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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
251
Review
 3.9 out of 5
251 Reviews


60% Recommend this product

Ratings may include incentivized customer reviews.

What Customers Are Saying

Most customers praise the fast drying time, clear non-yellowing finish, and ease of application, with many noting one coat provides sufficient coverage and low odor. However, a substantial group reports the thick consistency prevents proper flow and self-leveling, resulting in visible brush marks that are difficult to correct without sanding. Several users who previously used the original formula express disappointment, stating the newer version sacrifices usability for speed. Despite these drawbacks, most reviewers consider the product worthwhile for quick projects, though those seeking flawless finishes may find it frustrating.

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

DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT

Would Not Recommend

This product ruined my project. Refinishing an old desk and got it all ready for the final step. Chose this and it was like glue putting on, dried so fast I couldn't keep up with the drips and it ruined my project, have to start over.

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Response from MINWAX

Thank you for your review of the Polycrylic Max. We apologize you had an issue when using this for your project. So we can get more information on ...

MINWAXAugust 17, 2026

MINWAX

Frustrating

Would Not Recommend

Too thick, gets tacky very quickly. Frustrating to work with. Will stick to the original polycrylic in the future.

August 6, 2026
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Response from MINWAX

Thank you for your review of the Polycrylic Max, we apologize you had an issue when using for your project. Since this is a water based product it d...

MINWAXAugust 7, 2026

MINWAX

Dries to fast

Would Not Recommend

This is terrible to get to flow out no matter what you do. At 80 degrees it dries by the time you get a 3” brush stroke 4’ long. I took it into the air conditioning to let it cool off. Not much difference. I’ve finish a lot of wood and can not recommend this. Have to sand it off and use a different one. Same with the stain finish combo.

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Response from MINWAX

Thank you for your review of the Polycrylic Max. Since this is a water based product, it does dry quickly. We recommend to keep a wet edge when app...

MINWAXAugust 6, 2026

MINWAX

Brush strokes

Would Not Recommend

I followed the directions, used a high quality brush, thin coats and still got brush strokes. I should have listened to my gut and got the original. Now I have to strip my piece down and start over. Waste of time and money.

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Response from MINWAX

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

MINWAXJuly 24, 2026

MINWAX

Too Thick

Would Not Recommend

This product was a pain to try and use. Using a brush per the instructions resulted in layers that were too thick, smeared, and resulted in inconsistent lines. Completely frustrated since this was purchased over regular polycyclic, which probably would have been a smarter choice given its less viscous nature.

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Response from MINWAX

We apologize you had an issue when using our product. Since this is a one coat product, it will be thicker than the regular Polycrylic. If you would...

MINWAXJuly 13, 2026

MINWAX

TRASH

Would Not Recommend

Terrible product. Doesn't "stir" at all. Clumpy. Brush or roller, dries before you can put a single coat on, so if you brush over it again, it leaves mini clumps that you can't remedy. I'm refinishing cabinets. I just gave up and scraped it all off. $40 wasted.

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Response from MINWAX

Thank you for your review, we apologize you did not get the expected results when using for your project. So we can get more information on your app...

MINWAXJuly 7, 2026

MINWAX

Wood fijish

It’s water based and looks beautiful

June 21, 2026
Verified Purchaser
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It goes on white dries clear.

Would Recommend

It is easy to use, just a quick stir

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Drys evenly

Would Recommend

Clear instructions

June 18, 2026
Verified Purchaser
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