Wipe-on-poly. Is it just me?

[RodKirby]

I don't use my WOP that often - maybe once in 6 weeks.

Every time I open the can, I have to add thinner - it goes like thick soup. The solvent seems to "evaporate" with the lid closed!

Am I doing something wrong?

[JTimmons]

I use it even less than that, I have had the same can for about a year and cracked it open last month and it was fine. Not sure what to tell you, maybe it has something to do with being down-under.

[RayintheUK]

It's probably reacting with the air within the container - try adding some ball bearings or marbles to reduce the air space and all will be well. This also works for sanding sealer and other finishes. HTH

Ray.

[WayneJ]

When using the wipe on poly , I keep the can closed as much as i can. I'll pour off a small amount in a small dish and work from that. When done throw whats left out. Keeps dust and dirt from getting into the can. I mostly get Minwax wipe on in the pint cans and have'nt noticee them getting thick.
Wayne

[jziegler]

Rod,

It's not just you, I've been having the same problem. I mix my own with Minwax poly and Naptha, I keep adding more Naptha. If it sits too long, I end up having it start to harden in the can and need to throw the can out. I mix it in quart size paint cans that I buy empty. I'll have to try some of the ideas here and see if it helps.

Jim

[mater]

I had the same problem with some I mixed but I bought some that was already mixed and haven't had that problem with it.

[just4funsies]

There is something they make for paint... I don't remember what they call it ("Skin-Free", or something like that) that comes in a little aerosol can. You squirt it into the paint can before you slap the lid back on, and it neutralizes the air in the can, so that the paint doesn't skin over. I wonder if it would work on WOP? Or maybe there is something similar that will?

[Tundra_Man]

There is something they make for paint... I don't remember what they call it ("Skin-Free", or something like that) that comes in a little aerosol can. You squirt it into the paint can before you slap the lid back on, and it neutralizes the air in the can, so that the paint doesn't skin over. I wonder if it would work on WOP? Or maybe there is something similar that will?

IIRC, it's called "Bloxygen".

I mix my own wiping varnish. I've found it lasts about a week before the naptha flashes off, after which I have to toss it and mix more. So I just mix up small batches at a time.

[onedash]

I use minwax and always use it straight from the can. Other than crust on the spout it seems to be fine.

[JimD]

With me, the two significant variables seem to be how much is left in the can and how long it sits. I had to throw out some recently because there was only a little left and it sat for several weeks and was nearly solid when I went to use it. I have had it last longer, but the can was half full or so.

Jim

[Jes Pidlin]

As Wayne J. said, pour off what you think you will need for the project and close the container. With the container open, you are allowing the thinning agents in the varnish (mineral spirits, napatha, etc.) to evaporate.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Also, weather has an impact on finishing products. Freezing can cause finishes to clump, etc when it warms up. High temps can cause congealing.