Waterlox Original Sealer & Finish

Preparation and Application Instructions:
• Apply Waterlox to a small test area and allow it to dry prior to applying to the entire surface. Final color effect is always influenced by the grain, texture, porosity, species of wood, number of coats, and by method of application.
• To prepare the surface, strip previously finished surfaces to bare wood. Where not possible to strip all wood, Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish can be used as a primer/tie-coat. If the previous finish is a urethane or unknown, the finish must be abraded before application.
• Sand the surface well and wipe clean with a tack cloth or cloth dampened with paint thinner.
• Apply product using lambswool, brush, roller, cloth, or spray. For floors, we recommend using a lambswool applicator to apply the finish.
• To smooth out bubbles in the surface, you can follow up with a china bristle brush.
• Be sure to apply the finish with the grain of the wood.
• Sanding between coats is not necessary for adhesion purposes, for aesthetic reasons, you can perform a light sanding with fine sandpaper, steel wool (0000) or buff with a 3M® white pad.

Coverage/Coats:
One gallon of Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish covers 500 sq. feet. per gallon per coat. For harder woods such as Oak, Cherry, Hickory, and Heart Pine, a total of 3 coats is needed. For softer woods such as Pine and Douglas Fir, a total of 4 coats is needed. Thinning is not necessary.

Begin all flooring projects with Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish. Completed, you will have a medium sheen (50-55° gloss). For a satin sheen (20-25° gloss), apply 1-2 coats of Sealer/Finish and follow with 2 coats of Satin Finish. For a gloss sheen (85° gloss), apply 1-2 coats of Sealer/Finish and follow with 2 coats of High Gloss Finish.

Staining:
Stain can be added to your first coat of Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish. You can add up to 1 quart of oil-based stain to 1 gallon of Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish (4:1 ratio). We recommend you use an old fashioned oil-based stain (without additives such as urethane). Test the stain mixture as well as the subsequent coats of Waterlox Original Finishes before applying to the entire surface.

Dry Time:
After each coat has been applied, allow to air dry for 6-24 hours, or until tack-free. Dry time depends on temperature, ventilation and humidity. For best results apply when temperatures are over 60°F, and when humidity is relatively low. Dry time will increase due to low temperatures or high humidity. We recommend putting a box fan in a window facing outward to ensure adequate ventilation.

Clean Up/Storage:
Use mineral spirits or turpentine to clean tools, equipment, applicators, and spills. Then wash with warm soapy water. Transfer unused Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish to smaller tightly sealed jars or raise the level in the original container by adding clean marbles or stones. This is to prevent the potential jelling of contents due to air exposure within the can.

Recommended safety materials:
Rubber gloves, goggles, and a respirator fitted with an organic cartridge.

Cautions:
Do NOT use over wax. To avoid spontaneous combustion during temporary storage, soak soiled rags and waste immediately after use in a water-filled, closed metal container.

Additional Product Resources:
• Waterlox Discussion on Hardwood Flooring and Wood Trim Finishes
• Waterlox Application Tips for Woodworking
• Waterlox Original Sealer SDS
• Waterlox Original VOC Compliant SDS