Is there actually a qualitative difference between the Polyurethane produced by various companies. There can be a price difference. So what are we paying for with a more expensive poly?
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In general with finishing products in a can, you can look-up the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and find the range of % quantity of chemical product that you purchase. I have found that that cheaper products contain larger percentages of solvents and the more expensive ones more solids or more active ingredients. So if you buy a cheaper can of product, you end up applying more coats to achieve the same film thickness with the associated extra time, brushes and sandpaper. I always go for the best quality, I find it cheaper.
Virtually all finishes are chemistry sets. And, I think it is fair to say that there is no truth in Advertising and marketing. That said, there are serious companies making serious products - Deft, General Finishes, Minwax (though I have always found the first two to have better versions); Zinnser, Watco - to name a few.
Within the past several years Water-borne products have substantially closed the performance gap with oil-based products, though I apply a sealer below these, and they are slower to build a final finish.
Invest in modern finishes, manufactured by serious companies.
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