After many years of using brushed on finishes, I have finally been convinced that the smoothest finishing comes from wiped on finishes. It just took me a while.
For the last few projects I’ve done, I’ve been using the Watco Wipe on Poly. At this point, I’ve used a few cans of it, and its worked out well. My next project is very large in scale. A series of wall cabinets, drawers, shelves, and doors covering 2 walls. It will take a minimum of 2-3 cans, if not more, to do this project.
At this point, I am looking to mix my own Wipe on finish. This way, I can mix a small amount, as needed for the section I am working on. Also I can keep the mix fresh. I can also control the consistancy throughout the project.
What is a recommended mixture (percentage of each), between the poly and Mineral Spirits?
thanks
Dave
Replies
Well since you won't be walking on the varnish, you will get a nicer look if you use a non-poly varnish to mix up your wiping varnish.
But, whatever "full strength" varnish you choose, the most frequent recommendation for mixing is to use about equal parts of varnish and mineral spirits. The proportion is not at all critical. Use a lower percentage of mineral spirits for a bit faster build, and vice versa. What ever is comfortable.
Poly- this time
I think for the current project I'm doing, the wipe on poly was what was needed. I am building a vanity, so I needed to make it waterproof, as well as having it fit into the room decor, like a piece of furniture.
On the wall cabinets, which is the next project I will be undertaking, I was looking to use a varnish mix.
"Waterproof" finish
>>>> I am building a vanity, so I needed to make it waterproof,
It's a popular misconception that poly varnish is more waterproof than an interior rated non-poly varnish. In fact, no varnish or poly varnish is waterproof but poly varnish is less resistant to water and water vapor than standard varnish. Poly varnish is made with a higher oil content to make is flexible. The more oil in a varnish mixture, the less water resistant it is.
Another misconception is that an exterior rated or "spar" varnish is more water resistant than a standard interior rated varnish or poly varnish. Exterior rated varnishes are also made with more oil to allow them to be more flexible in the changeable outdoor environment. Their additional oil makes them softer, more easily damaged and less resistant to water and water vapor. Unfortunately, folks equate "exterior" and "spar" to water resistance when, in fact, those products are formulated to deal with temperature and humidity variations, not water.
For a bathroom or kitchen application, the most protective and durable finish is an oil based non-poly varnish. It is also the finish that produces the best appearance.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled