Poly question

[Gramps' shop]

Can I apply a water based poly over Watco? I want a clear coat and oil based poly tends to run to amber.

[Dr. Deb]

Water over poly? One way to make sure you have no interaction is to put a coat of Ultra Blond shellac on the Watco, then top with your water based poly.

[dadiOH]

Yes if you wait until the Watco is totally cured. At least a month to be safe.

[Larry Blanchard]

That depends on how much yellowing is too much. I haven't found a shellac yet that doesn't leave at least a slight yellowing, although with some it's very slight. Much less than an oil based finish. If that's acceptable, you're fine to use it. Just be sure it's de-waxed.

[Leon]

IIRC Watco is oil based?

You "may" already have all the yellow you are going to get.

[Steve]

ased poly tends to run to amber.

I've had limited success in this instance by sticking with the Oil-- but us ing General Finish's Wipe-on Poly instead of a full poly. Especially sinc e the wood already has protection from the Watco, you may be satisfied wit h a lighter-durability clear coat.

This is not my usual technique, only when I REALLY want to limit the yellow ing and still prefer the oil for one reason or another. (Oh, who am I kiddi ng...I always prefer the oil, for all the known reasons!)

Hope that helps.