Robby W Posted January 1, 2016 Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 When I was ready to finish the two tables for my church, I wanted to use a poly finish for durability. So after listening to all 290+ episodes of WoodTalk and researching Fine Woodworking magazine's finish test, I went to my local Woodcraft store and asked for some General Finishes Armor-Seal, only to be told: "Sorry, we can't sell that in California because of the air pollution regulations". Rats. OK, let's try the second place finish: Minwax Wipe-On Poly. I went to Home Depot near my house and searched high and low for a can of it. Then I asked the paint department head if he had any in stock, only to hear a familiar refrain: "Sorry, we can't sell that in California because of the air pollution regulations". Double rats! Not wanting to be an air polluter and being a good Boy Scout, I didn't go online and order a can of either finish. Instead, I grabbed a quart of Minwax Fast Drying Poly. I wanted a wipe-on poly, but the instructions said I had to use a brush. I thought I would dilute it 50-50 with mineral spirits. Then I opened the can and noticed that it had a rather low viscosity, so I mixed it up and poured some in a tray. Grapping a clean T-shirt rag, I dipped it into the Poly and wiped it on. It worked beautifully! Whoohoo! The directions said I should apply a coat, wait 4 hours and sand with 220 grit. Thinking that would take forever to build a decent film, I applied two coats, sanded and added a final coat. Perfect! I am really pleased with the results. I didn't see a lot of witness rings from the sanding either. This probably isn't something I am going to use for my very best projects, but for a quick mop-and-go finish, it works well. And it really does dry enough to handle the piece in less than 4 hours, even in 50 degree weather, (hey, its the middle of the winter here in San Diego. Drops all the way into the 40's at night!) I did learn that you only have about 5 minutes to work applied finish and then it sets up too much to work it any more. Californians, give it a shot. I think you will like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JosephThomas Posted January 1, 2016 Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 Yeah....this state is great ain't it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted January 1, 2016 Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 Another reminder why I don't live in that state Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee Bussy Posted January 1, 2016 Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 'nuf said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robby W Posted January 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 But we love wood here in California. After all, is this state known for its tree huggers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Southwood Posted January 1, 2016 Popular Post Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 I always just figured California caused cancer. Easier to remember that way 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted January 1, 2016 Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 I can buy ARS at my local wood store.. very strange.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted January 1, 2016 Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 This particular product is one that does not move quickly here as any amount of humidity can cause weird blushing or hazing in an unpredictable way. California may be fine due to lower RH, but I hesitate to recommend it without caution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted January 1, 2016 Report Share Posted January 1, 2016 1 hour ago, Brendon_t said: I can buy ARS at my local wood store.. very strange.. +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted January 3, 2016 Report Share Posted January 3, 2016 We flew from Houston to LA via SW Airlines and when we got close to he CA border we were notified of last call .... On the rest rooms! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mustanggt Posted January 3, 2016 Report Share Posted January 3, 2016 I guess a big thank you should go out to Gov. Moonbeam!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted January 3, 2016 Report Share Posted January 3, 2016 3 hours ago, K Cooper said: We flew from Houston to LA via SW Airlines and when we got close to he CA border we were notified of last call .... On the rest rooms! Had you already filled them to capacity? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted January 3, 2016 Report Share Posted January 3, 2016 7 minutes ago, Brendon_t said: Had you already filled them to capacity? No, illegal to drop the blue ice over CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted January 3, 2016 Report Share Posted January 3, 2016 51 minutes ago, TIODS said: No, illegal to drop the blue ice over CA I use the head on the plane all the time.. . I've never ever heard of a last call.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jfitz Posted January 3, 2016 Report Share Posted January 3, 2016 I've used the Minwax Fast Drying Poly quite a bit for wiping, and I think it looks quite good. I usually thin it a little. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil B Posted January 4, 2016 Report Share Posted January 4, 2016 Man, that's too bad. Minwax wipe on poly is my go to finish. Dries hard and clear. incredibly forgiving. Really brings out cherry and walnut. Also, it has very low odor so I'm not sure what kind of VOCs it has. I've yet to find a water based poly that comes close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jplemons Posted January 14, 2016 Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 I see cans of Wipe-on Poly at the HD all the time and just used some to finish a piece. In California. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted January 14, 2016 Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 I see cans of Wipe-on Poly at the HD all the time and just used some to finish a piece. In California. So, have you started chemo yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robby W Posted January 14, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 10 hours ago, jplemons said: I see cans of Wipe-on Poly at the HD all the time and just used some to finish a piece. In California. I wonder if it is a So. Cali. thing. Interesting. I checked five stores down here without any luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 14, 2016 Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 My understanding it different counties in California have different VOC rules. They are all nuts out there but apparently some counties are run by bigger nuts than others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxdabroxx Posted January 14, 2016 Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 I can get the wipe on in Tulare county. We're just a bunch of rednecks though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JosephThomas Posted January 14, 2016 Report Share Posted January 14, 2016 4 hours ago, Mike. said: My understanding it different counties in California have different VOC rules. They are all nuts out there but apparently some counties are run by bigger nuts than others. Hey man those are our nuts. It's only ok for us to insult them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jplemons Posted January 15, 2016 Report Share Posted January 15, 2016 Quite possible that it varies by the area's air quality, but I'm in Fresno and our air is horrible. Still possible that it varies by county/air pollution district. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanWilt Posted February 8, 2016 Report Share Posted February 8, 2016 It's either by county or air quality district. When I visit my parents in Santa Barbara County, I stock up on oil based finishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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