wiping poly

50/50 is a good starting point, but you can experiment because the ratio is not all that critical. The thinner you mix it, the more coats it will take. I am currently using a batch of 50/50 I mixed up, but I find it a wee bit thin, so I’ll try a bit more poly next time.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

I’ve had good luck with 50/50, but like Charlie said it can take a while
One thing to look out for is some are already thinned to a wiping consistency (I think General is like this, and I know Minwax makes one as well, correct me if I’m wrong of course). I usually buy full strength and then thin it myself, since I can’t see the wisdom in spending the same amount of money for what is in essence half the product.

-- Steve -- University Heights, Ohio

Just to add one more point the exact ratio, as Charlie has said, is not important. And you can use paint thinner, mineral spirits or lacquer thinner. I generally use mineral spirits and cut it to 50:50. I usually have to put on 6 to 8 coats to get the build I like and lightly sanding between each coat. The advantage of mineral spirits is that it takes a little longer to evaporate whereas lacquer thinner will flash off faster. This gives less time for dust nibs to get into the finish but I just happen to like the longer “open” time that mineral spirits gives so that the finish has more time to level out.

I agree with you about the water based product. It has come a long way since it was first introduced but it still is not up to par with the oil based product. Water base poly imparts a bluish tint to the topcoat, which has a rather “cold” appearance. Oil poly gives it an amber color which “warms” up the finish.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

I don’t beleive there is a correct ratio, the genral rule is pretty much the thinner it is the more coats it will take, but the smoother the application. I tend to hand around the 50/50 mark too, but honestly, but have used 60/40, or 40/60. I think your best solution would be to use 50/50 as a starting point and adjust until you find a ratio that you get good results with.

Gentlemen, My 2 new craftsman style book cases and I thankyou immensley. I have very little fall off to experiment on and even have to purchase more 1/4 sawn white oak to make the doors. So thanks again. Also I have a modified Mission stain and will publish it in it’s own topic.

Take a look at Marc's video, he talke about it.

Innovator

-- Whether You Think You Can or You Think You Can't, YOU ARE RIGHT!!!