I use Minwax Wipe-On Poly alot for finishing turnings or shop fixtures.  I know it's essentially just thinned polyeurethane to make it easier to wipe on, so has anyone here ever mixed their own version for wiping on?  I am guessing it should be mixed with mineral spirits?  If so, what kind of ratio should it be mixed at to achieve comparable results to the stuff you buy already thinned?

 

Thanks for the help!

Jason

I have mixed some in a 50/50 mix for a first coat and then went about 75/25 for the final coat.

I put a couple of the 50/50 coats on to build up a hard finish for a cabinet that I use in the shop with my grinder on top..

Cool thanks! I had to buy some more earlier and I know it's nuts to pay so much for it already thinned compared to regulr poly.. I hate not to experiment with thinning it myself to ultimately save some $$!

John Moody said:

I have mixed some in a 50/50 mix for a first coat and then went about 75/25 for the final coat.

I put a couple of the 50/50 coats on to build up a hard finish for a cabinet that I use in the shop with my grinder on top..

Good question, and, using this formula John, how long does it take to dry, seems like my custom mixes take forever to dry.

John Moody said:

I have mixed some in a 50/50 mix for a first coat and then went about 75/25 for the final coat.

I put a couple of the 50/50 coats on to build up a hard finish for a cabinet that I use in the shop with my grinder on top..

The 50/50 cuts usually dry pretty fast. I don't remember how long it was but I think I got a couple of coats on in a day.

The 75/25 cut took almost as long as a full strength mix would have to dry, 24 hours.

John

Thanks Larry. You care to elaborate on that secret technique?

Larry Jenkins said:

I use 50/50 Minwax Satin poly and mineral spirits, mixed well and applied with an old nylon sock the War Department gives me after she has worn them for a while.

Advantages are no lint; no brush marks and the nylon actually allows the poly to transfer much smoother resulting in a "sprayed" look.

I also have a special way to "finish the finish" if anyone's interested.

John Moody has the right idea regarding proportions.

Larry

Thanks Larry, I will give that a try!

Okay Larry, I am going by the Ace Store this week and give that a try. I sounds like a really good finish.

Thanks for that great tip.

John

That looks really classy.

I like that look a lot.

I am going to give it a try.

Nice looking projects Larry, and thanks again for the advice

Excellent work Larry, very clean, definite craftsmanship, she will have that one forever!

Thanks Larry for those photos. It really show a great finish on these pieces. I really don't like a real shinny finish. I like a softer finish and not so polished.

Thanks for the great tips on using this also. I started lumber preparation on a Cedar chest this past Saturday. Got most everything surfaced and ready to start panel glue ups and I think I will give this a try on that chest. It is for a customer so I will do a small sample piece to show them.

Is that chest red oak and cedar lined?

John

I have not finished the underside of the lid of the others I built.

Is that a problem? I know you should finish both sides, but since you want to aromatic Cedar on the inside I left it unfinished. Will that cause a problem later on?

I usually finish all sides, but on the cedar chest I was sure about putting a finish on the underside of the lid and introducing anything into the chest and I was trying to keep as much raw cedar exposed as possible.

I like your idea of the Shellac on the underside, I just did even think about that.

See even old dogs can learn new tricks.

Don't see the table Larry?

John

That is what I'm talking about. That looks very good.

Also like the continuation of the grain on the front.

Nice job.

John

Never assume that everyone knows how. It is best to go ahead and share it. We all learn new things or a different or better way to accomplish a task.

Your work craftsmanship is very good and I am always interested in learning from someone that does outstanding work.

Blog it away my friend. I will read it!!!

John

Larry Jenkins said:

Thank you Sir. Someday, I'll write a Blog on how I make my drawer front out of the front apron. But then, probably everyone knows how..

Larry