Waterlox® products, including ORIGINAL, H2OLOX®, TRUETONE®, MARINE, UTOS and URETHANE are formulated and manufactured to be used as is, out of the can or as ‘no thinning required’; therefore we do NOT recommend thinning.
In some states, counties, districts, or townships with specific architectural coating rules, it may be illegal to thin coatings. If thinning is required for some reason, check with local authorities before doing so.
Many, if not all of our finishes require wiping the wood surface after sanding and/or between coats to remove stubborn dust and as a general clean. We recommend to 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 (15-60 minutes) before applying.
Do NOT thin, mix, clean brushes or applicator tools or wipe wood surfaces with products labeled as low-VOC, green or VOC compliant. These types of solvents are not compatible with Waterlox® products.
Many of these solvents/cleaners contain up to 50% water and surfactants (soaps) and/or they are blends of VOC compliant solvents and acetone. Acetone is not a suitable solvent with our products, products with water will raise the grain of bare wood and soap will interfere with adhesion.
Look for product labels that read 100% aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent or 100% petroleum distillates. Odorless minerals spirits is compatible or use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth (For odorless, use with adequate evaporation time; depending on temperature, ventilation and humidity it can take 60 minutes or more).
1 If regular mineral spirits or paint thinner is not available in your area, there are alternatives. Visit waterlox.com/mineralspirits.
