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Professional Atlanta, GA on Jul 23, 2011

This is a product that I use a lot as a short cut.

It is stain & varnish in one. I will clean a scratched up table top with steel wool & then wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Next I apply the poly-shade. I have had great results & wanted to share that tip.

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5 Comments

Steve G Fort Collins, CO

I like Minwax, but I haven't used this particular product, LeeAnn. Thanks for the tip.

on Jul 23, 2011 · Like 0
KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

I have used this product a number of times...and the idea of saving a step is nice, however the results are challenging to get to look really good. The lighter shades perform better than the darker colors...and this product performs much better over bare wood.
My 1st choice is still to use normal stains. Depending on the type of wood, either a liquid stain or the gel types. The gels work better on woods like pine that tend to get blotchy. Another ...»
alternative for the blotchy effects is to pre treat the wood with the wood conditioner or a wipe coat of mineral spirits. To add protection I like to use The winwax "wiping poly".

on Jul 24, 2011 · Like 0
Dan's of Central Florida,... Clermont, FL

I'm with KMS on this one. I've had a couple bad experiences with the 2-in-1 type products and they never seem to end up looking as good as the "old school" methods. Polyshades in particular is one that I have sworn off. To each their own.

on Jul 24, 2011 · Like 0
Hudson Designs Loganville, GA

Polyshades works good if you are going for a light stain, but I have to agree the best satin and ploy jobs are done in steps. I have had great results with it don't get me wrong.
But only in light shades. Most of my work I use Cabot's stain and then 3 coats of Richards poly to finish it off. It gives it the Deep wet look!

on Jul 24, 2011 · Like 0
Becky Blair, NE

Ad me to the list of those that don't care for Polyshades. Anyone that wants to try it I say to make sure you're light handed because it you're going to get any good result at all you have to use a number of very light coats and make sure to NOT over brush. Once you have gone over an area, don't go over it again until it's completely dry and you are onto the next coat.
Personally I prefer using stain and poly separately too, but I have had fairly good results ...»
with Minwax Rub on stain and poly in the squeeze bottle. Again you have to be careful to not over coat. The good thing is this dries very vast.

on Aug 17, 2012 · Like 0