As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.
There is a new variety of polyurethane every time you do your research.
The quest of manufacturers to develop the ideal application technique is one factor. Some claim that the best comparison between Wipe on Poly and Brush on Poly is already available.
When comparing wipe on polyurethane vs. brush on, this article will balance the advantages and disadvantages of each type and identify the optimal option.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
pt Minwax 40917 Clear Wipe-On Poly Water-Based Polyurethane, Satin | $19.98 | CHECK PRICE | |
|
General Finishes Enduro-VAR II Water Based Urethane Topcoat, 1 Quart, Satin | $50.00 | CHECK PRICE |
What is wipe-on Poly?
Wipe-on A specific variety of polyurethane with an oil basis called poly has only one main technique of application. It’s true that the creators could have chosen a name that was more imaginative, but they preferred to avoid needless conversation.
As the name implies, only a lint-free rag should be used to apply it. Spraying, brushing, or rolling this particular type of polyurethane is not advised.
While that might sound too limited, wipe-on Poly was developed for a variety of uses. It is helpful, for instance, when
- Polyurethane application to vertical constructions.
- working with small, hard-to-reach curves or edges.
- Your urgency is evident.
- To fix small mistakes.
Wipe-on Any woodworking project can use poly, and you might not need as many coats as you think.
What is brush-on Poly?
Brush-on Polyurethane is just plain old poly! It is used to distinguish polyurethane intended for flooring from that intended for furniture because the latter would need to be applied with a roller.
For a very long period, a natural bristle brush was the main tool used to apply polyurethane. A synthetic bristle brush is now available for use with water-based polyurethane.
Although brush-on poly, it can also be diluted and used as wipe-on poly. But unless you’re an expert, don’t anticipate getting the same consistency.
When using brush on-poly, you can:
- Medium-sized endeavors.
- Any flat piece of wood.
- When you need a strong polyurethane coat.
Brush-on Poly can be applied wherever it is possible for the brush to fit, as would be expected.
Oil- or water-based polyurethane can be used for brush-on poly. We shall only contrast it with oil-based brush-on Poly because wipe-on Poly is solely oil-based.
In-Depth Feature Comparison of Wipe on Poly Vs Brush on Poly
Easy of use
The topic you are most eager to discuss should come first. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that wiping Poly on rather than brushing it on is simpler.
All you need to apply wipe-on Poly is a lint-free cloth. A plastic container is another option, although it’s not required. Wipe-on Poly can be used right out of the can.
When you have it, thoroughly shake it to combine the bottom sediments before using.
A container is necessary for brush-on poly. But before you do so, give it a gentle swirl to make sure there aren’t any bubbles. It would be preferable to gently pour it into the container after that to make sure there are no bubbles.
Finally, dip the brush in, being careful not to rub off any excess on the side to avoid creating bubbles. Wow, that is a lot of steps to take to avoid bubbles.
Because Wipe-on Poly doesn’t leave any drips or brush traces, it is also simpler to apply. No matter how talented you are, brush-on Poly has the potential to cause brush marks.
Use just the best brush for polyurethane to reduce this issue.
Wipe-on Poly wins in the end, no contest
Versatility
Yes, this appears to be yet another plain case.
As I mentioned above, there are only three main uses for wipe-on Poly: touch-ups, working on difficult-to-reach locations, and vertical furniture to prevent drips.
Wipe-on Poly is useful in this situation, but you may not require it for weeks, months, or even years. Floors, cabinets, staircases, trimmings, fences, and closets can all be painted using brush-on poly.
You can trick the system and use alternative methods to apply it, as I also explained earlier. You could thin it and use it as wipe-on Poly or in a sprayer, for instance. In dire circumstances, you might use use a foam brush, a roll, or even your fingers.
Wipe-on Poly can be applied in several of these methods, but because of its high cost, it is not practical.
Verdict: This round is won by brush-on Poly.
Resilience
The durability of polyurethane distinguishes it from other wood coatings. In spite of the fact that it offers comparable protection with lacquer, tung oil, and shellac, it does last longer with less coatings. As a result, this is something to consider.
Wipe-on poly is thinner than ordinary polyurethane or brush-on poly because it is pre-thinned with mineral spirits. This causes it to be transient.
Even with only 3 coats, wipe-on Poly will continue to provide years of protection for tabletops, handrails, door frames, and other furniture. When the surface won’t be subjected to a lot of traffic, you may only require two applications.
Brush-on Poly provides all you need. When used correctly, this will maintain your wooden furniture in good condition for at least ten years.
Both products are immediately waterproof, heat-resistant, and scratch- and scuff-resistant when cured. They can also withstand spills, shifting indoor temperatures, and the occasional scratch from your beloved cat.
Even so, brush-on Poly performs the task better.
Conclusion: Brush-on poly wins
Drying time
A comparison of polyurethanes would not be complete without taking drying time into account, and the winner in this category is also not unexpected.
It should come as no surprise that wipe-on Poly dries more quickly than brush-on Poly given how much thinner it is. But what surprises me is how much faster it is.
Wipe-on Poly dries and is ready for a second coat in two to three hours. That puts it on par with quickly drying water-based polyurethane, which is impressive.
While brush-on polyurethane can cure to the touch in 4 to 6 hours, the second coat can’t be applied for 12 to 24 hours. It’s a huge difference.
Fast-drying Poly, on the other hand, can dry in 2 hours if it is water-based and 6 hours if it is oil-based. Therefore, we are mostly focusing on oil-based brush-on Poly for the purposes of this comparison.
Conclusion: wipe-on Poly
Coats present
You would be mistaken to believe that wipe-on Poly needs more coats because it is thinner. You probably didn’t anticipate that.
For good protection and a beautiful finish, wipe-on poly and brush-on poly both require two to three applications.
Even though it is thinner, wipe-on Poly is still quite durable. The same number of coats are required for both when using normal polyurethane, which is often thinned prior to application.
Of course, the question then becomes how much or little you thinned the brush-on Poly. But keep in mind that thick coats are more difficult to manage, so you want them to be very light.
Keep in mind that you must sand in between coatings. To get the best adherence, sand between applications with 220-grit paper whether you’re using wipe-on poly or brush-on poly.
Examine and feel
Finally, it’s important to understand whether these two goods will make your product look identical. The answer is true, as they are both polyurethanes based on oil.
The shine is the single factor that will change the appearance. Only satin and gloss versions of Minwax wipe-on Poly are available. Therefore, it will undoubtedly look different if you apply a high-gloss brush-on poly.
Brush-on Additionally, poly is available in flat, ultra-flat, and matte finishes. Whichever one you choose will give your wood an amber tint that gradually darkens.
They both have the same texture, too. But once more, you won’t be able to identify the product used by looking or touching.
Decision: a tie
Verdict
Conclusion: Wipe on Poly vs. Brush on Poly
It’s difficult, yet necessary, to pick between two things that are almost identical. It is simpler to choose the brush-on polymer over the wipe-on variety.
More project types can be employed with brush-on polyurethane, and it has superior durability and scratch resistance for wood. There are times, though, when you might pick the first option.
Wipe-on poly conclusion
For little tasks and novice woodworkers unable to deal with the stress of using a brush, wipe-on poly is recommended. When you can’t risk brush strokes, drips, or runs, it is also crucial.
Wipe-on Poly can be used as a touch-up for hardwood floors and other types of furniture even though it cannot be used on floors.
Brush-on poly conclusion
Use brush-on Poly for everything else. It can be challenging to identify situations where brush-on Poly is less beneficial, though, considering its superior and more dynamic construction.
You may always make your own wipe-on Poly by diluting it with a little mineral spirit, as was previously mentioned.