As someone deeply immersed in the world of furniture refinishing, I’ve tried countless products to achieve the perfect finish. Topcoats are essential for protecting your hard work and ensuring durability, but not all finishes are created equal. Over the years, I’ve moved away from using traditional polycrylic and polyurethane topcoats, instead embracing Polyvine Wax Finish Varnish as my go-to choice. Let me explain why.
1. The Downside of Polycrylic and Polyurethane
Polycrylic
Polycrylic is often marketed as the user-friendly option: water-based, low odor, and easy to clean up. While these qualities sound appealing, the reality is far from perfect:
• Streaky Finish: If you’re brushing it on, good luck avoiding those streaks. It can dry too quickly, leaving you scrambling to smooth out brush marks.
• Limited Durability: Though water-resistant, polycrylic isn’t as tough as polyurethane. It scratches easily, which means that coffee table or kitchen surface you spent hours refinishing might not hold up.
• Not for Dark Colors: Polycrylic can dry with a milky or cloudy finish over dark-painted pieces, detracting from the rich, deep tones you worked hard to achieve.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane, on the other hand, is the tough sibling in the family. It’s long-lasting and highly durable but comes with its own set of drawbacks:
• Yellowing Over Time: Oil-based polyurethane is notorious for developing an amber hue over time. This might work for warm-toned woods but ruins the look of whites and other light finishes.
• Fussy Application: If you’ve ever dealt with bubbling or dust specks settling into the finish, you know the frustration.
• Overkill for Many Pieces: Its hardness can feel too industrial for furniture intended to maintain a softer, more natural look.
Both options also tend to leave a tell-tale “plastic-y” sheen that detracts from the charm of vintage or hand-crafted pieces.
Enter Polyvine Wax Finish Varnish
When I discovered Polyvine Wax Finish Varnish, it was like finding the missing piece in my refinishing puzzle. Here’s why it’s my absolute favorite:
1. A Beautiful Matte, Natural Look
Polyvine’s wax finish varnish gives furniture a soft, velvety sheen that mimics a hand-waxed look. It’s not overly glossy or plastic-like, making it perfect for vintage and farmhouse-style pieces. It enhances the beauty of wood grains and painted finishes without overpowering them.
2. Durability Without the Yellowing
This product is as tough as it is beautiful. It resists scratches, water rings, and general wear and tear—without turning yellow over time. This makes it ideal for light finishes or painted surfaces, where maintaining color integrity is key.
3. Easy Application
Unlike polycrylic and polyurethane, Polyvine is forgiving during application. It self-levels beautifully, eliminating brush strokes and streaks. Whether you’re brushing it on or using a sponge, it dries to a smooth, professional finish every time.
4. Versatile and Adaptable
Polyvine works equally well on painted or stained surfaces. Whether I’m sealing a bold, colorful dresser or a rustic, stained farmhouse table, I know I can count on it to perform consistently.
5. A Waxed Feel Without the Hassle
I love the look of waxed furniture, but traditional wax finishes can be high-maintenance. Polyvine gives the same buttery finish with far less upkeep. No need to buff or reapply frequently—just apply it, let it cure, and enjoy.
Application Tips for Perfect Results
• Read the Topcoat Directions: Always read the instructions before starting! For the first coat, I follow the recommendation to add 10% water. I make sure to use distilled water for this step to ensure a smooth, flawless finish.
• Use the Right Brush: I’ve found that a size 14 or 16 brush works best for applying this topcoat. It provides just the right balance of control and coverage.
• Polyvine Wax Finish Varnish Link: If you’re ready to try this amazing product, you can find Polyvine linked here.
Final Thoughts: Why I Always Recommend Polyvine
Polycrylic and polyurethane are often staples in furniture refinishing, but for me, they simply don’t cut it anymore. Polyvine Wax Finish Varnish delivers superior results in terms of aesthetics, durability, and ease of use. It’s a topcoat that complements my style and ensures my refinished pieces are not only protected but also showcase the craftsmanship and beauty they deserve.
If you’re frustrated with streaky polycrylic or yellowing polyurethane, I highly recommend giving Polyvine a try. Once you see the difference, you might just fall in love with it as much as I have.
Your furniture—and your sanity—will thank you. 
3 comments
Where would I find this particular top coat?
Thank you for this information. I have been looking for a product for my dining room table. I stripped and stained it and looking for a top coat going to try this. Thank you
The home I purchased has a flat sink. Water splashes everywhere when you wash your hands. It’s sunk into an old dresser. The wood has white spots. How can I “fix” this issue. I can’t afford to replace the whole thing.