Help!!! Polyeurethane over waterbase clear??????????

[Ray]

I have built a couple of small sized 10-drawer chests. 18"W X 18"H X 10"D I decided to use the Minwax Polyacrylic finish on it. I have tried my best to coat the tops without leaving brushmarks.

I bought the best water-base brush I could find, and I have tried at least 6 coats and still have not been able to coat it without leaving these marks. I have even gone against the advice on the can, and thinned it out, for a couple of trials. Nothing seems to work. I now have them sanded smooth again with 400 grit. I don't seem to have this problem with Polyeurethane, but I am afraid to coat over the water base clear with the polyurethane now.

Does anyone know if the polyurethane can safely be used over the water based clear coat. Thanks, Ray

[Chris]

Yes, some people have used acrylic base coats for speed & then finished with a top coat of polyurethane for better protection. Personally I prefer waterlox wiped on with a cotton rag. I hear the wipe on ploy is good too.

[Paul Franklin]

Try a foam brush. The water based stuff dries so fast it doesn't seem to have time to level. I've had good luck with the foam brushes, being careful not to overbrush and stirring slowly to avoid making bubbles.

Also, sometimes slightly warming the finish by setting the container in hot water for 5-10 min. seems to help.

HTH,

Paul

[nailshooter41]

based clear coat.

Hi, Ray.

If you have started with Minwax, could it be safe to say you are buying your finishing products at one of the big boxes?

If so, they should have the solvent base poly. The highlight of Minwax products is that they are made to be quite forgiving, so you may be OK. But before you dig a deeper hole, try here:

there is a phone number under the address.

I hope you post your results after contacting them.

Robert

[Andrew Barss]

Paul Franklin wrote: :>

: Try a foam brush. The water based stuff dries so fast it doesn't seem : to have time to level. I've had good luck with the foam brushes, : being careful not to overbrush and stirring slowly to avoid making : bubbles.

Even better than a foam brush (IME) is one of the flat paint pads, with very short white bristles. Lays it on fast and smooth. There's still some levelling to be done (I use a cabinet scraper).

-- Andy Barss