How to thin polyurethane. Thinning polyurethane for spraying many different solvents can be used to thin poly but the resulting slow drying overspray can turn into a serious problem. Most woodworkers want their polyurethane to reach a dust free stage faster not slower as evidenced by myth 4. Minimize this problem by applying thinner coats or by switching from standard brush on poly to a wipe on or spray finish both of which can be applied in very thin coats. What little benefit might be gained in reducing brush marking is more than cancelled out by increased dust nibs.
To seal the wood before top coating thin your oil based polyurethane to one part mineral spirits and two parts polyurethane first gently stir the contents in the can. When applying polyurethane on vertical surfaces you may experience drips or runs. Pour the products into a glass jar and gently stir the mixture with a flat stir stick. Solvent is a fraction of the cost of poly i apply 3 coats regardless.
Its pretty rare that i would thin that much either but i do regularly cut it 25 30 for the first coat on floors. Polyurethane is a common modern wood finish that can be purchased with either an oil or a water base.