spray on finish

**spartacus** · 09-20-2007, 01:13 PM

Does anyone know if you can spray on Minwax Polycrylic finish. I'm proably gonna try tomorrow anyway but it never hurts to ask. I got rid of the can due to a big dent in it, and I can't seem to find any info on their websight.

**rrich** · 09-20-2007, 02:00 PM

David,
I've seen it demonstrated at a Rockler store. (Their objective was to sell HVLP systems.) IMHO the results were rather good and much better than my results with a brush.

The key to spraying is viscosity. You need to use that little cup with the hole and a stop watch to insure that you get the right viscosity for your spray system. And when you thin it, use distilled water from the grocery store.

The person doing the demo used both a personal HVLP system and the Rockler one. I really couldn't see any difference in the results. He also did something rather interesting. He mixed water based GF stain with MW water based Polycrylic. The results were very good.

**TDHofstetter** · 09-20-2007, 02:51 PM

Just for verification's sake...

If you have a little extra scrap & a little extra PolyCrylic... you might try thinning it with water from a dehumidier, too.

Just for the sake of science. :)

Because dehumidifier water is distilled.

-- Tim --

I'm a
HOARSE
WHISPERER.

**cabinetman** · 09-20-2007, 03:37 PM

It sprays on fine with a regular syphon gun or HVLP. I thin it about 10% plain ole water from the tap. Distilled water isn't needed. Try to keep a lot of light in your work path to see how "wet" it's getting to prevent runs. Don't let the gun sit long after spraying, clean thoroughly and run clean water through it.

**Cody Colston** · 09-20-2007, 04:45 PM

What Mike said.

I've begun using it after BradtheNailer said that's what he used on a piece he showed here. It's great stuff and sprays just fine straight from the can.

Cody
Tyler, TX

He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep for that which he cannot lose.

**dbriski** · 09-20-2007, 04:50 PM

I have used it, sprayed stright from the can. No thining in my gravity feed Grizly LVLP. The key to it is light, like others have said, You need a good raking light (low angle) to see how much you have put on, to get enough, but not too much.

**Tool Nut** · 09-20-2007, 05:09 PM

I just finished a LARGE corner shelf and bookcase. Sprayed this on straight out of the can, no thinning. Regular spray gun 60-65 pressure. Went on great. sanded first coat with 600 wet and then 2nd coat. No problems.
Chris

**spartacus** · 09-20-2007, 07:05 PM

Thanks all, question answered.

**BradTheNailer** · 09-20-2007, 07:25 PM

Pros... Easy to spray, low fumes/smell, drys fast, less work between coats (sands easy) flows well, and most of all... VERY EASY AND CHEAP clean up. Use distilled water though...keep them tap water chemicals and minerals out and off your gun. (don't use steel wool to rub down between coat...water base+steel=rust spots) green scotch pad or wet/dry sandpaper, used 400, or new 600. Scotch pad is the quickest and easiest. It will not gum up like sandpaper.

Cons... can have a "plastic look" under certain lighting. such as florescent lights. Cost a little more.
I've read and heard that "WaterLox" is a great product. I've never never tried it. I've only used the Minwax brand

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