Water based Poly

[gMike]

It's got to be something I'm doing wrong, only I can't figure it out.

First time using Minwax water based poly and no matter what I do it looks like crap.  All it does is leave patches of bubbles.  I've tried brushing and foam brushes and it doesn't make any difference.  I think my next experiment will be putting it on with a broom, it can't look any worse.

Anybody have any experience with this stuff that could give me a few tips on how to avoid getting bubbles with every stroke?

[clockman]

Maybe you got a bad can of finish? I have used it without  problem, but prefer the oil based finish.

[Wild Turkey]

I used a water-based poly on a bathroom remodel and it was so thin there were no bubbles.  

Is it a fresh can?  Stirred well?

[Stwood_]

It's got to be something I'm doing wrong, only I can't figure it out.

First time using Minwax water based poly and no matter what I do it looks like crap.  All it does is leave patches of bubbles.  I've tried brushing and foam brushes and it doesn't make any difference.  I think my next experiment will be putting it on with a broom, it can't look any worse.

Anybody have any experience with this stuff that could give me a few tips on how to avoid getting bubbles with every stroke?

Good stuff. I switched to it from lacquer. I spray it though. It does not brush well.

[Sawdustd]

If you're looking for water based poly, use General Finish High Performance.  No bubbles, self-leveling, dries within 2 hours, very durable finish, and applies nicely with a foam brush.   I had the same problem you did until I switched.   The additional cost/price is well worth the result.

[Scoony]

I have used quite a bit of the Minwax Oil Modified water based poly and have no problems applying with either a foam brush or spraying. I have found that finish to be very durable and easy to use.   Stir, don't shake.  It gives me enough open time to level off major errors. It flows out good, so after feathering off, I will walk away and it always looks better when I return. It sands nicely between coats also.

[Rob Young]

It's got to be something I'm doing wrong, only I can't figure it out.

First time using Minwax water based poly and no matter what I do it looks like crap.  All it does is leave patches of bubbles.  I've tried brushing and foam brushes and it doesn't make any difference.  I think my next experiment will be putting it on with a broom, it can't look any worse.

Anybody have any experience with this stuff that could give me a few tips on how to avoid getting bubbles with every stroke?

As this is the easiest stuff I can get in town, I've used maybe a few gallons (a quart at a time).

1) Minimize the shaking if you are using one with flattening agents.  Just stir.  I've not found a need to stir the gloss more than a few swizzles as there isn't anything in suspension.

2) If using a foam brush, wet the brush in water (distilled or bottled if you have it just in case your tap water is funky).  Wring out the brush and get to work.  While waiting between coats, store the brush in the same cup of water.  

3) Get a decent foam brush.  Hard to describe and I've yet to find a proper brand name but I like the ones with wooden handles, the little plastic paddle inside the brush and they feel a bit on the firm side.  My local Ace Hardware has ones that are good.  The Home Depot store seems to be buying from different vendors all the time. YMMV

4) Best solution of all, stop brushing the stuff and start spraying it.  I think you can even buy the stuff in aerosol cans if the project is small enough.


I just wish there was a GF dealer in my town and I didn't have to drive between 40 and 60 minutes to get the stuff.  I'd switch in a heartbeat.

[Snipe Hunter]

Stirred? Not shaken?

[jteneyck]

Bob, you can buy GF's products on line from various vendors - even Amazon carries some of their products.  

John