In today’s ever changing world, more and more products are
available due to market forces and general reformulation. Therefore, we
are not aware of every type of colorization process available.
Generally
speaking, Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish can be used over any type of
stain (e.g.: water-based, solvent-based, alcohol based dyes, fast-set
types, etc.) provided it is completely DRY (follow manufacturer’s recommendations for dry time or wait 72 hours, whichever is longer) and DOES NOT
contain any waxes or silicones. We also recommend that you steer away
from any type of stain that forms a film over the wood (e.g. stains
containing urethane or gel-type stains).
As
an added convenience of skipping a time-consuming staining step, as
well as tinting the color of the project, a solvent-based, high VOC (550
g/L or higher) stain can be added to the FIRST coat of Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish at NO MORE
than a 4:1 ratio (maximum ratio: 1 quart of a high-VOC solvent-based
stain to 1 gallon of Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish) on bare wood.
The
aforementioned maximum ratio should not be disregarded as the mixture
will take on the characteristics of the stain vs. the Waterlox Original
Sealer/Finish.
Any time a project is going to be
using a colorization process, special care and attention should be used
to test the hypothesis in reality prior to using it on the project. In
other words, test the stain coat and all the non-stain coats of the
process to preview the final color effect with all coats involved prior
to beginning the project.
TIPS
- If
staining a wood project, do not skip any of the recommended coats of
Waterlox as described in the Waterlox product application and project
guides.
- An unstained surface finished with Waterlox
Original Tung oil finishes produces an old-fashioned, hand-rubbed
natural looking finish. Our special formula based in Tung oil brings out
the natural patina of wood. With some species of wood this will
dramatically change the look and staining may not be necessary, we
suggest testing an inconspicuous area of your project or a scrap piece
of wood from your project first before assuming you will need a stain
coat. Regardless if stain is used or not, you will want to test all
coats of the finishing system before making your decision.
- Keep
in mind that not all pieces or boards of a single species of wood will
stain the same; some will not match your sample board. Your
stain/topcoat system may not transfer from one species of wood to
another with the same effect.
- If stain is desired,
be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for cure time or wait 72
hours, whichever is longer, before applying coats of Waterlox Original
Tung oil finishes. NEVER apply Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish over a
stain coat that is not dry. Applying finish over top of it will only
elongate the dry time because oxygen will not be able to get to the
stain coat.
- NEVER sand a surface that has been stained as this process will change the color.