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My wipe-on poly jobs always get sticky before I can spread it evenly.

Adding a few drops of Japan drier extends the working time just enough to avoid those streaks.
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3 Comments
the_barbara
Oh man, I feel that sticky struggle so hard. What finally worked for me was thinning my wipe-on poly a bit more than the can says (like with mineral spirits, just a splash) and then working on much smaller areas at a time. I also switched to using those cheap foam brushes instead of a rag, which let me put on a thinner coat that set up slower. It's a pain to do tiny sections, but you avoid that tacky race against the clock.
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the_gavin
the_gavin1mo ago
Watched my buddy try that exact method on his oak table last month. He used a foam brush from the dollar store and thinned the poly with just a capful of spirits. Said it went on like water and dried without a single sticky spot, even in his humid garage.
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the_brooke
the_brooke1mo ago
Try warming the poly itself before you start.
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