Minwax® Polycrylic™ Protective Finish Aerosol Clear, Matte, 11.5-Oz

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] mixing- 5/5 application-5/5 (super easy and really spreads well clean up - 10/5 !! - wash and rinse- could not be easier. Finish - 4/5 - keeping thin coats and sanding at 400# is critical - water raised fibers are very prominent and need sanding between each coat. Overall impressions - excellent material, easy to use and super clean finish. Recommended to several friends based on experience.. Great Product!!

I have used Polycrylic Protective Finish for a variety of applications: handrails, steps, cabinets, and stairways. The best application is two coats to give a richer finish. The beauty of the Polycrylic is that it has very little release, so you can use it indoors without active ventilation. It is also easy to clean brushes between applications, as it is water soluble while still wet. But, when it dries, it produces a tough lustrous finish.

While I like the clarity and hardness of this product, spray application is not as easy as Minwax polyurethane or lacquer. The polycrylic does not level very well -particularly if you have an older spray can. Even with a new can, have to spray heavier coats to get a smooth finish. Horizontal surfaces come out okay, but on vertical surfaces it will run and sag. I also had to refinish a coffee table top (26" x 46"), and wanted to use up an older spray can. It came out all lumpy, even though I added a whole new spray can over it (while still wet) to try to smooth it out. I was particularly careful to shake it thoroughly and keep the nozzles clear and clean, but product age is apparently a real problem.

Redid my old (26 year old) pine cabinets. Used a famous chalk paint product for the color. Was advised from a friend that to put a final finish on then instead of the wax finish as suggested from paint company. I used Minwax polycrylic on them. Besides producing a beautiful finish, these cabinets seem sturdier. Easy cleanup and also easy to maintain. I brush coated each door on both sides...everyone loves my new kitchen and their considering doing the same as they contemplate cost of new cabinets verses redo their own!

I was nervous to try this product out but was pleasantly surprised! It went on easily and dries quickly. I was surprised that there is hardly an odor with this product too. I chalk painted my entertainment center and after a few paint chipping, decided I needed a protective coating over it if I didn't want to repaint every 2 years. A blogger recommended this product and I couldn't have agreed with her more. I chose the satin gloss to give it a pretty shine and it made the color pop more. I'm incredibly happy with the end results.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I am so pleased with this product. This is very quick drying and so easy to apply. This really does provide a nice finish. Having a very low odor is a plus. This is the perfect solution to add protection to any project. I love how it really provides a great clear coat with no yellow tint. The best part is that it is easy clean up, just soap and water is all you need. Great quality product that I plan to continue using and recommending to all my family and friends. This will not disappoint!

I had a carpenter make a rolling "wine bar" that was paint grade, but being amazing, he used a top quality basswood plywood with maple trim. Once I saw it I decided I didn't want to cover it up, just protect the wood. He recommended a water based product, as did Home Depot (way easier to use, to clean up, and the fumes are much less). I bought this in Clear Satin. I used the technique and patience of a deranged raccoon. I had watched a YouTube video of a women discussing how careful you need to be, to only stir slowly and not shake the can, to only go one way and in the direction of the grain, be wary of brush strokes and bubbles, etc. Nope. Tom Sawyer would have laughed at my application process. It's thick and sticky on wood so I spread in cross-hatch, then went back and smoothed it out with the grain. I sorta sanded lightly between 1st and 2nd coats. I did use a microfiber rag to dust before each application. I think it turned out beautifully. If you are afraid to try, go with Satin as it does dry clear (but goes on milky).

I do high-end paper mache sculptures, with acrylic paints. The Polycrylic adds a perfect gloss to them, and makes them hard as a rock. No surprise there. It's a fantastic product, already worthy of five stars. Minwax upped their game, though, when using PLASTIC CANS!!! The lid comes off easily, NEVER sticks hard, and when the gunk builds up, you can just peel it off. Then the lid goes on tightly and securely. If there was a way to give six stars, I would.

I just did a mahogany coffee table. Dries super fast. I did have a tiny bit of issues with drying too fast but I think the weather is too warm right now. I have minor shiner streaks. Wondering can put a coffee cup on it without coaster or will that cause rings? I have 2 end tables to do and would like it to go smoother. I did 4 coats trying to get it right. Don't think the issue is the product but my application.

I built a kitchen table out of birch and when the kids saw it, I ended up making three more out of eastern red cedar (juniper). I really like the clear finish that didn't amber the natural color. (However, eastern red cedar changes from purple to brown when finished.) One thing I learned was that I needed to apply thick coats that looked milky to reduce brush streaks. Contrary to your recommendation, instead of using a synthetic bristle brush I ended up using a high dollar natural bristle brush. The cedar is bad about having lots of tiny holes and imperfections from its many limbs. I would have liked for the polycrylic to flow more than what it did to help fill the imperfections. It was indoors during winter time and the woodstove no doubt lowered the humidity greatly, which may have accentuated the problem. However, the lack of odor made the projects possible. Couldn't have done it outside in the shop with rain, snow and fog. I'll use polycrylic on my next projects.