[juanvaldez]

Still trying to find mine, lol.

We've been using Helmsman In/Out WB lately.Others on the trial list:

Deft
Valspar WB Lacquer
Polycrylic
Minwax Pro

I'm really just trying to find a good, hard, fast drying(reasonably) and durable WB Clear that can be used universally on projects like cabinets, front doors, garage doors, tables, etc. I'd love to find and use just 1 brand that checks all the boxes. We are in SO Cal.

So, What's your goto WB Clear for items such as these?
:brows:

 

[Woodco]

Polycrylic and minwax pro are garbage Also, interior only..... Valspar probably is too. Defthane is really good.

There is no 'one size fits all' but defthane at least USED to be great. That fact that they sell it at walmart tells me they may have cheapened it up, but who knows....

 

[Tprice2193]

Check out general finishes Enduro line. I use the Clear Poly for WB indoor applications. Exterior 450 for vertical exterior applications. I mostly still use oil but in CA I imagine things are different.

 

[cocomonkeynuts]

I like the new old masters ascend for exterior, its water clear unlike most WB spar urethanes that have an amber cast to them

 

[RH]

For interiors, I prefer Emtech’s EM8000, Pre-Catalized Conversion Varnish. For exteriors, I like Sansin (spendy - but has held up well). I have yet to find one product that performs well for both interior and exterior uses.

 

[KooLayed369]

Gemini has a new clear coat called Evo that is pretty good. Also, Old Masters makes 2 versions, Masters Armor for interior and Ascend for exterior. All are great products.

 

[Vinyl 54X]

Deft water based polyurethane.

 

[Mr Smith]

I'm hearing that Renner 855 is great stuff and clear as a crystal. Italian quality 2K waterborne. Tougher than nails too.

 

[juanvaldez]

I’ll take a look at a few of these, old masters, Gemini, and general finishes as I know I can get them at my local.

FWIW, I’ve had good luck w the Deft, and Helmsman WB on interior doors and trim, couple cabinets, and some exterior front door units. It’s been at least a yr since we’ve worked with it on those projects and I’ve seen them recently and they still look great! Honestly can’t stand the oils and lacquers anymore so I know the durability issues may be inferior to them with WB but it’s nicer to work with IMO. Hence my search!

I know I probably won’t find a do it all though so all of these suggestions are great!
Keep ‘em coming!
Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[alan]

ZAR hands down. the waterborne will stick to oil and not only on wood work you can use it on floors.

 

[Woodco]

ZAR hands down. the waterborne will stick to oil and not only on wood work you can use it on floors.

Same with most of the other ones suggested.

 

[jr.sr. painting]

Spraying water based helmsman is almost fool proof. It’s a great product


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[juanvaldez]

Going to use Old Masters masters armor flat, tomorrow on an interior stained butcher block island top. It won’t be used for food prep, just as an additional counter top. The old masters also has a catalyst additive to make the material harder and more durable.
Anyone use these products? Have any tips?
I will be spraying a few coats and plan to just use the masters armor without the catalyst.
Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CApainter]

I like diamond WB Varathane. Both the interior and exterior version. It used to be owned by Flecto in Oakland CA., but was sold to Rustoleum.

 

[juanvaldez]

I ended up trying out the Old Masters Armor. Dried fast, sanded smooth and powdery, flat went pretty well. I will say that any more than 3 coats and it will start to get a bit foggy looking. So, we did 2 on bottom of our project and 3 on top, hence why the sides(2” thick) were a bit foggy, got more than 3 coats.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk