Producing A Mirror Finish With Poly

dwbrooks

Hello Everyone.

I've worked with poly before but wasnt impressed with the finish I produced. I'm going to be doing some baseboard, window trim and two fireplace mantles. I'm hoping to get a smooth as glass feel to the woodwork, so I'm looking for any tips you might have for me. I'll tell you my process and maybe you could help me improve it or give some tips. Any help would be great.

Heres my process,

Sand-prestain-stain-sand-sealer coat poly 50/50 poly/mineral spirits-sand-2 coats poly.

I have an airless but I've run latex through it many times, I've heard this can cause problems. What is your opinion. Am I better using a white China bristle.

When I sand I do this, sand-vaccum wood with show vac- wipe down with rag- tack cloth. Is there a better way?

Any suggestions or tips you might have for getting a smooth finish would help much.

PS. Most of the work is going can be done before its installed, on saw horses
Thanks

Teetorbilt

I'm an oil guy but the same applies to all applications and that is flow. Flow can be affected by many variables such as temp., humidity, product, additives, application. This is a learned process.

I have attempted poly on a few occasions, DO NOT use natural bristles! They absorb the water and become 'Gumby Brushes', my term. Useless, another term.

How many people study base? Good practice for the mantle though, you want to be spot on there. Consider the focal point, if there is mostly wood showing you have to be on your best behavior by the time that you get there.

__________________
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Mike Finley

Three words - wipe on poly.

Brian

I agree with Mike.

We use wipe on poly whenever possible. It dries fast-- you can recoat in 2 to 3 hours. We hit it with some fine steel wool between coats. Application is faster, particularly if you have tight areas to work in, or a lot of detailed moulding.

Brian Phillips

Dale

Graham's Aqua Borne Ceramithane is my personal favorite right now. Its leveling with a brush comparible to spray.

I did a test mock up for some windows and jams for a client where one was done with a brush and the other was sprayed with a Pre-Val, and you couldn't tell one from the other.

Waterborne spec'd for using over oils
Passes Maple flooring Institute tests
Passes Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers tests
Good build in 2 coats.
just my 2 cents.
Dale

CWF Co.

High Gloss Lacquer sprayed with a strong HVLP or Airless, and of course multiple coats. That's if you like glass!

shopdust

This is a new one to me. H.O. wants grain filled red oak, then 5 coats wipe on poly. Is a sanding sealer suggested or needed after the stain?

CarlW

5 coats on oak? Why? Also, you can't obtain a mirror finish with a brush no matter what product you use. If you want mirrors, you gotta spray.