One of the advantages of using Waterlox Tung Oil finishes is that they are easy to maintain and restore. Here are a few of our top tips for care, cleaning, recoating and repairing Waterlox surfaces.
Care Tips After Applying the Final Coat of Finish
For the first 24 hours:
- Stay off of and do not use the surface
After 24 hours:
- Sock traffic only for finished floors (no shoes or bare feet)
After 48 hours:
- Red rosin paper can be used to cover the finished surface, but should be removed each night to allow oxygen exposure
For the first seven days:
- Keep the room temperature above 70° F if possible and continue to cross-ventilate
- Avoid spills and using any cleaners on the finished surface
After seven days:
- Items may be placed on the surface — be sure to use felt pads on the bottom of furniture
For 30-90 days:
- Use caution with your surface as it fully cures during this period
Cleaning Tips
- Wait at least 7 days after the finish has dried before cleaning
- We recommend cleaning with Waterlox Original Cleaner Concentrate (for heavy-duty, large surface cleaning) and Waterlox Wood Surface Cleaner (for light, everyday cleaning
- Dust with a microfiber rag or duster
- Avoid ammonia-based or bleach-based cleaning products
- Wipe up spills and pet accidents quickly
- Do not let soap sit directly on the finish
Cleaning Countertops Cleaning Floors Cleaning TrueTone Surfaces Cleaning Woodworking
Recoating Tips
These tips are for recoating Waterlox-finished surfaces. If your surface has a finish other than Waterlox, remove the existing finish before applying Waterlox.
- Recoating frequency depends on wear, use and type of use
- Clean the surface with TSP (trisodium phosphate) and water, do a clear water rinse and let dry before applying a new coat
- Recoat with the same finish used originally
- For Marine finishes, recoat when the gloss begins to fade
Repairing Tips
- Try using a rag dampened with mineral spirits to remove marks on the finish (such as black heel marks)
- For light scratches, clean the surface and apply a coat of finish
- For deep gouges, use a small paint brush to fill in the gouge with finish to build it up and then feather the edges to blend in
- If there is a damaged area, lightly sand out the damaged area with 400 grit paper and then steel wool, apply 2-3 coats of finish to build up the film followed by a finish coat over the entire surface
- Keep in mind the finish’s gloss level softens over time, so the repair area may have a different gloss level temporarily until it fully cures
