Water based finishes

[wood spirit]

Have only experianced water based finishes in their early days the thing that stood out then was being water clear as opposed to the usual yellowing of polyurethanes (which I mostly like) the other thing that I noted was a slight rubberyness for want of a better term. This was QUITE a while ago and presumably things have improved. Currently looking for a clear table top finish that will leave blonde woods blonde whilst being able to take some abuse. Not specificly water based (don't care either way) but want that CLEAR finish. Must be as hardy as say poly. Customer is not the type to re finish regularly/ at all -so no waxes/oils. any sugestions on what is out there nowdays would be most welcome

[derekcohen]

WS, you have two choices, imo ..

1. water-based poly - I had an excellent experience for the doors and drawers of my kitchen: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furnitu...20Rebuild.html

2. Hard wax oil - I used this very recently on a coffee table: https://www.woodworkforums.com/f9/hard-wax-oil-225588

Both were applied in a perhaps unique manner (described), which has been a total success.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

Rustin's Plastic Coating also comes to mind, although it's definitely not water-based.

Don't be misled by the name, it's actually an epoxy.

Very durable, a little bit goes a long way, easy to apply - so long as you use the correct procedure and do it all in one day - and quite resistant to yellowing.

If you consider this, as always, try a test piece first. It ain't exactly cheap, but I've yet to buy a tin that wasn't used up on some project in my shop, whether it be what I bought it for or something completely different.

[elanjacobs]

Have a look at this stuff, we've used it at work on a batch of cafe tables https://cabots.com.au/product-listin...or-water-based
Apply with a foam roller to avoid brush marks

[derekcohen]

Have a look at this stuff, we've used it at work on a batch of cafe tables https://cabots.com.au/product-listin...or-water-based
Apply with a foam roller to avoid brush marks

Elan

Rub it on to avoid foam roller marks

Regards from Perth

Derek

[elanjacobs]

Nah, it self-levels enough to make roller marks disappear

[derekcohen]

If it has to self-level, then it went on too thick!

Regards from Perth

Derek

[KeithP]

+1 for the Cabots CFP water based floor finish, it is very durable, dries fast, no smell. If it works on floors it will work on anything.

Regards
Keith

[Alkahestic]

I've used Cabot's Cabothane Clear water based over white oak and pine and the color change was negligible. Don't use a roller with the Cabothane Clear though, I tried as a test and it left a horrible surface with a foam roller and a mohair roller. A Purdy synthetic brush worked quite well. Spraying gave the best result. When I called Cabot's they recommended Cabothane Clear for furniture over the CFP.

Any oil based product will alter the final color as they all have some tint. Clear just means it doesn't hide the grain any.