Waterlox® ORIGINAL VOC Compliant Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish and Satin Finish Application Guide

What You’ll Need

Safety

• Chemical resistant gloves and eye protection (e.g.: safety glasses and/or goggles), hearing protection (if using buffing equipment).
• NIOSH/MSHA-approved respirator during application (for organic vapor).
• NIOSH-approved dust mask for sanding (if sanding to bare wood).
• Read and carefully follow label instructions, guidelines, warnings and cautions.

General

• Vacuum, broom and clean, lint-free rags.
• Paint thinner or mineral spirits.¹
• Painter’s tape.
• Box fan(s) to insure cross-ventilation and adequate dry.

Coverage

• One gallon covers approximately 500 square feet per coat
• One quart covers approximately 125 square feet per coat
• One 2 fl oz bottle covers approximately 6 square feet per coat

Tools

Not recommended for use with a roller.

For Large Projects:

• An 8-12″ lambswool applicator and a paint pan large enough for chosen applicator.

• A quality natural bristle brush or paint pad recommended for use with oil-based finishes for cutting in edges.

• Sanding between coats of Waterlox® ORIGINAL VOC Compliant products is NOT necessary for adhesion but can be done for aesthetic reasons. Allow 24 hours of dry time BEFORE sanding. If sanding, allow AT LEAST 18-24 hours with very good air movement to be sure the surface is re-cured prior to recoating. Abrasive pads for sanding and smoothing between coats (if necessary):
• Maroon pads or surface preparation pads (SPP pads) are recommended.
• Also 320-grit sandpaper, 0000 steel wool or other equivalent abrasive.

For Small Projects:

• A quality natural bristle brush, lambswool hand pad or paint pad recommended for use with oil-based finishes.

• Sanding between coats of Waterlox® ORIGINAL VOC Compliant products is NOT necessary for adhesion but can be done for aesthetic reasons. Allow 24 hours of dry time BEFORE sanding. If sanding, allow AT LEAST 18-24 hours with very good air movement to be sure the surface is re-cured prior to recoating. Abrasive pads for sanding and smoothing between coats (if necessary):
• 320-grit sandpaper, 0000 steel wool or other equivalent abrasive.

Testing

Waterlox® ORIGINAL VOC Compliant products will alter the appearance of the wood. Proper testing of the entire process should be completed before beginning.

Preparation

• Surface preparation is the most important step; follow proper steps and grit sequences. For floor projects, consider hiring a professional who follows the accepted NOFMA/NWFA procedures for this step. All old finish must be removed and a NIOSH-approved dust mask should be worn during sanding. To maximize penetration, final sanding should be done with 100-150 grit. As with any penetrating oil, Waterlox® ORIGINAL VOC Compliant products will highlight sanding mistakes and imperfections.

• WARNING: If you scrape, sand or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. Lead is toxic. Exposure to lead dust can cause serious illness, such as brain damage, especially in children. Pregnant women should also avoid exposure. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop. Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log onto www.epa.gov/lead.

• Vacuum the surface thoroughly with and across the grain to remove as much sanding dust as possible, including all surfaces that could hold dust.

• Lightly dampen a rag with mineral spirits or paint thinner and wipe the wood surface to pick up any remaining sanding dust. Allow the mineral spirits to evaporate (15-30 minutes) before applying.¹

• Tape off or cover any surfaces not being coated.

• Perform any other preparation steps (e.g. stain). See the Stain and Waterlox® guide for more information.

Product Handling

• Waterlox ORIGINAL VOC Compliant Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish – NO shaking or stirring required or advised.
• Waterlox ORIGINAL VOC Compliant Satin Finish – Shake or stir contents before use. Stir contents occasionally during use.
  • BATCHING. If more than one container of finish is needed to complete a coat, the containers should be batched together before starting the coat.

Application Steps

1. Apply 1-2 coats of Waterlox® ORIGNAL VOC Compliant Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish as outlined below. (If using UTOS, apply following proper application and drying directions. Visit Waterlox.com/utos.)
2. Pour out the amount of Waterlox® ORIGINAL VOC Compliant Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish needed for the first coat.
• If working from a previously opened container, straining through a medium to fine mesh paint strainer may be required.
3. Apply Waterlox® ORIGINAL VOC Compliant Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish liberally with the grain at the recommended spread rate.
4. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
5. For soft woods (e.g.: Douglas fir, white pine, yellow pine, cedar, etc.), or if using as a Sealer for Waterlox® H2OLOX®, repeat steps 1-3 and apply a second coat of ORIGINAL VOC Compliant Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish. DO NOT SAND after the first coat of Waterlox® ORIGINAL VOC Compliant Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish.
6. Lightly dampen a mop, lint-free rag or micro-fiber mop with regular mineral spirits¹ or paint thinner to remove dust. Allow the mineral spirits to evaporate (15-30 minutes) before applying.
7. Apply Waterlox® ORIGINAL VOC Compliant Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish or ORIGINAL VOC Compliant Satin Finish liberally with the grain using a lamb’s wool applicator (floors) or a quality natural bristle brush or paint pad. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
8. Repeat steps 2-4 for a second coat.

Sanding Between Coats

Sanding between coats of Waterlox® ORIGINAL VOC Compliant products is NOT necessary for adhesion but can be done for aesthetic reasons. Allow 24 hours of dry time BEFORE sanding. If sanding, allow AT LEAST 18-24 hours with very good air movement to be sure the surface is re-cured prior to recoating.

Application Procedure

Large Projects:

1. Clean the new, unused applicator with painter’s tape, lint roller, in the dryer or with a vacuum before starting.
2. Pour out the Waterlox® ORIGINAL VOC Compliant product into a paint tray.
3. Dip the applicator fully into the paint tray to saturate it.
4. Following the grain, pull the applicator (spread the finish) toward the opposite wall evenly. Hold the applicator with light pressure and at a slight angle to maintain a wet edge.
• To avoid lap marks, maintain a wet edge by overlapping sections previously finished by several inches. Be sure to feather the finish at every start and stop.
5. When cutting in edges do not work more than 5-10 feet from the field-applied finish.

Small Projects:

1. Clean the new, unused lambswool applicator or pad with painter’s tape, lint roller, in the dryer or with a vacuum before starting.
2. Pour out the amount of finish needed for the job or dip applicator into the can and spread evenly.
3. Following the grain, lightly drag the applicator or brush from one end of the project to the other to remove applicator marks. Hold the applicator or brush with light pressure and maintain a wet edge.
4. Wipe off any drips with a clean rag if necessary.

Clean Up and Disposal

Clean application tools immediately with regular mineral spirits¹ or paint thinner. Do not pour extra product down the drain! Allow rags that are wet with product to dry in a well-ventilated area before disposal. Properly dispose of rags, applicators and waste. DANGER! Rags, steel wool or waste soaked with Waterlox® may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded. Immediately after use, place rags, steel wool or waste in a sealed water-filled metal container. Read carefully other cautions on the product label.

Storage

• Visit waterlox.com/storage. Keep container closed when not in use. Read carefully other cautions on the product label.

Drying and Ventilation

• Waterlox® ORIGINAL VOC Compliant products will dry through exposure to oxygen (oxidation).
• Dry time before recoating is 24 hours. 48 hours are required if abrading.
• Poor ventilation, high humidity or cool temperatures may increase dry times.
• Read carefully other directions and cautions on the product label.
• For full ventilation details, visit Drying, Ventilation, Curing and Circulation.

Cleaning and Care

Visit the cleaning and care guide for more information.

Re-Coat

Waterlox® ORIGINAL VOC Compliant products are low VOC formulations of our ORIGINAL products for use in VOC restricted areas. Waterlox ORIGINAL VOC Compliant Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish and Satin Finish should be used in combination with each other only. Visit the VOC FAQ for more information. If a situation arises where VOC regulations change in a locale, Waterlox® ORIGINAL VOC Compliant finishes can be used as a re-coat as long as the surface being recoated has been dry and cured for 6 months or longer.

This guide is intended to be a standard application procedure. See the VOC product page for additional guides and tips.

Warnings

DANGER! COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID AND VAPOR CONTAINS MINERAL SPIRITS. VAPOR HARMFUL. MAY AFFECT THE BRAIN OR NERVOUS SYSTEM CAUSING DIZZINESS, HEADACHE OR NAUSEA. CAUSES EYE, SKIN, NOSE AND THROAT IRRITATION. NOTICE: Reports have associated repeated and prolonged occupational overexposure to solvents with permanent brain and nervous system damage. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents may be harmful or fatal. Keep away from heat and flame. Prevent build-up of vapors by opening all windows and doors to achieve cross-ventilation. Use only with adequate ventilation. Do not breathe vapors or spray mist. Ensure fresh air entry during application and drying. If you experience eye watering, headache or dizziness or if air monitoring demonstrates vapor/mist levels are above applicable limits, wear an appropriate, properly fitted respirator (NIOSH/MSHA approved) during and after application. Follow respirator manufacturer’s directions for respirator use. Close container after each use. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling. FIRST AID: In case of eye contact, flush immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and get medical attention; for skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If you experience difficulty in breathing, leave the area to obtain fresh air. If continued difficulty is experienced, get medical assistance immediately. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Call physician immediately. If spilled, contain spilled material and remove with inert absorbent. Dispose of contaminated absorbent, container and unused contents in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.

WARNING! Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

 

1If regular mineral spirits or paint thinner is not available in your area, there are alternatives, visit Waterlox.com/mineralspirits.