Finishes

[jackellis]

Note to self: Remember to wipe the mouth of the can of poly before putting the lid back on. Otherwise, you'll ruin the lid when you have to pry it loose.

So now I have almost a full can of brush-on poly that's the consistency of taffy. I thinned it with mineral spirits and used some in a very thickened state to protect new wheelbarrow handles. I'd be OK using it on shop cabinets, but I'm not sure whether I'm creating more problems than I'd solve by continuing to use it for projects that don't require perfection instead of simply throwing it away.

It's my fault. I dip my brush directly into the can in order to avoid the waste and cleanup hassles that go with pouring small amounts into a smaller container for an individual project. Residual ploy on the mouth of the can sealed up tight and after prying the lid loose a few times, it no longer forms an air tight seal so the solvent has largely evaporated.

Would it be better to just wipe this stuff on instead of using a brush?

[rjwaldren]

A dedicated shop ladle is your friend

I don't worry about shop projects to much so if it will spread well with thinning I'd use it up.

[Tom Miller]

Would it be better to just wipe this stuff on instead of using a brush?

IMO, yes, but not for the reason you note (keeping the rim clean), because I don't think that'd really help. Also, to wipe on, you need to thin it to, say, 1:1 with MS or Naptha. I just like wipe-on poly.

Since you've seen that you really haven't saved anything by not pouring out the amount you need for a project, you could try it the other way.

Or, you could invest in a number of smaller air-tight containers to decant different "blends" into. One for full strength, one for 1:1, etc. Try to minimize the amount of air -- it helps to get various size bottles (and a small funnel) so you can always pour into a bottle that just fits. Or, use the marbles trick to displace air.

I've kept various blends for some time by decanting into smaller nalgene bottles. I don't worry about a little waste you get from switching containers, because I know I'm actually saving quite a bit by doing it this way.

Regards,
Tom

[SARGE..g-47]

I went to wiping years ago and wouldn't consider going back. I use standard Mini-wax in the can.. purchase a few plastic bottles at the grocery store that have 1-10 increments on them for whatever reason. I mix 3 parts poly with 2 parts naptha (evaporates quicker than mineral spirits) which gives a 66% mix I use for the first two coats. Then mix half and half for the final three coats.

No brush marks.. no cleaning brushes.. wipes on easily with no bubbles as long as you light sand and vacuum between coats. I won't ever brush again and this goes on vertical pieces without runs.. etc..

BTW.. once mixed in the plastic bottle.. try to mix just a little more than you will use as it will gel at the bottom. And I pour what I need for a coat into a small cheapie plastic container with a lid to use if I decide to take a break or have a bit left for the next coat. Just keep everything mixed well after cutting originally.

Good luck...

[cabinetman]

I use clean new cans/lids when possible and try to keep them clean. I prefer to wipe on an oil based finish versus brushing. Using Bloxygen, will prolong finish storage life.
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