Polycrylic: a term that might seem complex at first glance, but is actually simply a popular clear coat for any DIY enthusiast, woodworker, or home renovator. 

But what exactly is polycrylic, and how can it be used for your painting projects? In this article, we’ll demystify polycrylic, breaking down its composition and highlighting its many benefits. 

What is Polycrylic?

Polycrylic is a clear, water-based protective finish that is commonly used in woodworking and DIY projects. It’s a type of varnish that can be applied to wood to protect it and give it a finished look. 

You can also apply it on wallpaper, for example in a kitchen where the wallpaper may be exposed to splashes of water or stains from cooking. Polycrylic creates a protective barrier that not only enhances the look of the wallpaper but also makes it easier to clean and maintain. 

Polycrylic is known for its durability, offering a protective shield that guards against scratches and other forms of wear and tear.

It dries quickly and does not have a strong odor, making it user-friendly. Another advantage of Polycrylic is that it does not yellow over time, unlike oil-based finishes. 

It’s also low-odor and easy to clean up with just soap and water, which adds to its appeal for home use.

Polycrylic is available in a variety of finishes, including matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss, allowing you to choose the level of sheen that best suits your project.

Have in mind that it’s for interior use and it’s not suitable for floors. For floors, you need a polyurethane or a 2K clear coat for optimal results. 

Polycrylic, as its name suggests, is a combination of two types of binders: polyurethane and acrylic. 

What is Polyurethane?

Polyurethane is a type of resin used in various industries, including the production of paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers. 

Polyurethane binders are known for their exceptional durability, flexibility, and resistance to abrasion, impact, and weather conditions. These properties make them ideal for use in a wide range of applications, from automotive coatings and industrial sealants to flexible foam and elastomers.

Polyurethane coatings are often used in high-performance applications where excellent resistance to wear, impact, and chemicals is required.

What is acrylic?

An acrylic binder is a type of binder that is often used in the paint and coating industry. It’s a polymer made from acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and its esters, and it’s used to bind together pigments, fillers, and other components in a paint or coating.

The binder is a crucial component of any paint or coating, as it determines many of the paint’s properties, such as its durability, flexibility, gloss, and resistance to chemicals and UV light. 

Acrylic binders are particularly valued for their excellent color retention, resistance to weathering, and flexibility, which makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from house paints to automotive coatings.

In addition to paints and coatings, acrylic binders are also used in other applications, such as adhesives, sealants, and construction materials. They can be formulated to be either water-based or solvent-based, depending on the specific requirements of the application.

Polycrylic vs. Polyurethane

When it comes to choosing a finish for your project, both polycrylic and polyurethane have their own unique advantages and considerations. Here’s a comparison of the two:

Polycrylic:

• Composition: Polycrylic is a water-based finish that combines the durability of polyurethane with the clarity and ease of use of acrylic.
• Drying Time: Polycrylic dries quickly, allowing you to apply multiple coats in a short amount of time.
• Appearance: Polycrylic provides a clear finish that doesn’t yellow over time, making it an excellent choice for light-colored woods and white paints.
• Clean-up: Being water-based, polycrylic is easy to clean up with soap and water.
• Odor: Polycrylic has a low odor, which can be a significant advantage if you’re working indoors or in a space with limited ventilation.
• Durability: While polycrylic is durable and provides a good level of protection, it’s generally not as robust as polyurethane. It’s best suited for low- to medium-traffic items.

Polyurethane:

• Composition: Polyurethane is a synthetic resin that comes in both oil-based and water-based forms.
• Drying Time: Polyurethane takes longer to dry than polycrylic if it’s oil-based. This can slow down your project, as you’ll need to wait longer between coats.
• Appearance: Polyurethane enhances the natural beauty of wood, giving it a warm, rich finish. However, oil-based polyurethane can yellow over time.
• Clean-up: Oil-based polyurethane requires mineral spirits for clean-up, while water-based polyurethane can be cleaned up with water.
• Odor: Polyurethane has a stronger odor than polycrylic, particularly the oil-based variety. Proper ventilation is crucial when applying polyurethane.
• Durability: Polyurethane is highly durable and resistant to water and other forms of wear and tear. It’s an excellent choice for high-traffic items and outdoor furniture.

The choice between polycrylic and polyurethane will depend on your specific project and needs. 

Consider the type of wood you’re working with, the desired appearance, the expected level of wear and tear, and your personal preferences when making your decision.

Benefits of Using Polycrylic

Polycrylic has several benefits that make it a popular choice for many DIYers, woodworkers, and home renovators. Here are some of the key advantages of using polycrylic:

Durability and Appearance: Polycrylic provides a durable, protective finish that can withstand everyday use. It’s resistant to damage from scratching, chipping, and general wear and tear. Additionally, polycrylic is clear and doesn’t yellow over time, helping to maintain the original color and appearance of your project.

Fast Drying Time: One of the standout benefits of polycrylic is its fast drying time. This allows you to apply multiple coats in a single day, speeding up the completion of your project. It’s an excellent choice if you’re working on a tight schedule or simply want to see your finished piece as soon as possible.

Ease of Clean-up: Polycrylic is water-based, which means it’s easy to clean up with just soap and water. This is a significant advantage over oil-based finishes, which require harsh chemicals for clean-up. It also means that brushes and other tools can be easily cleaned and reused, reducing waste and saving money.

Versatility: Polycrylic is available in a variety of finishes, including matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. This allows you to choose the level of sheen that best suits your project. Polycrylic can also be used on a wide range of surfaces, from wood to painted surfaces, making it a versatile addition to your DIY toolkit.

Low Odor: Unlike some other finishes, polycrylic has a low odor. This makes it more pleasant to work with, especially in indoor spaces or areas with limited ventilation.

Alternative Finishes to Polycrylic

Polycrylic is a very popular clear coat and highly rated by users. Here are some alternatives to it.

DEFT Polyurethane Clear Coat

Consider DEFT Clear Water Based Polyurethane for your interior and exterior wood surfaces providing excellent weather resistance and durability.

With its innovative water-based oil-modified urethane technology, this product offers top-notch protection while remaining environmentally friendly and low in odor, making it a wise choice for those sensitive to strong fumes.

Applying this polyurethane is straightforward using a brush, pad, or spray application, and its quick-drying time of just 2 hours between recoats allows you to complete your project promptly.

DEFT’s polyurethane is an excellent choice for protecting your wooden furniture, doors, floors, windows, and other hard-use areas without yellowing the surface.

Pros

• Water-based, low-odor formula
• Superior UV protection; excellent weather resistance
• Fast-drying: recoat within 2 hours

Cons

• Can be challenging to apply without leaving brush strokes according to some users.
• Despite its clear color, when applied over white paint, it can alter the color to an undesired yellow tint.

General Finishes Flat Out Flat Topcoat

Upgrade your chalk and milk paint projects with this easy-to-use, clear topcoat that enhances durability while maintaining the original look and feel.

General Finishes Flat Out Flat Topcoat is designed to improve the durability of chalk and milk paint, which often suffer from wear and tear due to their powdery texture.

Flat Out Flat Topcoat dries relatively quickly, taking around two to four hours under normal conditions.

However, it is essential to be cautious when using this topcoat on bright white or light-colored paint, as potential yellowing may occur.

Additionally, it’s important to apply the product with precision to achieve consistent results across the surface. Also, keep in mind that the finish may slightly darken the wood on application.

Ultimately, if you’re looking to increase the durability of your chalk and milk paint projects while preserving their distinct look and feel, General Finishes Flat Out Flat Topcoat is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Preserves the look, feel, and color of chalk and milk paint
• Significantly improves durability
• Water-based, simple to use, and easy to clean up with warm soapy water

Cons

• Not suitable for bright white paint or light colors, as potential yellowing may occur
• Slightly darkens the wood upon application
• Requires careful application to achieve a consistent finish

Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane

This protective finish is a top choice for interior wood surfaces, offering great clarity and durability.

With maximum scratch and stain resistance, you can trust this product to maintain the look and quality of your furniture, windows, cabinets, and trim.

Since it’s water-based, it allows for swift drying and hassle-free clean up. You’ll find that once applied, this protective coating dries to touch in just 30 minutes. However, you may need to apply multiple coats to achieve the desired level of protection and the finish you desire.

Pros

• Fast-drying water-based formula
• High scratch and stain resistance
• Easy soap and water clean up

Cons

• May require multiple coats

How to Apply Polycrylic

Applying polycrylic is a breeze! Just gather the tools and materials below and follow the steps:

Necessary Tools

You don’t need a toolbox that rivals a hardware store. Here’s your simple checklist:

• Polycrylic (obviously!)
• A high-quality synthetic brush
• Fine-grit (220) sandpaper
• A clean, lint-free cloth
• A well-lit, well-ventilated workspace

If the object your going to paint is dirty then clean it with soap and water or a suitable commercial product and let it dry before moving on to the next step. You can also use a paint roller with a short cover nap that is suitable for smooth surfaces.

Step-by-Step Guide

Prep Work: Start by sanding your surface with a fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe off the dust with your lint-free cloth.

First Coat: Dip your brush into the polycrylic and apply with the grain of the wood. No need to slather it on – think light and even, like buttering toast.

Sanding: Let the first coat dry (check the can for drying times but usually 2 hours). Once dry, lightly sand the surface. This helps the next coat stick better and will give a smoother finish. Wipe off the dust.

Repeat: Apply a second coat, let it dry, then sand again. For the best results, we recommend at least 2-3 coats.

Final Coat: After your final sanding, wipe off the dust and apply your last coat of polycrylic. Let it dry completely, and voila! Your piece is now as protected as a knight in shining armor.

Tips for Best Results

Stir, Don’t Shake: Shaking can cause bubbles. Stir the polycrylic gently before use.

Avoid Over-Brushing: Over-brushing can leave streaks and an uneven finish. Apply the polycrylic and move on.

Keep it Dust-Free: Dust and debris can stick to the finish. Keep your workspace clean.

Patience is Key: Don’t rush the drying process. Let each coat dry fully before moving on to the next.

Just watch out for drips and runs. Sand them down before applying the next coat if you’ve got any.

Popular DIY Projects Using Polycrylic

Here are some popular projects where polycrylic really shines:

Refinishing Furniture: Got an old piece of furniture that’s seen better days? A coat of paint and a finish of polycrylic can make it look brand new.

Craft Projects: From picture frames to decorative boxes, polycrylic can add a professional finish to your craft projects.

Artwork: If you’re into painting, a coat of polycrylic can protect your artwork and give it a beautiful finish.

Cabinets: Give your kitchen cabinets a layer of polycrylic for added protection, or a polyurethane clear coat if it sees a lot of wear and tear. Or if you want extreme durability then go with a 2K clear coat.

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! We’ve journeyed through the land of polycrylic, from understanding its polyurethane and acrylic roots to exploring its many uses in the DIY world. 

Whether you’re refinishing a beloved piece of furniture, crafting a sign to welcome guests, or giving your kitchen cabinets a much-needed facelift, polycrylic is there to lend a hand (or a brush!). It’s fast-drying, easy to clean up, and gives your projects a beautiful, durable finish.

So, the next time you embark on a DIY adventure, don’t forget to invite polycrylic along for the ride. It’s a companion that won’t let you down.