Choosing the right paintbrush can make all the difference in your next project. Hardware store shelves are lined with a multitude of options; so how do you know which brush to pick? The most important factor in determining which paintbrush is best for your project depends on the type of coating you’re using.
6.5-in x 10-in Lambskin Floor Stain Pad. Model #427130100. For pricing and availability. 3-in x 5.5-in Lambskin. Model #423546000. Learn how to apply polycrylic over paint to protect your painted furniture projects from water damage and nicks and scrapes. PRODUCTS USED IN THIS VIDEO. Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish Next, keep in mind that this is the roll-on variety, so you need to use a brush or roller to apply it to wood, just like you would with paint or varnish. For this reason, this particular product is best used for larger projects and for flat pieces of wood.
- Wait at least 24 hours before applying Polycrylic™ Finish over Minwax® Wood Finish™ Stain. Stir well before and regularly during use. FINISH APPEARS MILKY IN CAN BUT DRIES CRYSTAL CLEAR. Apply a thin coat of Polycrylic™ Finish with a high-quality synthetic bristle brush. Apply in one direction with the grain. Do not over-brush.
- Natural bristle is the best choice for oil-based paints, varnishes, shellac, alkyd enamels, stains, and polyurethanes. The highest quality bristles come from mainland China. Experienced, traditional painters will say there’s nothing like the finish that a China bristle paintbrush can provide for oil-based coatings.
OIL-BASED COATINGS
Natural bristle is the best choice for oil-based paints, varnishes, shellac, alkyd enamels, stains, and polyurethanes. The highest quality bristles come from mainland China. Experienced, traditional painters will say there’s nothing like the finish that a China bristle paintbrush can provide for oil-based coatings. If you’re painting a smooth surface, use a white China bristle for a smooth finish or, if you need to achieve an even finer finish, a China bristle blended with ox hair is recommended. When painting a textured surface, a black China bristle will work best because it’s slightly stiffer and is excellent for high-productivity applications. If you need to paint a rough surface, natural bristle brushes are not recommended. Rough surfaces will break the tips off of natural bristle and will ruin the brush. A synthetic, firm brush is best for this application even when using oil-based coatings because it’s very durable and will resist wear on the rough surface.
WATER-BASED COATINGS
Synthetic brushes are recommended for latex and acrylic paints and water-based wood finishes. Synthetic brushes are available in a variety of filaments including Chinex®, nylon, nylon/polyester blend, and polyester. Chinex® FTP® brushes are designed for today’s paints and offer excellent paint pickup and production with a smooth, professional finish and easy cleanup. Chinex FTP brushes will maintain their stiffness for control even when exposed to heat and humidity. Nylon brushes are very durable but may soften in hot weather or after prolonged use in latex paint. Polyester brushes will maintain their shape and control when exposed to heat but have lower paint pickup and production meaning you will spend more time loading your brush than the wall. Also, today’s paints contain more acrylic resins and fast-drying solids which stick to polyester making them difficult to clean and limit the life of the brush. A nylon/polyester blend brush combines all the positive qualities of nylon (precise tipping, excellent paint pickup, and smooth finish) and polyester (added stiffness and control) and is, by far, the most popular professional paintbrush choice due to their versatility.
The Wooster Brush Company offers quality brushes for every variety of coating available, but different brushes excel in specific applications. To help you select the perfect brush for your next project, visit our Paint Brush Advisor. If you have additional questions or need more information, please contact our Customer Service Department.
Directions
Instrucciones en EspañolFor aerosol directions, click here
Interior Use Only
WARNING! Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or contact your local health authority.
Best Paint Brush For Polycrylic Finish
- Surface must be dry and free of wax, grease, polish, old finishes in poor condition or any foreign matter.
- Sand to a smooth, uniform surface. DO NOT USE STEEL WOOL. Remove dust with a damp cloth. Let dry completely.
- If desired, apply stain such as Minwax® Water Based Wood Stain or Minwax® Wood Finish™ stain to bare wood surfaces following label directions. Wait at least 24 hours before applying Polycrylic™ Finish over Minwax® Wood Finish™ Stain.
- Stir well before and regularly during use. DO NOT SHAKE. FINISH APPEARS MILKY IN CAN BUT DRIES CRYSTAL CLEAR.
- Apply a thin coat of Polycrylic™ Finish with a high-quality synthetic bristle brush. Apply in one direction with the grain. Do not over-brush.
- Let dry at least 2 hours then sand with very fine sandpaper (220 grit) to ensure an even finish and proper adhesion of additional coats. Do not use steel wool. Remove all dust.
- Apply a second coat. For additional coats, repeat Step 6 before applying. Three coats are recommended.
- After final coat, allow 3 hours before light handling and 24 hours before normal use.
Special Instructions: Polycrylic™ Finish should not be applied over red mahogany stain. Instead, use Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane or Minwax® Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane over any red mahogany stain. Polycrylic™ Finish is not recommended for use on floors because it would require more frequent recoating in high traffic areas. Instead, we recommend any Minwax polyurethane, including Minwax® Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane or Minwax® Ultimate Floor Finish for maximum durability.
CLEANUP: Clean with soap and warm water immediately after use.
COVERAGE: Approximately 125 sq. ft. per quart.
Notes: Keep from freezing. Store below 105°F. For interior use only. Dry times are based on good ventilation, temperature of 77°F, and 50% relative humidity. Lower temperature, higher humidity, lack of air movement or application of thick coats will extend drying times. Always test surface for tackiness between coats. Oil-based stains,oil-based and latex paints or other coatings applied under Polycrylic™ Finish may amber normally. Always spot test on an inconspicuous area to ensure satisfactory results.
CAUTIONS: CONTAINS ALKYL PROPANOLS, ETHYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCOL ETHERS AND 1-METHYL-2-PYRROLIDINONE. CONTAINS MATERIAL THAT MAY CAUSE ADVERSE REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS AND MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE DEVELOPING FETUS BASED ON ANIMAL DATA.
VAPOR HARMFUL. Use only with adequate ventilation. To avoid overexposure, open windows and doors or use other means to ensure fresh air entry during application and drying. If you experience eye watering, headaches, or dizziness, increase fresh air, or wear respiratory protection (NIOSH approved) or leave the area. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Wash hands after using. Keep container closed when not in use. Do not transfer contents to other containers for storage.
FIRST AID: In case of eye contact, flush thoroughly with large amounts of water for 15 minutes and get medical attention. For skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. In case of respiratory difficulty, provide fresh air and call physician. If swallowed, call Poison Control Center, hospital emergency room, or physician immediately.
DELAYED EFFECTS FROM LONG TERM OVEREXPOSURE. Contains solvents which can cause permanent brain and nervous system damage. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful or fatal.
WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Best Brush For Applying Polycrylic
DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
CONFORMS TO ASTM D-4236. Contact a physician for more health information.
Aerosol Directions
Interior Use Only
WARNING! If you scrape, sand or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. Lead is Toxic. Contact the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log onto www.epa.gov/lead.
- Surface must be dry and free of wax, grease, polish, old finishes in poor condition or any foreign matter.
- Sand to a smooth, uniform surface. DO NOT USE STEEL WOOL. Remove dust with a damp cloth. Let dry completely.
- If desired, apply stain such as Minwax® Water-Based Wood Stain or Minwax® Wood Finish™ to bare wood surfaces following label directions. Wait at least 24 hours before applying Polycrylic™ over Minwax® Wood Finish™ stain.
- Shake can vigorously for two minutes. Repeat for 10 seconds after each minute of use.
- Protect adjacent areas from overspray. Hold can vertically 12 inches from surface and depress button fully. Spray using an even, sweeping motion with slightly overlapping strokes. On unfinished wood, apply sufficient material to seal, open joints, edges and end-grain.
- Apply thin coats to avoid runs and sags. Allow product to dry at least 30 minutes between coats. Sand lightly with very fine sandpaper (220 grit) and remove all dust before applying next coat. At least 3 coats are recommended. If unable to recoat within 1½ hours, wait at least 72 hours then lightly sand and recoat.
- Polycrylic™ dries to the touch in 30 minutes and can be handled after 1 hour. After final coat, allow 24 hours before normal use.
Special Instructions: Polycrylic™ should not be applied over red mahogany stain. Instead, use Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane or Minwax® Water Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane over any red mahogany stain.
Notes: Keep from freezing. Dry times are based on good ventilation, temperature of 77° and 50% relative humidity. Lower temperature, higher humidity, lack of air movement or application of thick coats will extend drying times. Always test tackiness between coats. Oil-based stains, oil-based and latex paints or other coatings applied under Polycrylic™ may amber normally. Always spot test an inconspicuous area to ensure satisfactory results.
Nozzle Care
- After each use, clear valve by holding can upside down and spraying until only clear gas comes out.
- If spray button becomes clogged, wear eye protection, wipe of the button opening with lacquer thinner. DO NOT stick pin in spray button opening.
CAUTIONS: CONTAINS DIMETHYL ETHER, 2-BUTOXYETHONAL AND 2-PROPANOL. WARNING! CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE.
Vapors will accumulate readily and may ignite explosively. DO NOT SMOKE- Extinguish all flames, pilot lights and heaters. Turn off stoves, electric tools and appliances, and any other sources of ignition. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or heat from radiators, stoves, hot water and other heat sources that may cause bursting. Do not puncture, incinerate, burn or store above 120° F. Keep upright in a cool, dry place. Do not discard empty can in trash compactor. Causes eye, skin, nose and throat irritation. Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid continuous breathing of vapor and spray mist. If you experience eye watering, headaches or dizziness, increase fresh air or leave the area.
FIRST AID: In case of eye contact, flush thoroughly with large amounts of water for 15 minutes and get medical attention. For skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. In case of respiratory difficulty, provide fresh air and call physician.
DELAYED EFFECTS FROM LONG-TERM OVEREXPOSURE. Contains solvents which can cause permanent brain and nervous system damage. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents may be harmful or fatal.
WARNING: this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Minwax Polycrylic Brush
CONFORMS TO ASTM D-4236. Contact a physician for more health information.