Woodworking and Polycrylic

**Warprosper** · 07-21-12, 09:18 AM

I have never had the need to use a polycrylic before this project.

I have made a cornhole game set.. Cornhole-How-To: Make your own cornhole set! Using plans similar to the ones found on that site.

I have layered the wood with about 3-4 coats of a mild dark oak style stain and trimmed the outer edges in white. The outer edges (frame) is 1.5 inches all around. Due to the white paint for the trimmed outer edges, I decided to use a water based polycrylic instead of the polyurethane as the urethane would cause the white to turn yellowish.

The problem i'm having is that after every 2-3 coats bubbles are showing and i have to re-sand every time with a 600 grit and then a 1500 grit. This is making the board's too slick and the bean bags fly right off. I'm looking for a happy medium because when I apply the poly and don't sand they stick quite a bit. Also, after sanding the poly becomes very blotchy throughout the entire board.

Anyone have any ideas on how to keep the shine of the poly and yet reduce the friction of the bean bags?

**AetheLove** · 07-21-12, 03:46 PM

I've used Polycrylic (water based) before. I refinished doors with it, after a stain.

I found that the cheap stuff sucked. It looked bad. I also found that shaking the can to mix was Death By Bubbles. I bought a second quart of expensive stuff, and stirred it, and had no problems. Multiple coats. No bubbles.

I don't recall if I used a foam or bristle brush. Probably a good bristle.

It did behave differently than oil-based poly. The finish kind of reminded me of a very thin coat of plastic. On one door there was a blemish in the finish, and I had the same experience you describe: taking down the finish pretty much ruined it. I couldn't buff it.

After switching how I mixed it I didn't have any bubble issues, so if being careful with the mix doesn't help then I'm stumped.

Cheers,

AetheLove

**Warprosper** · 07-21-12, 08:26 PM

It's the minwax brand. I did not shake it or anything like that. I did however sand the surface again with some 600 grit applied 2 thin coats in a dry air type area and it came out without any bubbles.

I think what was causing it was the humidity in the air. I was doing this in my garage but i changed venues after I read somewhere that humidity can cause that issue.

Thanks for the advice, I will use it next time. Polycrylic is a pain to work with...