Do you dread adding a protective finish to your work? Are you sick of brush strokes, drips and sags? Then a Wipe On Poly is probably a good finishing alternative to add to your arsenal, plus its super easy to make yourself!

What is a Wipe On Poly?

Wipe On Poly is a durable, clear finish that combines polyurethane protection with classic, hand-rubbed beauty. This finish is great for lots of pieces but especially great for furniture, railings and trim. Best part is it can be applied with a cloth – so no need to worry about drips and brush marks.

Why use a Wipe On Poly?

The main benefit of using a Wipe On Poly versus a traditional polyurethane (or even a water based finish), is that Wipe On Poly is easily applied with a cloth, without any drips or brush marks. It is the perfect choice for furniture, interior doors, trim and other woodwork, plus it dries relatively quick so multiple coats in a day is still possible. It’s also a pretty cheap option when it comes to price, and when you make it yourself you can save even more!

Minwax makes a pre mixed Wipe On Poly that is an easy to use option that is available at most big box stores. I have also linked it below.

How to make your own Wipe On Poly

Making your own Wipe On Poly is super easy to do yourself, its more economical than buying the pre mixed version, plus you can vary your mixture ratio to the way you like best!

Supplies

• Odorless Mineral Spirits (just the regular type, not the “green” version)

• Oil Based, Fast Drying Polyurethane. I use this version from Minwax. Must be a fast drying version

• Measuring cups or spoons

• Airtight container like mason jar or screw top tupperware

• Lint free cotton rags or blue shop towels

• 3M Between Coats gray finishing pad

• 3M Final Finishing white pad

Directions

1. Stir your can of Oil Based, Fast Drying Polyurethane thoroughly to incorporate all the solids. DO NOT SHAKE as it will create too many air bubbles

2. Mix either a 1-1 or 2-1 ratio of Oil Based, Fast Drying Polyurethane to mineral spirts in your container and stir to combine

3. Once mixed, you are ready to start applying

4. Fold your cloth into a manageable size and then dip it into the Wipe On Poly mixture

5. Once saturated, drag your cloth with the wood grain using even pressure and coat the surface you wish to seal

6. Based on temperature and humidity, let the finish dry for 1-4 hours (shouldn’t be tacky)

7. Sand between coats using the 3M gray finishing pad

8. Repeat steps 5-7 anywhere from 4-6 times, or until you achieve the desired finish

9. After your final coat has dried, use a brown paper bag or the white sanding sponges to knock off any dust nibs and achieve a perfect sheen finish

Check out my Instagram Reel below

Tips

• Try different Wipe On Poly ratios to find out what consistency you like best

• A more diluted mixture will dry more quickly but also required more coats to build up enough finish

• A less diluted mixture will dry more slowly, but require less coats

• I prefer a 2-1 ratio of Oil Based, Fast Drying Polyurethane to mineral spirts, but seen maybe people use a 1-1 ratio. Test out small batches to see what works best for you

Check out my other Blog post’s HERE and took a look at the products in our Shop HERE

 

Good luck and happy finishing! -BLH