Waterlox Product Application Guide

Below are instructions for applying Waterlox products to your wood surface. These instructions are based on the finishing system provided below. To create a new finishing system, click here.

Introduction

Your Required Products

Waterlox UNIVERSAL Tung Oil Sealer

2 Ounce Size (1 qty)

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Waterlox ORIGINAL Gloss Finish

2 Ounce Size (1 qty)

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Your Finishing System

1st Coat

Waterlox UNIVERSAL Tung Oil Sealer

VIEW

2nd Coat

Waterlox ORIGINAL Gloss Finish

VIEW

3rd Coat

Waterlox ORIGINAL Gloss Finish

VIEW

Getting Started

Application Tools

For safety:

Chemical resistant gloves and eye protection (e.g.: safety glasses and/or goggles), hearing protection if using mechanical equipment
A NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator fitted with an organic cartridge and a NIOSH/MSHA approved dusk mask (if sanding)
Read and carefully follow label instructions, guidelines, warnings and cautions.

For general use:

A vacuum, broom and clean, lint-free rags
Regular mineral spirits, turpentine or paint thinner (if regular mineral spirits or paint thinner is not available in your area, there are alternatives, visit waterlox.com/mineralspirits)
Painter's tape
Box fan(s) (required) to insure cross-ventilation and adequate dry

For applying UNIVERSAL TUNG OIL SEALER product(s):

If buffing...

A 120 - 150 RPM buffing machine
A thick, non-abrasive buffing pad (remove the pre-cut center hole and use at least 1 pad for every 500 square feet)
The round center hole insert of the buffing pad or similar small paint pad for cutting in edges
An additional buffing pad or clean towels/rags for removing the excess
DO NOT APPLY WITH A BRUSH. DO NOT ALLOW EXCESS OIL TO DRY (WIPE OFF EXCESS).

If using a trowel...

A flexible trowel specifically for applying coatings to wood (corners should be rounded and it should have good flexibility)
Clean, lint free rags, old t-shirts or towel(s) for removing excess (using a buffer for removal is a good idea)
DO NOT APPLY WITH A BRUSH. DO NOT ALLOW EXCESS OIL TO DRY (WIPE OFF EXCESS).

For applying ORIGINAL product(s):

An 8" to 12" lamb's wool applicator block and pad with extension pole plus one refill pad to complete each coat
A natural bristle paint brush recommended for use with oil-based coatings for cutting in edges
A paint roller pan or five-gallon pail (be sure to use a pan or pail that allows the applicator to become submerged in the coating)

Before using new applicators, “clean” them by removing loose bristles or fibers. Aggressive dry brushing or a paint brush comb may remove any loose bristles. For pads, use a lint roller, wrap in masking tape or run through a dryer cycle to remove any loose fibers.

For more accessory and storage options, view our Accessories page and filter by appropriate product and surface size.

For best results and your own safety, always read and carefully follow all label instructions, guidelines, warnings and cautions.

Coverage & Thinning

For UNIVERSAL TUNG OIL SEALER product(s):

One 2 ounce sample covers 25-30 square feet per coat
One pint covers 300-400 square feet per coat
One quart covers 600-800 square feet per coat
One gallon covers 3200-4000 square feet per coat
Spread rates will vary depending on type of wood used and some product will be lost in the applicator
No thinning necessary

For ORIGINAL product(s):

One 2 ounce sample covers 6 square feet per coat
One quart covers 125 square feet per coat
One gallon covers 500 square feet per coat
No thinning necessary

General Considerations

Test product: Products will alter the appearance of the wood; complete proper testing of the entire process before beginning.

Application location: Select a well-lit area to complete your finishing project (preferably with good ventilation) and away from other projects, persons or animals. Do not work in strong, direct sunlight.

Temperature and humidity: Products, ambient temperature and wood surface should be above 50⁰ F for the entire recommended drying time. It should be dry and warm. Do not work beneath heating or air conditioning vents.

Drying and curing times:

Allow at least 1 day per coat for proper drying
Full cure will be 7 days after the final coat (see our Care After Final Coat guide for day by day recommendations)

Ventilation:

Be sure to ventilate properly and keep all unnecessary persons or animals away during application
In general, the solvent vapors will be mostly evaporated in 2-4 hours after application
After the solvent has evaporated, the product needs good air flow, specifically oxygen, to dry hard (see our Ventilation guide for more information)

Preparation

Prepare Your Surface

Raw wood surfaces should be sanded to between 100-150 final grit. Surface preparation is the most important step. Follow proper sanding steps and grit sequences. For large / floor projects consider hiring a professional who follows the accepted NOFMA/NWFA procedures for this step. As with any finish, Waterlox will highlight sanding mistakes and imperfections. Clean the surface free of debris and 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 mop, lint-free rag or micro-fiber mop with regular 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 sealer.

Application

Coat 1

Application: Do NOT shake or stir contents. Buff in this coat's product and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Buff off all of the excess with a clean, lint free cloth or fresh buffing pad. The first coat will use the most product and spread rate may vary slightly. DO NOT APPLY WITH A BRUSH. DO NOT ALLOW EXCESS OIL TO DRY (WIPE OFF EXCESS). Do NOT work too far ahead of the process.

Dry time: Allow coat to dry overnight or longer with good ventilation. Poor ventilation, high humidity or cool temperatures may increase dry times.

Coat 2

Application: Do NOT shake or stir contents. Liberally brush or pad on this coat's product. Do not over work or over brush the product.

Dry time: Allow coat to dry for at least 24 hours or longer with good ventilation. Lightly dampen a mop, lint-free rag or micro-fiber mop with regular 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 next coat. Poor ventilation, high humidity or cool temperatures may increase dry times.

Coat 3

Application: Do NOT shake or stir contents. Liberally brush or pad on this coat's product. Do not over work or over brush the product.

Dry time: After the last coat is applied, we advise staying off the surface for at least 24 hours. The first 7 days are the most critical after applying Waterlox finish products. For more details, please view our Care After Final Coat guide.

Finishing Up

Immediate Clean Up

For ORIGINAL or UNIVERSAL TUNG OIL SEALER product(s): Clean application tools immediately with paint thinner (regular mineral spirits) or turpentine. If regular mineral spirits or paint thinner is not available in your area, there are alternatives, visit Waterlox.com/mineralspirits. Properly dispose of rags, applicators and waste. Read carefully and follow all label instructions, guidelines, warnings and cautions.

Immediate Storage

For ORIGINAL or UNIVERSAL TUNG OIL SEALER product(s): Visit waterlox.com/storage. Keep containers closed when not in use and in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. If stored properly, an unopened can of Waterlox has an almost indefinite shelf life. Cold temperatures will not affect Waterlox, but if it has been chilled or exposed to freezing temperatures, allow it to stand for at least 6 hours in temperatures above 60° F before using. DO NOT artificially heat Waterlox products. Read carefully and follow all label instructions, guidelines, warnings and cautions.