All Replies on Help! Poly doesn't want a crack 'er scratch.

Are you thinning the poly or is it full strength? Ive had issues using wipe on and it taking a ton of coats on reclaimed wood to absorb. I say stick with it ….

-- "there aren’t many hand tools as awe-inspiring as the #8 jointer. I mean, it just reeks of cast iron heft and hubris" - Smitty

I’m using it full strength.

-- The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know. Ron, Crossville Tn

hmmm … kinda puzzling. Theres gotta be somethin goin on there. Are you scuffing between coats? Maybe id drop down and hit the whole table with 220 to see if you can get something to bite. Just my thoughts.

-- "there aren’t many hand tools as awe-inspiring as the #8 jointer. I mean, it just reeks of cast iron heft and hubris" - Smitty

I did scuff between the first 2 coats. After the 3rd I scuffed the trouble spots and tried again with no luck.

-- The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know. Ron, Crossville Tn

giving this thread a little sunday mornin bump, there’s gotta be an answer out there.

-- "there aren’t many hand tools as awe-inspiring as the #8 jointer. I mean, it just reeks of cast iron heft and hubris" - Smitty

I have run into this same problem when refinishing table tops and discovered that old wax build-up is the culprit . In order to solve the problem you need to make sure that ALL of the old wax and finish is sanded off to bare wood. You will know that you got it all when the stain is absorbed equally in these spots. Stain and poly will not bond to wax.

-- Mike --www.midlothianwoodworks.com

the number of issues that can cause this is unreal , contamination in the seam, or the seam is slightly open , which will cause most finishes to repel from a sharp edge, finishes flow, and sharp edges dont allow them to flow over and into, lets fix it,>>>> once the coat is dry, use some Nahptha to clean the seem good , then if you have some, take a little shellac and using an artist brush apply some shellac in the seam, it will seal any contamination off, including wax, HOWEVER if the poly is oil base, be careful an uncured oil poly can be “lifted” by the shellac, shellac is a sure cure all, BUT BUT BUT, before doing that, simply put some poly in the seam, ( dry surface around it ), a small brush, or whatever, wet the seam , then using a clean finger, ( yes finger) simply wipe the poly ,working it around to force it into the seam, let dry , scuff sand and if needed do it again, to get the seam back to flush and rock and roll,

^there we go! I’m just happy when any solution involves shellac:)

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

Thanks to all for the suggestions. Charles, I will try what you said.

-- The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know. Ron, Crossville Tn

Love it …. mmm nothin better than the smell of shellac in the morning.

-- "there aren’t many hand tools as awe-inspiring as the #8 jointer. I mean, it just reeks of cast iron heft and hubris" - Smitty

Its probably silicon. Almost nothing will stick to it. Charles solution is the best route.

-- Superdav "No matter where you go - there you are." http://chiselandforge.com

Charles, I don’t have any naphtha right now. Will regular paint thinner or mineral spirits work?

-- The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know. Ron, Crossville Tn

A little lighter fluid will work.

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

Thanks, Jim. Look like I need to get off here and go try it out.

-- The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know. Ron, Crossville Tn

yep Jim is correct, charcoal lighter fluid is nahptha , read the back

Uh, If you’re gonna use the shellac, make SURE that it is dewaxed (Seal Coat).
Bill

-- bill@magraphics.us

@Bill, Thanks for the heads up.

-- The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know. Ron, Crossville Tn

UPDATE. I got some shellac and covered the trouble spots. Let it dry overnight and put one more coat of poly on it. One more happy customer!

-- The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know. Ron, Crossville Tn