"Future vs minwax" Topic

My brother asked me about magic wash (making ones own wash using future.) I've been using minwax and have been for the most part, happy with it. Some what daunting to me about using magic wash has been that everyone seems to have their own formula for it. But as I reading through what others seem to do (everything from straight up to one part to ten mixed with water) I get the feeling that the more sophisticated painters out there are using it as one step in their processes and not a final coating as it were, as I do with minwax. So I was wondering if this explains the different in formulas?

Sometimes folks apply the formula to seal the figure(s) before shading. This seals the little pockets that can cause that muddy look. I've heard folks use future out of the bottle. Others will argue that it goes on too thick and can cover up some detail when they put the shade on.

I personally use 4 parts water to 1 part future. That's my stock. I am still playing with the formula for pigment. I've tried 25 parts stock to 1 part pigment and found it to be a little weak. I tried 10 parts stock to 1 part pigment and found it to be a little strong. So the magic formula lies between 10 and 25.

But like you say, everyone has a different formula and different ideas. I am sure you will get several different answers.

Future is forgiving; it works well at various dilutions and tinctures. So you can experiment with what looks best to *you*.

It is also a multi-tasker: you can use it pure (or 1:1 with distilled water) to prep a surface for transfers; as a final protective coat before Dull-Cote or other matte coating, or to spot-paint and "re-gloss" shiny items after applying Dull-Cote.

It cleans up with water, and it doesn't have strong fumes. And it's cheap.

In addition, it will look after your children while you're out, and will bathe the cat. What's not to like?

Allen

Uh oh, the "Future Floor Wax Mafia" has been called to action… :P Steve

Allen has it. But his praise is still rather moderate for my tastes.

Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Future!

Jason

Technically, it's now the "Pledge with Future Shine Mafia".

Shiny!

By the way, I had forgotten acarhj's point about using it as a "pre-coat" before applying washes to a matte or grainy paint surface. Great tip!

Cuio i Phuturian anann! Aglar'ni Phuturiannath!
Daur a Berhael, Future en Pledge! Eglerio! Eglerio!
A laita te, laita te! Andave laituvalmet!

Allen

How long does the stock keep and does it separate if left on the shelf too long?

Does what stock keep?

With Minwax, you don't want to raise the pigment from the bottom of the can; that's the secret behind the Dip method: you don't stir it, and you just dip in the carrier.

With Future solutions, I have no idea. I mix as much as I need for a session and generally use it up. But stuff I've had left over and let sit for weeks hasn't separated; the ink doesn't precipitate out.

Allen

How long does the stock keep and does it separate if left on the shelf too long?

I keep mine in a baby food jar. It has kept pretty well for 2 months anyway. Since it's glass and since the lid has a rubber seal, I think I won't have any problems with it drying out. Plastic bottles may be another story, depending on what type of plastic the bottle is made of.

I have mixed up a couple of jars worth of Future, one brown one black ink. They are several months old now, all I do is give a quick shake before use. Never had a problem.

I mix up Quart jars. Usually about 1/2 to 2/3 full. I always shake the jar before I use it.

Oh, and FUTURE is soooooooo much better than Minwax that it really doesn't even warrant a comparison. I know that may sound harsh. But having used both I can honestly say it's true.

Thanks,

John

I only started using Future in the last year or so over my old Minwax method (which I started using back in '91 or so). I prefere Future as it cleans up with water and is easy to dilute to the strength you desire. I won't be using Minwax anymore.

I think I've figured out how to get a Future wash to flow the way Minwax does. I'm still experimenting, but a base of 1p extender, 1p glazing medium, 2p water and 2p future (mixed with a small amount of paint, maybe 10:1) seems to do what I want and have plenty of time to flow down off the high points and pool in the recesses.

Minwax will yellow.

Dunno about Future.

mjc

Future: no fumes, water soluble, dries quickly. My Minwax days are over.

I use future these days.

I did try minwax, but I never could get it to the right shade/tint… and for days afterwards my fingers looked like I had been stirring a cup of iodine.

It really is nasty stuff when compared to Future.

Thanks,

John