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Polycrylic Max Water-based Clear Transparent Gloss Interior Stain ( 1-quart )

Ratings & Reviews for Minwax Polycrylic Max Water-based Clear Transparent Gloss Interior Stain ( 1-quart )

3.9
210
Review
 3.9 out of 5
210 Reviews


59% Recommend this product

Ratings may include incentivized customer reviews.

What Customers Are Saying

The Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish provides a clear, durable finish that many customers found easy to apply and dries quickly. However, some users reported issues with the product drying too fast, leading to an uneven finish with visible brush marks or a hazy appearance. Additionally, a number of customers experienced peeling or cracking over time, particularly on surfaces that get wet. The product may work well for certain applications, but may not be suitable for all projects requiring a very smooth, uniform finish.

Customer review summary generated by AI, including incentivized reviews.
210 Customer Reviews

Not good for Satin finish

Would Not Recommend

This product dries too fast. It is tough to work it to get a good smooth finish as it dries before you can get the 15 inch by 24 inch flat panel coated. Every subsequent brush stroke shows forever.

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Response from MINWAX

Thank you for taking the time to review the Polycrylic Max. Since this is a water based product it does set up and dry quicker than an oil based. W...

MINWAXSeptember 18, 2025

MINWAX

Bad formula

Would Not Recommend

I've been using the regular polycrylic for years so I decided to give this one a try. It was a complete mess. It's very thick and doesn't have much workability. You can't back track at all without it dragging and clumping. It left a clumpy finish that cracked and yellowed the paint underneath.

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Response from MINWAX

Thank you for taking the time to review the Polycrylic Max. We apologize you did not get the desired results when using for your project. Since thi...

MINWAXSeptember 5, 2025

MINWAX

Polycrylic use

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Good application. Coverage is ok not the best. You can use them in many different places so it is versatile. No color just clear. Not sure how durability it is we will see.

September 2, 2025

From influenster.com

Response from Customer Support

Thank you for taking the time to review the Polycrylic. This is a clear, protective finish meant for use over bare wood or over stained wood. If you h...

Customer SupportSeptember 3, 2025

Does what it says

Would Recommend

This went on well, dried nice, and does what it says. I am newer to woodworking so I don't have a lot to compare to, but I would buy this again.

August 6, 2025
Verified Purchaser
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Nice finish coat

Would Recommend

Easy to use and water cleanup is nice

June 15, 2025
Verified Purchaser
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Easy to use

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Easy to use. Application has very easy follow up steps and it’s been showing great durability. I need to add that the odor is very mild and manageable.

June 11, 2025

From influenster.com

Delivery was fast and timely.

Would Recommend

The stain was what we requested.

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Prefer original

Would Not Recommend

Although it is thicker and should cover better I found that it dried white in some areas.

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Response from MINWAX

Thank you for taking the time to review the Polycrylic Max. We apologize you had an issue with the product drying white in areas. Usually this is a...

MINWAXMay 21, 2025

MINWAX

don't buy

Would Not Recommend

worst coating, texture (even with the best brush) was awful.

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Response from MINWAX

Thank you for your review of the Polycrylic Max. We apologize you did not get the desired results when using for your project. We recommend to use ...

MINWAXMay 19, 2025

MINWAX

Pleased

Would Recommend

Pleased with end result

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Doesn’t lay flat

Would Not Recommend

It’s to thick does not lay flat! And it doesn’t matter if you use a brush or a roller or even a rag. Very disappointing

May 7, 2025
Verified Purchaser
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Response from MINWAX

Thank you for your review of the Polycrylic Max. Since this is a thicker product and water based, we recommend to use a synthetic bristle brush for ...

MINWAXMay 9, 2025

MINWAX

Easy to apply

Would Recommend

Works very well, some shine but not to much.

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A Good Experiment.

Would Recommend

It gave me the very flat I wanted. Thick, and drys fast. It can be cut with some Flo.

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Unusable paint

Would Not Recommend

The paint was probably store outside during winter, because it was curdled. I am returning it.

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Response from MINWAX

Thank you for your review. Since the Polycrylic is water based, if left in freezing temperatures it can freeze. If you have further questions, plea...

MINWAXMarch 31, 2025

MINWAX

Be prepared to put 4-5 coats of paint on.

This was so hard to get to look smooth, we had to keep going over the countertop over and over again.

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Response from MINWAX

Thank you for your review of the Polycrylic. I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulty with applying our product. Brush marks typically occur...

MINWAXMarch 31, 2025

MINWAX

This is a win

Would Recommend

I live they way the finish came out and dried really quick

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