Easy Application – Polycrylic can be applied using a brush or sprayer and does not require any special equipment or techniques, making it easy for even novice DIYers to use. Polycrylic works by forming a protective layer on the surface it is applied to. This layer helps to protect the underlying material from scratches, stains, and other types of damage, while also enhancing the material’s natural color and texture. How do I clean up polycrylic? Polycrylic can be cleaned up using soap and water while it is still wet. If it has already dried, it can be removed using mineral spirits or denatured alcohol. Easy Cleanup – Polycrylic can be cleaned up with soap and water, making it much easier to work with than oil-based finishes that require harsh solvents.

Prepare the surface: Before applying polycrylic, make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any dust, dirt, or debris. If necessary, sand the surface to remove any rough spots or imperfections. Polycrylic is a water-based, clear protective finish that can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, plastic, and more. This type of finish is known for its durability, clarity, and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for many different applications. Let the first coat dry: Allow the first coat to dry completely, following the manufacturer’s recommended drying time. If you are sealing something that isn’t a flat surface (like a chair), you can also get it in a spray can. Polycrylic FAQs If wood is conditioned with 'boiled' linseed oil (and unless it says 'raw' linseed oil on the container, it will have a 'dryer' in it), it is advisable to mix it 50-50 with ordinary turpentine. Some woods will darken with this application, such as walnut or mahogany ... mush less so with lighter woods. If a few days go by, the turpentine (which assisted penetration of the linseed oil) will have 'out-gassed', leaving the linseed oil to cross-link by the action of the dryer. I have a tin of 'Japan dryer' (enough to last a lifetime), and am in the habit of adding a drop per half pint of linseed oil or any oil-based paint to insure good drying.

Polycrylic is available in several sheens, which refers to the level of gloss or shine that the finish provides. The available sheens may vary depending on the manufacturer and product line, but the most common sheens for polycrylic are: If you are using sealer on a painted project, you MUST use polycrylic. NEVER use an oil-based sealer over a painted surface, it absolutely will ruin it by turning yellow. Here are a couple of examples. I also added some .002oz. carbon vail/tissue to my T/e's to make them sharp and strong. I sandwiched them betwee the glass skin's. Low VOC- Polycrylic has a lower VOC content than many other finishes, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Ahoy, Tony ! I used to like the 'Minwax of Old' for general woodworking, but it has been significantly re-formulated to comply with VOC reduction ... likely a good thing. Now, as then, it really takes 3 or 4 days to dry - and in the interim it gives off a distinctive odor - a litttle less each day. Its still good as a colorant, as I had to match some unfinished red oak stair 'bull-nose' to pre-finished 3/4" tongue and groove red oak flooring. I started with Minwax that was a little lighter (and a slightly different chroma) than the flooring, then added small amounts of artists' oil colors (thinned with a little Minwax clear). Just a little at a time to the container used for mixing enough for the need, as it is hard to 'lighten' if one goes to far. A test piece of oak was used and compared to the finished flooring (which had some color variations inherent due to variations in grade. Also I was using #2 common, less expensive than pricy #1 - yet still much better than the next lower grade.).

If you enjoy building ship models that are historically accurate as well as beautiful, then The Nautical Research Guild (NRG) is just right for you. Can polycrylic be used on all types of surfaces? Polycrylic is generally safe to use on a wide range of surfaces, including wood, painted surfaces, and even paper or fabric-based projects. However, it is important to test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it adheres properly and does not cause any damage. Low Oder – Polycrylic has very little smell compared to other finishes, making it a better choice for indoor applications.I know this is four years in the future from this post but I’m sure there will be others like myself using polycrylic for the first time and I wanted to share my story about yellowing. I’ve been working on a side table project and because of unforeseen events I was forced to paint it white instead of using a stain like I wanted too. With that said I did a ton of research into sealing and protecting the finish. Like many of us I came across polycrylic because it doesn’t turn yellow. However on the can it does say that it may turn yellow. I’ve read many articles and blog posts about polycrylic and many people have had great success without the yellowing. The Guild is a non-profit educational organization whose mission is to “Advance Ship Modeling Through Research”. We provide support to our members in their efforts to raise the quality of their model ships. Keep in mind that oil-based sealer will make your wood appear darker and warmer, which may or may not be a good thing. If you are sealing over light wood or something you want to look very rustic, polycrylic may still be a better choice. Stir the polycrylic: Thoroughly stir the polycrylic to ensure that it is well-mixed and any settled particles are evenly distributed. Once fully cured, polycrylic provides a hard, durable finish that can withstand regular use and cleaning without showing signs of wear or damage. This makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas or items that will be exposed to water or other liquids. Benefits of Using Polycrylic