Minwax Polycrylic vs Minwax Polyurethane

sukhenkoi · Jun 17, 2013

Hi,

I got a new bedroom set. It looks fine, but all dresser and both night stands shelves inside made from a raw, kind of low quality soft wood. I would like to apply some polyurethane on them to give them some shiny and quality look. I started with one shelf and applied two coats of Minwax Semigloss Fast-Drying Polyurethane. It is okay, but it still takes some time to dry especially for the second coat. But biggest problem is a smell. I does not go away for at least a day or two. Also, I have to apply Polyurethane at home, so I don't like the small it makes at home.
I just found that I could use water based Minwax Polycrylic instead, which is btw almost two times more expensive.
Can someone tell me pros and cons of using Minwax Polycrylic instead of Minwax Polyurethane and what is the best way to apply it?

Thanks

MTN REMODEL LLC · Jun 17, 2013

If the oil base smell bothers you... I'd just pay the price and use the acrlic water base.

AFAIK... basically, the oil base's wear a little better and will tend to darken/yellow a little.

The acylic/water will be clearer.

I redo some rental/flips, and I often do refinish drawer interiors... it just is a subtle enhancement to see "clean" drawers to a buyer.

I actually use the oil, because it somewhat disguises the normal wear, and the odor is not an issue. In your case , I don't see it matters...just cost verse drytime/odor.

sukhenkoi · Jun 17, 2013

Thanks a lot for your answer. My other problem is that wood the drawers are made from inside does not look very attractive to me. It is not very smooth and has dirty white color. It is kind of soft wood. It looks like some kind of aspen. Applying Polyurethane makes it look better. If Polycrylic does not change look, then I would better stick to Polyurethane.

MTN REMODEL LLC · Jun 17, 2013

Yep... the oil will give you a slight amber tone.

Minwax Polycrylic vs Minwax Polyurethane

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