Replies

1. 
   terrylee86 | Jan 20, 2009 09:24pm | #1

   Brad,

   A wipe on poly will definitely be tough enough for your application if you put on at least 3-4 coats.  Don't buy a wipe on product, just make your own by thinning a quality poly  http://www.prattandlambert.com/products/homeowner/stains/interior/50/50 with mineral spirits or naptha (if you have drying issues).  That is all the manufacturer does to get a wipe on product and charges the same price for half the product.  Why not use the Bona to get the exact sheen match.  That would be my only concern for using a poly instead of the Bona(great product).  I would also use an alkyd (oil) poly to get the amber tone, H2O on cherry looks kind of bland.

1. 
   brad805 | Jan 20, 2009 09:35pm | #2

   Other than the cost of the traffic, my main reason not to use it on the stringers is the plastic look.  Maybe I will give it a try on some samples as it sure would save some time taping.  How well will the bona traffic brush between treads?  I assume about the same as some of my previous attempts at water based poly's (so so).

   What do you think of varathane as the base for the poly wipe?  Sure easier to get.

   thks

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jan 21, 2009 05:22am | #3

   brad,

   What about shellac? 

   Won't look like plastic, easy to repair and pops the grain quite nicely.  Use de waxed and poly won't mind methinks.

   Regards,

    Bob @ Kidderville Acres

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

1. 
   brad805 | Jan 21, 2009 07:35pm | #5

   I toyed with the idea of shellac.  It is my fav finish and I have several bags of dewaxed shellac in a few diff tints.  I probably wouldnt want to add the poly at the end as that is the part that makes a bit more plastic looking to me.  I dont admit it too often, but I used shellac on my window trim and baseboard.  There I added a coat of wax to improve the durability (I read thats how they did it years ago), but here this would lead to a ton of handwork for the stairs and railing.

   Brad

    

2. 
   terrylee86 | Jan 21, 2009 04:19pm | #4

   I think varathane is a good poly product. Thin it 50/50 and it will go one very well.   When I say quality I am usually referring to nonMinwax products.  I know what you mean about about the plastic look of the Bona.  I have never used dewaxed shellac under a H20 product, but that would give you that grain popping look that Bob is talking about.  Maybe someone that has used dewaxed shellac (Zissner's sealcoat) under H20 products will chime in.  It is a good idea to work on scraps to get a sheen match before you tackle the stairs.

   Edited 1/21/2009 8:20 am ET by terrylee86