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learning is part of growth

Bumble_bee

Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2025
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7
I've been experimenting with different finishing techniques for painted cabinets and furniture. My usual process, cleaning, light sanding, stix primer, and aura semi gloss has worked well for brush and roll applications, but now I want to start spray finishing doors, cabinets and the likes, tried my first by adding a clear coat for durability. Used minwax water based polyurethane over off white aura matte. Looked great at first, but over time, it turned yellow and I have to redo it.
Lesson learned though, what's the best clear coat for this type of job? open to advice
 
I've been experimenting with different finishing techniques for painted cabinets and furniture. My usual process, cleaning, light sanding, stix primer, and aura semi gloss has worked well for brush and roll applications, but now I want to start spray finishing doors, cabinets and the likes, tried my first by adding a clear coat for durability. Used minwax water based polyurethane over off white aura matte. Looked great at first, but over time, it turned yellow and I have to redo it.
Lesson learned though, what's the best clear coat for this type of job? open to advice
For a non yellowing finish over white paint, you need a clear coat that is specifically designed to stay clear.
The best choice is a water based acrylic polyurethane or a product specifically labeled as non yellowing.

Brands like General Finishes High Performance Topcoat or Varathane's Water Based Ultimate Polyurethane are popular for this. They contain different resins that are much more resistant to UV yellowing than a standard polyurethane
 
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