I’ve been using Minwax oil based wipe on poly for a while and I really like it. As reviewed on this website, it adds the least amount of color to wood. I use a lot of Maple and I want to keep it natural. However, I need some more product and it seems like that product has been replaced by a new iteration. The oil based version has new labeling which says “warm satin”. I’m looking for “clear satin” and the only product with that designation is water based. Anyone know what’s going on at Minwax? Thanks!
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Replies
It's still available on Amazon in clear satin.
Yes it is, but the delivery date is March 6-7, and I don't want to wait that long. I have a Rockler, Woodcraft, as well as an Ace Hardware nearby and none of them has it in stock.
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Yes, but I believe it's the new iteration, it's labeled as "warm satin" as opposed to "clear satin".
I'm guessing that the oil based "clear satin" wipe on poly has been replaced by the water based wipe on poly "clear satin". The labeling on the cans is now in a new format.
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make your own: any poly diluted 50% with mineral spirits.
Alan, is it really that simple?
I'm no chemist and I'd hate to ruin the box I just finished building because of my own incompetence.
Another option would be finding another wipe on poly finish that will leave Maple as close to natural as possible. Any suggestions?
The finish that will leave maple as uncolored as possible is a water-based poly. If that's your goal.
yup, it really is. as noted below, 50/50 ratio is not critical, but its what ive found makes for very easy application. I finish all my furniture (mostly walnut) the same. 2 coats of unwaxed shellac, 2 coats brushed on un-thinned poly to build thick protective layer, then several coats 50/50 wiped on poly - sand between all coats. easy, quick, foolproof, and leaves very smooth very durable finish.
The 50/50 mix ratio is not critical. +/- is no big deal. This is essentially the same as the wipe on product and much more economical.
This is Hal Taylor's go to finish. Hal recommends a wipe on and wipe off application.
I've always heard that water based finishes can look "plastically" (is that even a word?)
If anyone has a favorite finish that leaves a nice looking surface, won't add color to the wood, and is easy to use, bring it on. I've read several "finish reviews" on this website which is how I chose the oil based Minwax wipe on poly in the first place.
Thanks!
“[Deleted]”
When I built my home 22 years ago, I specified water based poly on the maple staircase treads. They have remained bright white ever since. The first few years in the house, they got a bit more traffic than I expected. I refinished with water based poly about 10-12 years ago. They still look great. No yellowing.
Osmo sells a "natural" formulation as well. (Don't recall the i.d. number). Not as durable, perhaps, but easily renewable
I ended up emailing Minwax and received an almost immediate response. The new "label" design graphics and descriptors, such as "clear satin" becoming "warm satin", are the only things that have changed, the product is the same.
I feel much better about it now and will continue using it.
Thank you all for your comments and suggestions.
Meet the new poly, same as the old poly... the marketing dept is staying busy.
Yep, staying busy confusing their customers!
I also use Minwax Fast-drying Poly as a wipe-on poly. I don't even thin it. I recently used it on a little end table I made from sapele, sipo, and quilted maple. I really wanted the maple to stay as clear as possible and I didn't notice any shading. Very easy to apply.
Yep, that's the look I like on curly Maple. And I love the live edge on the drawer apron! Nice work tbone.
I'm happy to report that the "newly rebranded" Minwax wipe on poly performs just like the old Minwax wipe on poly.