Truly clear finish?

[Old Greenhorn]

Been meaning to reply for several days here Brad but got distracted. 
 Yes, small cans are pricey, but I use them as samples for testing. I don't want a gallon of "stuff" I don't like. So I spend the extra for samples and when I find the 'right one' I buy bigger quantities. The exception is oil based poly, which I only buy in quarts because it seems to cloud and get funky if I have an opened can for too long.
 So this water based water clear stuff is new to me and I am looking for the 'right one' and when I find it I will certainly enjoy getting a larger bucket. As you say it dries fast, cleans up easy, and because of that I get a lot of use out of a brush (well, foam for the water stuff).
 I do like this water clear stuff, but based on my simple polls, most other folks don't. So I am doing a few pieces with these new finishes and will see how they sell.
 Someday I will try that monocoat because I just learned we have a local place that is a sales outlet for them. But that's another project.
 So many finishes, so little time.

[Brad_bb]

What also must be taken into account is that oil based will yellow over time and the water based will not.  That's huge in my book.  I don't really like foam brushes, and the water based seems to smooth out on it's own.  I use a natural bristle brush.  I use a lot of the cheap ones actually, and like you said, long brush life by just washing it out, and if you can "beat the devil out of it" like Bob Ross says )

[Nebraska]

The oil based finish is what red cedar has looked like finished my entire life especially here and out "west".  So I think it's more of a familiar look.  Kind of intrigued by the water based finish colors, it might work better for the total white particle board kitchen cabinet crowd that seems to be on every home improvement show today.  

[Old Greenhorn]

Just based on the cost I wouldn't put the water white stuff on particle board. In fact I don't even work with particle board.
 I still like the clear look with actual colors, even if nobody else does. And it's pretty 'clear' that nobody else does.

[Stephen1]

Just fond this and I like the oiled one on the right. 

[firefighter ontheside]

I know I'm late to this party, but I use a lot of minwax polycrylic.  Its water based, dries quickly and looks like the finish you got from general finishes.  It is also cheaper.  I spray it with my HVLP.

[Dakota]

I second what firefighter said.

[Old Greenhorn]

Great to see you back here Bill, I truly hope all is well with you and the family.

 I had used that very poly after you recommended it a year or two ago. But I only used it on small and odd stuff. I should do another stool and try that again to compare the two brands and see how they look. Good idea that one and I still have it on the shelf. Not sure how much is left but as you said, it's a LOT cheaper.

[firefighter ontheside]

Its good to be back Tom.  I've got projects in the plans.  I'm working on another canoe.  My mom has been in and out of hospital for about 2 months straight and that has taken up a lot of time.  She is in rehab now and hopefully will be back in her home soon.

[Old Greenhorn]

Sorry to hear about your Mom, that's rough. I hope she recovers quick and fully soon and gets back home.
 Can't wait to see and hear what you're working on.

[Klunker]

I've used some water based polyurethanes on some projects.
I've found out that all are not equal.
Minwax and Varathane from the big box stores isn't as good as Old Masters from my local paint store.
I guess the saw about getting what you pay for has some truth to it.

[Old Greenhorn]

That's interesting Klunker and I will have to look into it. As I said in a post below I plan to compare the two next time I do a couple of stools. Having already done the oil verses water finish I will be most curious to see how these stack up.
 I had a show Thanksgiving weekend and curiously, I sold two stools. One was oil finish, and the other water white. So the jury is still out on the preference question. I will say that the folks who like the water white finish say that it is because the wood looks more naturally colored.