Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

doing a little clear coating anybody have any opinions on rub on vs brush on poly i know the rub on is more expensive but i think it is easier to get the brush on thicker any insights would be helpful thanks

I really love the finish you get with the rub on, but it does go on in much thinner coats. If you are looking for quicker build up the brush on would be the way to go. You'll still want to thin the first coat for good penetration. It will help seal your wood and give a nice surface for subsequent coats to bond to.

Have fun with it. I'm nowhere near finish work. Its my favorite part.

Becky

The rub on will give a much nicer finish but you will need to do more coats, will take longer but unless you are really pressed for time it is worth it. imho. If you all ready have can of brush on. just add some mineral spirits. instant brush on. First stir a can of oil based varnish. then mix it one to one with mineral spirits and you have a rubbing varnish. Allow 2 hours of drying time between each of three coats. Wait a day then sand to 320 girt paper and repeat with 2 more coats.



The real trouble with brush on is the imperfections that happen with the thicker varnish. bubbles, brush strokes. Don't worry about the can sayinf to not thin with mineral oil. If it is oil based it can be thinned. The warring is there just for the VOC regulations.

Now if you are like me and like the Danish oil finish mix your varnish with equal parts of varnish, mineral oil, and Boiled linseed oil. This makes a great finish but I like to let it cure for at least a week in warmish conditions before use. Longer if possible.

Randy

thanks for the tips

Another problem with the brush on stuff is that it doesn't soak into the wood like a rub on. I like to flood on the first coat. Put a whole mess on it and slosh it around like you are wiping down a table. Let it set for 10-15 minutes then use a cloth to rub it in with strokes with the grain of the wood. Then let it dry and rub in the next coat. I usually don't put as much on with the 2nd and other coats but do rub it down good.

Randy

rub on and brush on are the same thing except the amount of thinner in the can.. what you need to ask yourself what do I want the finished product to look like.. rub on will soak down into the wood and brush on will build a coating.