UK - wipe-on-poly brand?

[bruce d]

I have read a few posts saying good things about wipe-on-poly. However, I haven't seen the product here in the UK: any suggestions? Is it here but under a different name?

 

Thanks,

Bruce

[KeithAug]

Bruce,

 

Wipe on poly is just normal oil based polyurethane diluted with white spirit. I just buy Wilko own brand poly and dilute it 1:1 with white spirit. I am using it at the moment on my Germania build if you want to see what it looks like.

 

You can buy it at Amazon - but don't - silly price.

Edited April 20, 2019 by KeithAug

[bruce d]

Keith, thanks, that makes it straightforward (I like straightforward). I am very impressed with the looks of your Germania and will experiment with the home-brew wipe-on-poly on the different woods I am accumulating for my build.

My garage/workshop is very poorly sheltered from the Sussex elements and I intend to get this round of experiments over quickly now the weather has turned nice.

 

Bruce

[KeithAug]

4 hours ago, bruce d said:

workshop is very poorly sheltered from the Sussex elements

 

Ah another Sussex member - we are probably neighbours and don't know it. Very hot here today - but at least the workshop is a comfortable 18 degrees.

[bruce d]

I have a couple of lathe chucks sitting in the conservatory. They are too hot to pick up.

 

 

[Keith Black]

 Speaking of wipe on poly......I've read many discussions regarding knot sizing using CA and reasons for not using CA and the seemingly preferred method using diluted white glue. Could WOP be a viable option?

[KeithAug]

On 4/20/2019 at 3:18 PM, Keith Black said:

Could WOP be a viable option?

I don't see why not Keith. Or should I say "I don't see why knot".

[Keith Black]

2 hours ago, KeithAug said:

"I don't see why knot"

*KB slaps his forehead

[Nirvana]

On 4/20/2019 at 7:18 AM, Keith Black said:

 Speaking of wipe on poly......I've read many discussions regarding knot sizing using CA and reasons for not using CA and the seemingly preferred method using diluted white glue. Could WOP be a viable option?

Hmm, that is worth trying.... WOP for sizing.

[Keith Black]

Since I posed the question I've sized several knots using WOP. It seems to work well with the only drawback being it takes overnight for the poly to dry and hold. At first the line looks "wet" but after the line dries it's appearance is close to original and has a natural look.  In CA's favor, dry time is instant but it leaves a milky look and it seems to make the knot/line look unnatural. I've not tried diluted white glue.

 I am new to rigging so everything is trial and error at this point. My first whipped eye looked like the casting reel you handed back to your father the first time he took you fishing.  

[bruce d]

Update: Water based polyurethane varnish is now officially endangered in the UK. Ronseal and, I believe two other big manufacturers, have dropped it from their range in the last year. A chat with someone in an independent shop confirmed my hunch that polyurethane just isn't a sexy branding choice. There are more and more acrylic and spirit branded varnishes on the shelves but it looks like 'poly' is out of vogue. Poor poly.

It is still available in the UK from at least two sources and I have bought what I hope will be a lifetime supply.

The products still available are:

Sadolin Polyurethane Extra Durable Varnish (CAUTION: THERE IS ANOTHER PRODUCT IN THEIR RANGE WITH A SIMILAR NAME)

Johnstone's Durable Quick Dry Polyurethane Varnish

There are probably others but I could not find them.

 

Bruce