How To Make Wipe-On Polyurethane

What You Need To Know About Wipe-On Polyurethane? If you are a DIY woodworking hobbyist, you might hear about wiping on polyurethane. It is a great tool for woodworking projects because the application dries quickly and the application dries.

However, the product can be a little expensive.

But because it is expensive, it doesn’t mean you can’t make it yourself. This article will teach you how to make your wipe-on polyurethane to save money and time.

Before diving into the tutorial to make wipe on poly, it is better to know what wipe on poly is. Wipe on polyurethane is a form of polyurethane that the solution has been thinned.

Thus, it can be wiped on easily. To use this wipe on poly, you must use a lint-free rag as the liquid material is too thin to be applied with a brush or a roller.

Moreover, wipe-on poly will offer a hand-rubbed look. You need to apply the brushing, rolling, or spraying method to achieve that.

Besides being made especially for working with certain applications, the other benefits wipe on poly has are:

  • It is useful when you don’t have much time to do woodworking.
  • It is good to correct small errors.
  • You can apply wipe on poly at a vertical angle. It is useful when dealing with vertical structures.
  • Wipe-on poly is also good when dealing with tight curves or edges you can’t reach with brushes.

You can use wipe on poly on any woodworking project such as furniture, floors, etc. However, it can take a long time, and it is quite frustrating if you use it on large-scale projects.

How To Create Your Wipe-On Polyurethane

To make your wipe-on poly, you must satisfy the requirements. Here are the tools you need to gather before getting started:

  1. Funnel
  2. Mason jar or plastic bottle
  3. Measuring cup
  4. Prepare polyurethane that is in oil-based form
  5. Paint thinner or mineral spirits

After you have prepared all the tools above, now follow the instructions carefully:

Firstly, Take The Oil Based Polyurethane And Stir It Up

This is the first step to do. Before you begin, mix oil-based polyurethane in the can, Some of the solutions have some ingredients called flattening agents.

You need to mix them to make them have consistent liquid. This will create an even and nice appearance on your wooden surface.

If you don’t do this step, your wooden surface may have uneven glossy effects. Do not shake it, as it will make bubbles appear.

Then Pour The Wipe On Polyurethane Into The Bottle Or Jar

After you are done stirring the solution, now prepare a jar and pour the poly into it. Alternatively, you can use any container, such as a water bottle.

Just make sure you can seal the container tightly. The tightly sealed container can keep the solution fresh. Thus, you don’t have to create a fresh batch repeatedly every time you want to use it.

Add Some Mineral Spirits To The Polyurethane In The Container

Now mix mineral spirits to the poly in the same amount. Use a measuring cup to measure the amount correctly. Alternatively, you can use your approximate prediction by using your feelings.

The most common ratio for wiping on poly is 50-50. However, you can pour more or less mineral spirits according to your needs.

After that, test your newly created wipe on polyurethane on a test wood and observe the result. Ensure the liquid is not so thin as it will run on the surface.

Avoid making it too thin; just make the liquid thin enough to apply using a cloth.

If the result is still incorrect, you can repeat the steps above until you get the right consistency.

The Differences Between Wipe On Polyurethane That Are Water-based And Oil Based

Up to this point, only a wipe-on poly is oil-based. But now, water-based poly products are rising in popularity.

Wipe on poly in oil-based form has mineral spirits or paint thinner in the ingredient. Thus, the solution has been thinned. But it has pretty much the same properties just like polyurethane that is in oil-based forms, such as:

  1. It is waterproof
  2. It has high levels of VOC
  3. It has a clear coating
  4. It can resist scratch and scuff
  5. When it dries, it forms a durable and hard surface

Similarly, polyurethane in water-based form also gets thinned by using water. It has the same traits as oil-based polyurethane, but there are some notable differences such as:

  1. When water-based poly dries, it will have a clear form and stay clear.
  2. The smell coming from the poly is much more tolerable than the oil-based counterpart.
  3. The VOC levels of water-based poly are much lower.

The Benefits of Creating Wipe On Polyurethane By Yourself

In comparison, polyurethane with water-based type is much thinner than the oil-based counterpart. It means that you need less effort when applying water-based poly. It also dries easily and fast.

Some people avoid water-based poly because they think the solution dries too fast, so they choose to wipe on poly instead.

It is quicker to just purchase a ready-made wipe on poly. However, you will benefit from making your wipe-on poly.

Here are some of the reasons why you should create your wipe on poly:

Your Wipe On Poly Will Have Great Consistency

When you create a wipe-on poly by yourself, you don’t need to worry about consistency or buying the container, as you can make the container yourself. You can also thicken or thin the solution according to your project needs.

Your DIY Wipe On Poly Have No Drips, Runs, or Streaks

The recommended way to apply polyurethane is by using a brush. However, general polyurethane products leave problematic bubbles, drips, and brush marks on your surfaces.

This won’t happen if you use wipe-on poly, as you only need to apply the thin coat using a lint-free cloth. Thus, there are no more markings and drips left behind.

It Is Pretty Simple To Use Your Wipe-On Polyurethane

Applying typical polyurethane products is difficult if you haven’t mastered the right skills, as you will create puddles, streaks, and lint.

If you use your wipe-on polyurethane, you can say goodbye to those problems. You will have a smoother finish by wiping your surface using a lint-free cloth on your hands.

Applying sanding between polyurethane coatings is always good, but it needs to be done gently. If you sand too aggressively, some coats can be stripped away.

Related:

Apply Polyurethane without Bubbles

Stain Over Polyurethane

Speed Up Polyurethane Drying Time Quickly