Polycrylic or Polyurethane: How and When to Apply | This or That DIY | Wood Finishing Basics
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- Опубліковано 6 вер 2024
- If you're wondering whether to use Minwax Polycrylic or Minwax Polyurethane as a topcoat for your wood finishing DIY project, you NEED to see this! I talk about the differences between Polycrylic and Polyurethane, how to apply them, and when you should use each topcoat to get the finished look you want. Knowing the differences between these oil-based and water-based paint and stain sealers is essential knowledge for any DIYer!
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Affiliate links to products shown in this video:
Polycrylic: amzn.to/2Zrb93m
Polyurethane: amzn.to/3gazVdT
4" foam roller: amzn.to/2TttVDm
The best polyester brushes: amzn.to/2ARFsG9
#MinwaxPolycrylic #MinwaxPolyurethane #ThisOrThatDIY
Satin Polyurethane will remain a gloss to semi -gloss finish if not completely stirred in the can before and during the application. This means a good 5-10 mins. of stirring. Do not shake the can as it will cause air bubbles that take days to disapate. The more coats you apply the more gloss is achieved in the finish. This I have experienced as a professional painting contractor for over 30 years. All satin products need complete mixing to achieve your satin finish. I appreciate your videos and most all your advice is spot on. Your are a good role model for all the young DYI'ers. Keep up the good work!
Came here for advice and now I'm in love so that's cool.
😂👍
Lmao I was too mesmerized too learn a damn thing
I concur!
She’s pretty
Son of a bitch I hear ya
Nice explanation of the differences. I like the durability of oil-based. After a few years, the two look very similar.
If you finish with oil based poly, do not throw the rags in the trash. They can start a fire. I've seen it happen. I like to hang them up to dry. The next day they are dry and perfectly safe.
Ah hanging them. Thank you! I was never sure what to do with these stupid rags. I been throwing them in a bucket of water but now don’t know what to do with that mess. Was also laying them all over the place. Now I’m going to do a little clothes line. 👍
Polyurethane does not oxidize cure, it dries. Urethane doesn’t spontaneously combust because it is solvent drying.
Linseed or other similars like Tung Oil do create heat because it cures. This generates heat and a balled up rag can combust as it cures and oxidizes.
Please make sure to lay out any rags used for oil based products flat until they're dry before throwing them in the trash. If it's bunched up, the fumes can increase the temperature high enough to spontaneously combust (a lot of garage fires start that way). Once it's dry enough to stop off-gassing, it should be fine to throw out.
Thank you for this comment! Directions on cans either say not to throw out the rags, but they not what to do with them, or they say "dispose of properly" but don't say what that is. Now I know that once the fumes are gone, the dry rags are safe to discard. Thanks!
I’m experimenting with Varathane’s water based polyurethane on a wood project. You can apply coats every 2-3 hours and fumes aren’t too bad. It even goes on milky so you can see what’s going on then it dries clear.
This is everything you need to know if you're a DIYer or a Professional learning to protect paint and stain. The information is inclusive, and presented in a logical order, thank you for this great video.
Great info! Don't use water-base on wood benches and tables. I did and after time, it became sticky. Use oil-base. More durable and not sticky
But what if I painted a chair white and don’t want it to yellow?😶
4:15 -Thank You for explaining the Dry times between the two different poly types AND time BETWEEN Coats and when to re-apply etc. This will help the current project we are doing since we have a can each of both oil based and water based and just bought a combo ( Varathane poly + water based ) Stain ! Assuming we can finish with either one but fumes, dry time in between, and clean up, are the game changers on what to use. Thanks again !
Thank you so much for this video! Very informative and now I know that I should use polycrilic to finish my countertops instead of the polyurethane I was planning on using. You rock!
This was fantastic. Quick and to the point. No nonsense talk. I love this video 💜
Yes! Yes! & Yes! I totally agree!!! Well done!
1:38 was exactly what I needed. THANK YOU 🙏
Well, I think you can achieve a somewhat natural look but it's more work. If you apply thin coats and at the end you rub the finish with an abrasive pad (synthetic steel wool), I suppose you can get rid of the gloss and plasticky look. I'm going to try soon because I don't usually like the look of the water based products but sometimes I need protection with no yellowing. And always prefer less harmful stuff if possible.
thank you, i painted some wooden shelves white but they are hard to wipe clean when they get dusty. So i was looking for something clear i could use over the paint to make then easier to wipe down. This helped alot. 😁
Thank you for your honesty, many you tubers won’t tell you details and you’ll end messing up your stuff 🤦🏻♀️
TY for this info. I'm about to polyacrylic a coffee table I just refinished. I chose the polyacrylic because of the clean up & being less toxic. I didn't know I would need so many layers, so I'll be sure to do 5 to 6. Thanks again for the video, it was very helpful
Go with an oil modifed finish. You still have water clean up and a better finish.
Wow! Wonderful walk through the material. Not one wasted word or distraction. I hope you continue doing videos.
Hey Melissa , there is an element you're missing which is addressed by Stumpy Nubs video " How to apply a nice satin/ matte wood finish " . In it he discusses how satin and matte polycrylic finishes have silica flattening agents that require specialized stirring so they don't settle to the bottom of the can . Also wax is used to create matte finishes on period pieces along with shellac and varnish.
Hi, thanks for this video! Just wanted to mention that I recently found Polycrylic in a clear Ultra Flat finish at Lowes. I did a test against the satin finish, this ultra flat is a winner! I'm sealing a chevron style red oak farm door.
Oh good to know! I have yet to find a poly that didn't have shine so now I'll have to try that Ultra Flat!
I just got a Polyurethane product that is water-based (soap and water clean up). It's Varathane Triple Thick Polyurethane 3X, in clear matte finish (the one I chose), for interior projects on stained or bare wood. I haven't tried it yet, but it says it's an "advanced self-leveling formula", and it's one coat is as thick as 3 coats of traditional poly, allowing projects to be completed in only 1 coat. It also has quick drying times: 2 hours to the touch, 48 hrs for moderate use of project, and 7 days for total cure time.
I truly thank you for all this information. I’m finished with the top of my dining room table and love it. However, I had planned to stain it. But now, I like it as is and will apply ten coats of polyacrylei as you advised. Wish me luck!
Whew. Talk about taking me to school! I painted a huge antique desk in chalk paint, two toned, black top with white body and black hardware. I knew wax wasn't going to protect the top from all the activities. So I came here to see if I was correct in going with the poly on the top. I'm going to go with the wax on the white. Can't even think about yellowing and possibly having to redo it. That would be my special nightmare. I've liked, commented and sub'd. I love yr no nonsense approach to yr content. Thx for yr time and knowledge. U rock!
Tip: Listen at 1.25x
Super informative and clear video though, love it!
lol YEAH!!
i actually started at 1.5 speed.... great!
You did an excellent job on this video, thanks. You're concise, well-informed and you get right down to business. Way too many videos are useless prattle to about the half mark when they begin to address what the title says they'll address.
A most complete unbiased informative video. Gives you everything you want to know and everything you need to know. Thanks for sharing. - Grampa Joe
You can also spray on polycrylic with a cheap HVLP sprayer (e.g., Wagner). Thin it a bit first (2.5 tablespoons of distilled water to 12 ounces of polycrylic-stir slowly; don’t shake). Read the sprayer instructions for HOW to spray. Watch a video or two. Do many quick, light coats (5-6) and overlap each pass by about 20 percent. Lightly sand in between coats after it dries (1-2 hours), and I mean LIGHT (very little pressure). I use 400 grit. Don’t sand the final coat. You’ll get a pro finish. No brush marks. Smooth as glass. Be sure to clean out your sprayer after you’re done with mineral spirits and then lots of warm water. Move quick and you won’t need to clean the sprayer between coats. Just put a moist rag over the tip in between coats.
Thank you for this info! It was exactly what I needed to know and you explained it all so well 👍
The only thing I would say is do not throw any rags with oil based products on them in the trash! They absolutely CAN and do combust without any spark or ignition agent. 😳
Apparently as the “drying” type oils (as opposed to kitchen oils that stay wet) start evaporating they heat up. If the rag is balled up it gets too hot and can combust on its own. 🔥 They say dry flat or put in sealed container of water. Someone here said to hang them to dry which is a great idea. 👍
Thanks again and I subscribed.👏
I just started using polyacrylic and Im using it in my diamond puzzles. It so beautiful it doesn't dim the shine of the diamonds, it makes them shinier. Most people use midge podge to seal diamond puzzles I used Midge podge to seal their puzzles I hate it .I'm loving Polyacrylic
From Buffalo. N.Y. Thanks for the tips. I was using Polyurethane on dresser drawers both inside and out. Once again, THANKS for the tips.
I'm new to wood working, but so far I love the Polyurethane, seems like I can do the project with 3 coats of urethane, where the water base take's double. I have been making Adirondack Chair's, and the oil base really makes the cedar pop out...
That sounds like the perfect application for outside chairs and I agree that polyurethane goes on with less coats than polycrylic. Thanks for your comment!!
Well I learnt something new from watching your staircase renovation and had to find out about the poly acrylic and your channel pops up again, thanks!
Ha awesome! I'm glad 🙂
Hi! Thanks for the video. One question: how do you avoid air bubbles when applying Polycrylic with foam roller? Thanks! 🙂
I use a roller and always have a brush nearby to smooth the surface. I have always had good results. (Slowly hand stir to eliminate introducing air bubbles. Never shake containers of sealer.)
This was so helpful. It's so great to see other women doing DIY and sharing their tips. What do you think about a Varathane Diamond Finish? How does that compare to a polycrylic or polyurethane finish? Would like a video on this!
Excellent job defining the differences between polyurethane and polycrylic.
I am new to paining with chalk paint. I painted my dresser and used wax. I did two coats of wax but got water marks very easily. I sanded it and painted again. I bought both polyurethane and polycrylic, but I’m not sure which will be better. I love the color and don’t want to ruin it. I need it to have some level of water resistance since I decorate with plants. Thank you so much for your informative videos.
I have been using Poly for decades and gained info.... Great presentation.
Use captions in your video throughout to highlight each subject you're currently on like you did 1:46. I was so focused on how cute you look - and without any other visuals on the screen - I forgot if you were talking about polycyclic or polyurethane at ant particular time
I really appreciate the shared knowledge! Especially the bit on raw plywood where color change is not desired. Which "poly" did you use on your raw ceiling?
Would you recommend either of these poly-products on raw plywood used as countertops where water will be present? I'm looking for something extremely durable to protect raw plywood without changing the color of the light colored wood (okoume).
Excellent video. I wish I would have seen this before applying the Polyurethane.
Did you put it over white paint?
Me too!
Me too! I painted my cabinets with off white a few years back they're now yellow. I'm going to be redoing them. This helped a lot.
Refinishing chairs with black oil based gel stain and need to seal them polyurethane ? Or polycrylic?
Definitely polyurethane
@@WelcometotheWoodsBlog Thank you so much this is the best video I've found on the two different top coats. Watching your step video and how you moved them just a tip once you place the 2x4 underneath if you have a pipe or pvc piece long enough for whatever you are moving you can place it underneath and roll it around with ease 2 works even better or i have used the kids skateboard lol....just a tip thanks again 🙂
@@johnnyvasquez3181 great idea!!
That front porch ceiling looks great. I probably would have applied Minwax Natural (No. 209) stain to the raw wood before sealing with poly but that is a large area so I understand why you didn't. I've also never applied poly with a a foam roller (just foam brushes) so that's a tip I'll have to try sometime.
Getting stain and poly into wood filler on boards is a challenge. Wood filler always seems to stand out when finished. I had to fill in some deep scratches on a window sill from years of the dogs putting their big feet and nails on them to look out the window.
Clutch video. Helped me out when choosing a top coat for my bench. New to woodworking.
Good to hear! :)
The most non annoying and informative video! Thank you so much!
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for sharing this I’ll go with poly on my front door 🚪
Thanks for sharing.
Wow SUPER informative with no pointless filler!!!
Super helpful! Doing a baby salt dough foot imprint craft project and didn't want to use mod podge. Thank you
This was extremely helpful! Thank you!
I have a bar top that's 1x10 pine. What would you recommend using for a water resistant finish on that. That also won't change to much of the color of the pine now.. Thank you
Thank you so much for clear explanation. I'll be staining and applying one of poly for the first time for couple of upcoming projects. Subscribed!
I'm glad it was helpful! Thanks for subbing! 🙂
I have raw, branded wood (yes branded with a branding iron) that will get full sun and full weather all year round. How do I seal them to best protect them?
Thank you for the great tips. What would you recommend to "seal" a stained coffee table that will be covered in stickers after staining? I could go either way on the base for the stain. Oil or water based. I don't care. Also, the stickers will all be high quality, plastic type stickers. Not the cheap paper ones.
That's not true. Polyurethane comes in a water based version, so watch the labels.
Its true on mine is Oil Based
Yes polyurethane come IN Water base AND Oil base... Water base dries quicker and is better for retouch-ups on wood and oil base is good for natural original woods that's never been stained or polished
Also comes in an oil-modified (like minwax), so it drys ultra fast over oil or water base stains with easy water clean up and no smelly vapors. Those cheap white paint pads for edging/cutting in walls to ceilings work amazingly well for clear coats and stain! if washed out and kept wet, i can use the one same pad on well over 2000+ linear feet of 5' tongue and grove n.p. About the same with oil base stain, one dip in mineral spirits and blow out with air compressor keeps them very clean with minimal waste and skin contact.
I was just researching this because I remember buying water-based polyurethane so thank you
@@03zoey it's not true. Polycrylic is a trademarked name. But it's still Minwax's water based polyurethane line
Terrific overview and hits the high points very well.
What is the lowest temperature outside is best to apply polyurethane over a stained project!?
Please tell me about the lacquer finishes, like when to apply , how well they hold up , are they smooth finishes or how do they compare to other finishes.
Great video! Thanks! I just finished painting my kitchen table using white chalk paint, I waxed it and bought a poly product, matt finish, hope this is correct.
Hello poly acrylic you use great product s it gives you character about really polished substances
It's me again is adorable the polycrylic for a bathroom counter specially a kitchen counter thank you
Excellent, to-the-point video, and VERY helpful. I wish I had seen it before using polyurethane over a latex gray painted surface a couple of months ago. It now looks like I varnished over the gray. UG-LY!!! I'm going to re-do my project, and I'll use polycrylic for sure this time. THANK YOU!!!
Thank you so much. So if you wanted completely non yellowing and satin or matte finish what would you use instead please? I want something I don’t have to keep reapplying and that is non toxic please.
I don't have a ton of projects that require a completely matte finish so I've usually just used a spray. This is the one: amzn.to/33cf7ii (affiliate link) you can probably find it cheaper in the store. Almost everything has some level of toxicity, this spray should be done outdoors for this reason but the smell isn't too bad. Do three coats of this spray and you shouldn't need to reapply often.
This is one of the best videos.. you saved me hours and a headache.. thank you
Thank you soo much. I now know the difference and appreciate how direct and succinct your video is. Great video
thinking of buffing and polishing an existing wood floor, not in a bad shape just to refresh. was told I need to match the existing finish:
How can I tell what finish was used originally?
Best video on Polycoat. Simple to the point no bs!
If you do need durability for a kitchen table but not a shine, what should I use? I want a flat finish and it will be going over gel stain. Please let me know your opinion.
Very good explanation of polys. Maybe you could add some side by side visual comparisons. Not complaining, just trying to help. Thank you. 👍
This is so helpful. I’m about to start one two different projects and I think that I will do both products on both projects but different areas of the projects (depending on the paint color I use, and how much use they will be subjected to). Very direct very concise. I will check out more of your videos!
Thank you for this useful video! I just painted an old Ikea Kallax bookcase and made doors for it. Waiting for it to cure. Do you think it matters if I use a Minwax vs a Varathane polycrylic?
What would you use for a matte finish on a black painted countertop? (I haven't decided whether to use oil or water-based paint yet). Many thanks for your thoughts!
Did u ever get a solution to this?
I have used these same products many times over the years and mostly with a brush and some success and better success with smooth foam rollers on larger pieces or projects. But I really don’t like either the oil based or the water based lol. I haven’t tried but am thinking of trying spray lacquer but have no experience with it.
very informative video, but I would like to see an edit on it that addresses the question whether the polyurethane-soaked rag is at risk for self-combustion. I always shudder when anyone says "just throw them in the trash" without mentioning whether the fire risk.
Thank you for talking about the yellow tinting! I had to learn the hard way.
We have an IKEA dining table, we love that wood finish, but we like to protect it, what's the best to NOT have a shiney finish, just as sealer?
Just sand with a fine grit sandpaper after finishing.
I'm attempting to do my counter in the bathroom and kitchen is the polycrylic for a bathroom counter and kitchen counter
I'm going to refinish an out door bench. Its got a US Flag back on it...and the seat parts are going to be painted red and white , I intend to use acrylic paints ... then sealed with Polyacrylic. How many coats of sealer should I use? I'm going for easy clean up, too.. grin. Thank you. Keep smilin
This was a awesome video. I’m trying to decide on what to use to finish a dining room set I painted using chalk paint. I tried polycrylic but it dried white if I didn’t catch a drip
I am confused, I just started to renovate my bathroom counter top as in a DIY only to understand fumes all the protective finishes has.. I put a a marble look wall paper on the counter and just want to finish with a clear protection from water and mold. Can I get some help?
Thanks,
Confused
Thank you for this video. Great information. My take away is that for the dining tables I am refinishing for a Mexican Restaurant, which will have no stain or paint, I could use either water or oil poly. I’m curious to know how you believe the Polycrylic will tolerate the restaurant grade cleaning chemical that may be used to clean the tables between customers. Thank you again
Varathane's Polyurethane comes in a water based version.
Excellent video. Not sure what I should use for a flat finish on kitchen cabinets.
I tried using a foam roller to apply my Minwax on the painted shelving, and it left tiny bubbles all over my project. Luckily I had a brush, which I used to go over the bubbles 🫧 and popped most of them. I figured that brush is better for this product.
You did a great job helping me with my questions, thank you for making this vid
Great video! Probably goes without saying but I avoid using any type of finish coat on outside projects as the UV and moisture can cause them to chip and peel over time which is a disaster to refinish. Lots of clear, concise information in here. Thank you very much!
They many coatings with UV stabilizers.
Been there, done that with poly yellowing over a beautiful project. Great job. Keep up the great work. Wow, if you aren't a spokeswoman for Minwax, you should be. Love your hair.
I painted my door with black paint and tried polyacrylic over it, turning it a milky mess. I had to resand and paint it again. How did you apply it to your black risers and keep them black!? Perhaps, I didn't mix it enough?
Any oil based paint and varnish can be washed off your brushes and rollers using neat fairy liquid and a little warm water but plenty of the fairy liquid, you will never need to clean with spirit again..... Try it.
Liverpool UK
I used a polycrylic clear satin over a water-based paint countertop applied with a sponge roller. The finish had lots of tiny bubbles. How do I get a smooth finish?
Hi! I am repurposing an old desk into a vanity. I have painted it teal, my daughters favorite color. I started with the polyurethane but immediately noticed it yellowing. GRRR - I didn't know!!! Now I have to resend that part.. . So I should use the polycrylic? And will that give it a glossy finish??
What product do you use for a matte finish ? I want something that doesn't shine
Wow I happened upon your video in the nick of time! Getting ready to seal chalk painted table...only did two coats...look like I have some more work to do! Thank you for sharing😊k
what did you use?
Polyacrylic Satin Spray paint
Any suggestions of what I can coat a white IKEA (fiberboard/acrylic paint) table top (LINNMON) with in order to make it more durable and look more expensive?
I'm liking the 2 part epoxy sprays.
Thank you so much for these tips.. I'm doing my countertops in water base epoxy and since I'll be placing food and cooking on it what kind of sealer do you recommend. Thank you so much God bless
I learned so much in this video. I like how u explain in a simple and to the point way.
Don’t want yellow or white tinge so whats the solution? Open to ideas! I’m trying to protect painted kitxhen cupboards!
Ladies and gentlemen…I know this is old…but this woman is 100% correct in everything she says.
I build guitars from parts, and I am amazed how polycrylic behaves exactly how she says. I did a test with polyurethane on a white surface, and turns it totally amber. The worst.
Polycrylic goes on totally clear, no smell, quick drying.
Am a newbie here, I wanted to say thank you for the awesome informative contents, my question is about a raw pieces of lumber that are not sanded in any way and has rough surface, why would be best used as a protective layer from moist etc, without sanding it first! Am not confident I will get a reply but Thank you in advance anyway :)
Wow..!!!! Thank you soooooo much Wish I would’ve seen this earlier I got a satin finish clear poly in my kitchen cabinets are so shiny
I love this video but I have a question. If I make a wooden birdhouse and paint what seal do I use? I've used Rust-oleum ultra cover and all of my projects are falling apart.
Painted my stair handrails in the basement walkway white latex, I think I should do polycrylic. If I use polycrylic, that should help with oils from hand and prevent peeling right?
Nice video ,,,btw you use to sit behind me in fourth grade ,, you would always pull my hair
but you would stop when i started crying , so that was cool
Lol
Kids right
Just the advice I needed! Although, quick question about the matte finish…I just white painted some dark wood paneling in my basement and did all the steps. I have scratched it 3 places already:( so I want to seal it. Any suggestions? Thanks!!