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

Universal Tung Oil Sealer

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Waterlox Original Gloss Finish

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Your Finishing System

1st Coat

Universal Tung Oil Sealer

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2nd Coat

Waterlox Original Gloss Finish

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3rd Coat

Waterlox Original Gloss Finish

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Getting Started

Application Tools

For safety:

Chemical resistant gloves
Goggles
A NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator fitted with an organic cartridge and a NIOSH/MSHA approved dusk mask (if sanding)

For general use:

Regular mineral spirits, turpentine or paint thinner (Do not use any type of Green, VOC Compliant, Low Odor or Low VOC marketed spirits or thinner as these may interfere with adhesion)
A vacuum, broom and clean lint-free rags
Painter’s tape
Box fan (optional)

For applying UNIVERSAL TUNG OIL SEALER product(s):

If buffing...

A 120 - 150 RPM buffing machine
A 3M^® #4100 white maintenance pad (remove the pre-cut center hole and use at least 1 pad for every 500 square feet)
An additional 3M^® #4100 white pad, or clean towels/rags for removing the excess

If using a trowel...

Large squeegee or trowel
Clean lint free cloths or towels to remove excess (using a buffer for removal is a good idea)

For applying ORIGINAL product(s):

An 8" to 12" lamb’s wool applicator block and pad (plus one refill pad to complete each coat)
A natural bristle paint brush for cutting in edges
A paint roller pan or five-gallon pail (be sure to use a pan or pail that allows your applicator to become immersed in the finish)

For convenience, you can purchase our Floor Finish Application Kit.

Coverage & Thinning

For UNIVERSAL TUNG OIL SEALER product(s):

One 2 ounce sample covers 30-50 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 2400-3200 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 quart covers 125 square feet per coat
One gallon covers 500 square feet per coat
No thinning necessary

General Considerations

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 harmful solvent vapors will be mostly evaporated after the first 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. Follow proper sanding procedures as Waterlox products will highlight the wood, including sanding errors. Clean the surface free of debris and wipe down with mineral spirits to pick up any stubborn dust.

Application

Coat 1

Application:

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.

Dry time:

Allow coat to dry overnight with good ventilation.

Coat 2

Application:

Brush or pad on this coat’s product liberally. Do not over work or over brush the product.

Dry time:

Allow coat to dry for at least 24 hours with good ventilation. Lightly wipe the surface down with mineral spirits to pick up any dust or debris. Allow 5-10 minutes for surface to dry before next coat.

Coat 3

Application:

Brush or pad on this coat’s product liberally. 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. Properly dispose of rags, applicators and waste. Do not use any type of Green, VOC Compliant, Low Odor or Low VOC marketed spirits or thinner. These may interfere with adhesion.

Immediate Storage

For ORIGINAL or UNIVERSAL TUNG OIL SEALER product(s):

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 all cautions on the product label(s).