or sprayed. I think you would be happy with either products.  

   Darkworks:  We support the US military "We kick your #### and take your gas"