Question for Wipe on Poly users

[Peter36]

I bought some satin Minwax wipe on poly 12 months or so ago and have just tried it on a project . The surface remains very slightly tacky after 12 hours . Is this normal? Its being applied to Tas Myrtle:confused:

[martrix]

Hi Peter, I have only tested the Gloss wipe on, and it always dried in about half an hour to an hour, no tackiness to speak of.

this is probably a stupid question, but had you applied anything else prior to applying the Minwax? what was the temp? high humidity?

[Des.K.]

I think you might need to buy some more, Peter.

I've only used the gloss, but it should be quite watery out of the can. If not, it's probably dried out a bit, and, I think, useless. I had half a can unused for about four months, and it ended up with the consistency of thick Estapol. I threw it out.

The can (gloss) recommends three or four hours for dying, but on a reasonable day, it shouldn't take much more than an hour or so, and there shouldn't be any tackiness at all.

I reckon the stuff is great, and very easy to use.

[MF3106]

I've just bought some, and am using it on a bed I've just made - very happy with the results and ease of use so far.

From other posts does there seem to be a shelf life, is there anything that can be done to extend product life one opened.


Regards

[MF3106]

I posted a question on the Miniwax website re wipe on poly. Below is the very prompt reply I received.

"Thank you for taking the time to write. The average shelf life for the
Wipe-On Poly is 5 years unopened. This shelf life is 5 years from
production date printed on the can lid.

When a can has been opened, the solvents in the product are exposed to air.
The air between the lid and the unused portion (of product) will begin to
age the product. Once the solvents have evaporated from product, the
product (resins) begins to gel. You may reduce the Wipe-On Poly with 100%
pure mineral spirits up to 15%. Generally a 5-10% reduction will
rejuvenate the film.

Next Storage Period
To extend the shelf life of the product:
1.) Pour the remaining product into a smaller can, minimizing the open air
pocket from product to lid.
OR
2.) Pour mineral spirits into can to cover the remaining product, before
sealing lid. Just enough to cover the unused portion. The mineral spirits
will act as a vapor barrier and will evaporate before air begins to hit
product. If you use the product before the mineral spirits have
evaporated, you can stir the mineral spirits into remaining product. (The
mineral spirits will not weaken the performance of the product)"

[martrix]

Excellent info, well done.

Maybe a question should be put to them regarding the stoopid friggin lid!

Every time I use it, I wipe off excess product from the tin mouth and the lid, yet when I next open it I have to use multi-grips! The threaded lip on the tin is almost ready to shear off.


......................great gear though

[martrix]

Did some searches on mineral spirits, and came out a little confused.

Minwax suggested 'thinning with mineral spirits', so would White spirit be suitable or Mineral turps? sorry to drag it up....

[Rocker]

Martrix,

New stock of Minwax wipe-on poly no longer has a screw-in metal cap. Instead, it has a plastic lid which snaps into the closed position; you open it by levering it up with a screwdriver.

Rocker

[martrix]

Cool, thanks Rocker.
I bought a tin about a month ago, so maybe the new stock hasn't filtered down to Mexico yet.

Sounds like the people at Minwax are on the ball.

[Peter36]

Do'nt put it on too thick-takes longer to dry
Do'nt use a piece of Bonds singlet for an applicator - leaves rib marks
Otherwise a graet finish

Peter

[Rocker]

Peter,

A comparative test of wipe-on finishes was described in a recent article in FW #178. Minwax wipe-on poly came out very well in that test. The author's method of application was to apply the finish with a cloth, adding more finish as dry spots appeared. After 15 minutes the excess was wiped off. This latter operation, wiping off the excess, is not mentioned in the instructions on the can, but I found it makes a big difference to the quality of the finish.

Rocker

[Auld Bassoon]

Cool, thanks Rocker.
I bought a tin about a month ago, so maybe the new stock hasn't filtered down to Mexico yet.

Sounds like the people at Minwax are on the ball.

Hmmm, I bought some MinWax Gloss about eight months ago and the can has the plastic screwdriver opened lid that Rocker mentions.

I find the stuff almost Bassoon proof, and that, believe me, is a recommendation!

Also, as per Rocker's comment, I apply quite liberally, then wipe off the excess. I also use three rags, one for the application, one for the first wipe off, and final clean one for the last. I also still tend to give the third and/or penultimate coat a light scuff with 1200 W&D when hard prior to the final coat.

[Peter36]

Glad I put that question up . There has been a lot of good info as a result and I would prefer to use a more friendly finish like wipe on poly rather than spray as my spray set up leaves a lot to be desired - in front of an open garage door. But it is quicker

[DPB]

I've also discovered that it goes onto an oiled surface very well. I like the grain filling properties of Organoil's Hard Burnish Oil. It also fills in any minor gaps where a joint isn't quite perfect. After 24 hours though, the nice glow you thought that you were achieving with Organoil begins to dull and fade. That's when I apply the MinWax Wipe-On Poly. It brings the glow back and after 48 hours of curing is as hard as nails.

[Ingin]

I have not used the wipe on Miniwax, is it a similar product to estapol only a wipe on thus eliminating those dreaded brush marks?
Where is it stocked? Bunnies?