Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane, Warm Ultra Flat, Clear, 1/2 Pint

I am in the process of finishing cabinets, I have put 2 coats on them and am not happy at all. I am not getting the finish I am trying to achieve. Almost 2o years ago I used the same product or so I am being told from the store in which I purchased this product. I am using now the premium oil fast drying polyurethane warm semi gloss and before I used the fast-drying polyurethane superior durability clear semi- gloss. What I am trying to figure out has the product changed that much?

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] We love Minwax polyurethane. We build log furniture and always love giving that bare wood a nice coats that brings out the beauty of the wood. It's like watching candy being handmade. It's just so satisfying. We have been using Minwax for 25+ years and love their line of stains and polyurethanes. You can't go wrong.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This brings out natural beauty of the wood, and protects it fast in humid environments! A must have around on hand for most projects.much faster and easier than high gloss.

My first experience with Minwax products was back in 1985. I built a new primary residence and acted as general contractor. The company that finished the hardwood floors used Minwax stain and topcoated with Minwax semi-gloss polyurethane. Man did the floors look good and the durability was excellent! I have since built three new homes and renovated one. Minwax products have always been used and my number one choice for ease of application, appearance and durability. Being an avid woodworker, I also use Minwax aerosol for small projects and touch-up. Minwax and wood go together like soup and sandwich.

I used to love Minwax products, but as others have posted on various websites, they are having issues with quality control lately. While refinishing my wood floors, I bought five gallons of Fast Drying Polyurethane in satin finish. Two of the gallons, while marked satin, clearly have dried in a gloss finish which is very upsetting after the amount of work I have put into this refinishing job. Two bedrooms came out beautifully With the desired satin finish while my staircase and hallway and another bedroom look quite glossy and don't match. As I said, I used to be a Minwax fan in years past, but I won't be using them again. I have completed many refinishing jobs through the years and have never had this issue before. When I mentioned this at my local big box store, they mentioned others had reported the same issue. Please beware.

I'm a fan of this product. I put on a coat, lightly sanded with 220 grit then put on a second coat and it is very good, nearly perfect. As others have stated, the odor is fairly obnoxious, especially the first coat on bare wood. My project is out in my shop so that's not an issue. It takes about a week to disappear. The spray can product is worse, might take two weeks. I can see coating an entire floor in a bedroom you may need a gas mask. The first night I could smell it from outside my shop after the doors were closed within about 10 feet. If this is an issue for you Minwax makes a water based Polycrylic which is almost odor free but I find it a bit more difficult to get good results especially on pine. The polyurethane is simpler to use in my experience.

I should have known, this product is not good. I started using a penetrating stain on red oak, let it dry for a few days then came back to put this on, what a mistake! The first layer, not sure what was going on but pulled the stain out of the wood and wouldn't dry. I lightly sanded 220 to knock any high spots off, then decided to charge forward and finish a second coat. I could tell, right away, it wasn't going to end up good. Alligatoring of the original coat, almost dilsolving it and making it run after 24 hours of dry time. This is the last time I use a Minwax product, they're terrible. Ruined my project, not I'm not sure what to do to rectify the finish. The wipe-on poly is the only finish worth a cent.

When applied to a vertical surface (bath vanity) it had to be applied such that it was too thin to sand with 320 grit (instant cut through) or it dripped and ran. Both resulting in wasted DAYS to fix. The instructional video really should NOT show refinishing a night stand as that is most certainly not a proper use of this product. Only seemed to work on horizontal surfaces, also there was nothing "warm" about the gloss. Never using MINWAX anything again because of this product.

Ten years ago, i went to a woodworking show. I asked how to apply poly to a project. It was the best question i ever asked. I was told to dip the brush 1/2 way up the brush and not to brush any off. A liberal coat followed by one last brush stroke. The poly leveled out to form a perfect finish. Wish i asked 30 years sooner.......

Minwax is the only brand of oil based polyurethane I've purchased and used since I got into woodworking just over 6 years ago after wanting to since my first pinewood derby car at the age of 11. It's a hobby and source of additional income. I've built a lot of eastern red cedar furniture for customers and clear gloss is always my go to for a finish that highlights the beautiful color and gives a mirror like appearance. I thhi mime with mineral spirits or paint thinner to improve the flow when brushing. It allows for a faster dry time and gives it a higher gloss sheen as well as it adding more water resistance and durability. I always take what I need from the cam with a coffee scoop or small measuring cup and put it into a different container before thinning it. Immediately closing the lid with a tight deal keeps oxygen exposure to a minimum so it doesn't form a skin inside the can. I've always had great results with it. Read the directions on the can and take your time applying it and allowing it to dry and you will get the results you want.