Rubio - Hybrid Wood Protector

[Rick Herrick]

I just finished a set of small, side/end tables for outside.  I used white oak and had planned to use MinWax Helmsman.  But also starting a dresser project for my daughter.  I want to try Rubio Mono-coat for the dresser.  While on the Rubio site I see they have an exterior product, Hybrid Wood Protecter.  I am pretty much a noob on all things 'finishing'.  On all of my current cabinets and furniture I have used MinWax wipe-on/spray-on poly.

Any suggestions on using the Rubio exterior (especially vs the Helmsman) ?  I can see that I may need yearly maintenance but they won't get that much sun and re-applying does not seem that difficult.

 

[TXFIVEO]

I built a mahogany front door and used Rubio Monocoat Hybrid on it and it looks great.  Will see how it holds up.  Been curing for a week now and will install this weekend. 

 

[Rick Herrick]

Thanks and good luck with the door.  I have read a little bit more and there was a minor rumbling that the finish does not last near as long as Rubio says.  This one person indicated at 6 months it needed refreshing.  I think for the time being I will try Rubio indoors but wait a bit on using it on outdoor projects.

 

[semenza]

    I have only used one Rubio product (Oil Plus 2C in chocolate brown, I think). My use was for a countertop and the client had me refresh it after about four years. Client knew going in that my recommendation was for something more durable. Rubio became the choice because it was the only thing I could find that met all the other requirements. Based on the appearance at that time I would say that it had needed refreshing well before the four year mark. My limited experience suggests that it is not really all that durable at all.

    But it can have a very nice look when applied and buffed out. Client was very pleased with the look.

    It seems to me that if used on a floor, any traffic area would need pretty frequent maintenance of some type.

Seth

 

[Rick Herrick]

Thank you Seth.  The durability of both indoor and outdoor do concern me.  If your customer wasn't concerned up until 4 years, that really is a good sign. 

Off topic a bit but I am close to deciding which finish for my Daughters dresser.  I really like the fact that Rubio is easy to apply and should be almost stink free.  I have done lots of smaller projects and used both spray and wipe-on poly from MinWax.  They do take more coats and they do stink to high heaven though.  I have 2 side tables I finished 2 months ago and the drawers still let out a smell now and then. I just can't have that in my GrandDaughters nursery.  I don't worry about dresser itself with regards to Rubio and durability but I have to do something different for the walnut top.  I also see lots of folks just don't finish their drawer boxes at all. I don't think I can do that either.  The ones I have done with the poly really look nice and seem durable.  Had a full coffee cup spill a couple weeks ago.  All over the top and into several drawers.  Simple wet rag all over every thing and set for a day and no issues at all.  But they still stink..

 

[rvieceli]

[member=72312]Rick Herrick[/member] maybe take a look at Osmo Polyx. I use and like 3054 satin. Works for me and I like the sheen.

It is not zero VOC but still very low VOC.

Ron

 

[semenza]

Thank you Seth.  The durability of both indoor and outdoor do concern me.  If your customer wasn't concerned up until 4 years, that really is a good sign. 

Off topic a bit but I am close to deciding which finish for my Daughters dresser.  I really like the fact that Rubio is easy to apply and should be almost stink free.  I have done lots of smaller projects and used both spray and wipe-on poly from MinWax.  They do take more coats and they do stink to high heaven though.  I have 2 side tables I finished 2 months ago and the drawers still let out a smell now and then. I just can't have that in my GrandDaughters nursery.  I don't worry about dresser itself with regards to Rubio and durability but I have to do something different for the walnut top.  I also see lots of folks just don't finish their drawer boxes at all. I don't think I can do that either.  The ones I have done with the poly really look nice and seem durable.  Had a full coffee cup spill a couple weeks ago.  All over the top and into several drawers.  Simple wet rag all over every thing and set for a day and no issues at all.  But they still stink..

  I think it probably needed a refresh before the four year mark. Granted it is a kitchen countertop so it got all kinds of things spilled on it. Plus lots of wiping and cleaning.

  Everything was flat and smooth including the edge.  Personally I found that it is both easy and a pain to apply. It is thick and needs to be spread around and worked a lot to even it out.  This is easy with a buffer on a flat surface. I used Rotex 150 with sheepskin after pouring / spreading / rubbing it around with a cloth.  And one coat is nice. However, I think that applying it to anything with grooves or profile trim work would a PIA. Especially on a paneled door, seems like it might get all gummed up where the panel fits into the groove.

  Has it's place but maybe not quite the be all end all finish / stain that Rubio makes it out to be.

Seth

 

[Packard]

There was a previous thread on this.  It might be worth reading. 
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/finishing/rubio-monocoat-on-flooring/

 

[Rick Herrick]

There was a previous thread on this.  It might be worth reading. 
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/finishing/rubio-monocoat-on-flooring/

Thanks Packard, I did read it and most of it was negative towards floor use.  In my case it is a bedroom dresser.  I think it should be fine on the white oak dresser but I think the top (Peruvian Walnut) might need a different finish.  Driving me nuts going back and forth regarding options.

 

[semenza]

There was a previous thread on this.  It might be worth reading. 
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/finishing/rubio-monocoat-on-flooring/

Thanks Packard, I did read it and most of it was negative towards floor use.  In my case it is a bedroom dresser.  I think it should be fine on the white oak dresser but I think the top (Peruvian Walnut) might need a different finish.  Driving me nuts going back and forth regarding options.

I'd go with regular poly. Durable, cleanable, can take some abuse. On the open top surface any VOC should be gone quickly while drying. And completely after a couple weeks. Also sounds like this could be an easy piece to move to another location while it cures.

Seth

 

[Rick Herrick]

Thanks Seth, I agree, I think the poly is the safer bet especially since I won't have as easy access to keep it going down the road.