Q: I have been using Minwax Satin Oil Based Wipe-On polyurethane for finishing my kitchen cabinets. I can’t buy it anymore in California due to VOC laws. Is the water based product going to give me the same results?
A: Depending on your criteria, you may or may not find it acceptable. It is developing a good reputation and following, so it is certainly worth a try, but as always, try these things on scrap first. As a rule, abrasion resistance will not be problem, but you might want to test it once it is cured with whatever range of heat, solvents and chemicals your kitchen is likely to produce. If you decide you prefer oil based, simply buy oil based polyurethane and use that as a wipe off finish. Thin it with mineral spirits if you like, but I find scrubbing on oil based polyurethane with gray Scotchbrite right out of the can, and wiping it off immediately with paper shop towels works fine without any thinning.
Michael Dresdner
straight talk about wood finishing