Below are project help documents with more information to assist with your in-progress project.
Puddles / Puddling causes.
Our recommended spread rate for Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes is 500 square feet per gallon per coat (125 square feet per quart per coat). The number of coats applied is dependent upon the hardness of the wood (review the wood hardness FAQ (Janka Chart). When the finish is applied as per our product application…
Waterlox® application in low temperatures.
There are two main processes when using a coating, which are both affected by temperature. Namely, application and wetting of the surface; and, drying and curing the film. Application and Wetting: Surface, Product and Room Temperature: During application of Waterlox® wet-applied finishes (ORIGINAL, H2OLOX®, URETHANE or MARINE), the product, project surface and environment should be close…
5 Tips for a Successful Finish
Using wood for floors, countertops, furniture and other projects can be quite rewarding. Typically, applying the finish to the wood is the last step in what can be a lengthy (and expensive) process, so it is important to take the time and care that are necessary to get a good end result. Following are 5…
Adhesion: Cross-Hatch Test
Adhesion is one of the most critical features of any coating. Adhesion is defined as the action or process of adhering (sticking) to a surface or object. Basically, how well does the new coating stick to either the substrate (the actual wood or other surface you are coating) or the previous layer (a.k.a. intercoat adhesion).…
Adhesives and Waterlox®
Your project may require the use of liquid adhesives for initial or final assembly. There are a wide variety of adhesives available and it is important to read all instructions and use the proper adhesive for the task at hand. Adhesives before Finishing Many projects are fully assembled and sanded prior to being finished. Using…
Allergies and Waterlox®
Tung oil is a main ingredient in almost all Waterlox products (excluding URETHANE). Because tung oil is a naturally occurring oil from the tung tree, there are occasional concerns about allergies to Waterlox products. There is no guarantee that a person may be allergic or sensitive to some ingredient in Waterlox products, however the possibilities…
Application over previously finished surfaces.
Surface preparation is one of the most important steps when refinishing wood. Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes are penetrating oil finishes and should therefore be applied to bare wood (does not refer to stain coat(s) if used). If you have brand new – never coated wood surface, a simple sand, vacuum, tack and coat is…
Applying Waterlox ORIGINAL finishes over 100% Pure Tung Oil
Waterlox ORIGINAL products are compatible with 100% PURE Tung Oil; provided the PURE Tung Oil has been applied and cured for over 30 days. If unsure, one method of testing for PURE Tung oil is to apply a drop of ammonia to a small, inconspicuous area. Cover the drop with something hollow to prevent the…
Batching of Waterlox® Products on Large Projects
When finishing larger projects, such as floors, you may need to use multiple cans of product for one coat. When more than one can is needed per coat, it’s always best to blend all necessary cans together in a suitable container (i.e. a 5-gallon bucket) before starting the job. This is called batching and will…
Bathroom and Kitchen Moisture and Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes.
The origin of our name, Waterlox, stands for “locks out water.” Therefore, we think our Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes are the perfect answer for any and all wood finishing project(s). When you add to that your plans to finish a known water-related area like a bathroom or kitchen, we think we should be the…
Clean (Tack) & Mineral Spirits2 recommendations
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. There are many references to mineral spirits2 throughout our guides, tips and instructions. Mineral spirits is a solvent that is derived…
Concrete countertops and Waterlox® tung oil finishes.
Waterlox ORIGINAL Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish is a solution for concrete countertops; however, the number of coats may vary due to the differing levels of porosity in concrete products. Most projects will required between 3 and 4 coats of Waterlox ORIGINAL Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish. The concrete should be allowed to cure for 30 days…
Countertops and Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes.
The origin of our name, Waterlox, stands for “locks out water.” Therefore, we think our Waterlox ORIGINAL finishes are the perfect solution for any and all wood finishing project(s). When you add to that your plans to finish a known water-related area like a bathroom, kitchen, counter top or table top, we think Waterlox should…
Decorative Finishes: Paint, Decals, etc.
In this instance, decorative finishes are considered to be “colorization” processes beyond the use of wood stain. This is most often solid paints for lettering, logos, pictures, etc. Some users will even use vinyl decals or logos that they then want to seal under the protective layer. Many options are compatible with Waterlox products, but…
Do I have to use Original Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish before Original Satin Finish?
A common question asked is: I have the ORIGINAL Satin Finish and the instructions say to start with the ORIGINAL Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish, TRUETONE Stain or UTOS. Is that necessary? Because the ORIGINAL Satin Finish is a finish to be used on wood surfaces for a satin sheen, a Waterlox Sealer should be used…
Do I need to use a Marine Finish with the Marine Sealer?
A common question asked is: I’ve heard that the Marine Sealer and the Original Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish are the same product, so do I need the Marine Finishes? The initial statement is true. Waterlox MARINE Sealer (TB 3809) and Waterlox ORIGINAL Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish (TB 5284) are the same product with different labels…
Do I really need the Marine Sealer?
One of the major challenges with exterior film forming coatings is that when they tend to fail, they will start to crack, chip and peel off the surface leaving the wood exposed. The Waterlox MARINE Sealer penetrates into the wood and chemically bonds with the MARINE Finishes to create a single film layer that is…
Drying, Ventilation, Curing and Circulation
All Waterlox products are air-dry products. No hardeners, cross-linkers or heat are needed to properly cure or dry any Waterlox products. The only critical ingredient in the curing process is oxygen. When applying finishes, there are two steps to the drying and curing process. This guide will specifically focus on time and air movement, but…
Environmental Conditions: Drying, Curing and Storage
The environment can play a role in the drying and curing processes. Factors such as temperature and humidity are important to note, but also look for direct, intense sun exposure or high winds if finishing outdoors. Also, different Waterlox coatings may respond differently to different conditions. Temperature Temperature plays a role at the drying, curing…
Epoxy and Waterlox®.
Waterlox ORIGINAL Tung oil finishes and URETHANE finishes can be used over top dried and cured Epoxy as long as it is lightly sanded first. The Epoxy should be lightly sanded with 220-grit sandpaper to “break the surface gloss”. There should not be adhesion issues with the epoxy; however, the film will build faster over…
Exotic, Oily and Resinous Woods
There are many exotic wood species that are extremely beautiful, but due to some of their special characteristics, they can present their own challenges. Most often there are concerns about woods that are naturally very oily, dense, resinous or high in tannins. Naturally Oily Woods Many exotic woods contain a high amount of natural oil…
Finishing End Grain
Wood is an amazing building material due to its beauty, strength and versatility, however it has a weird relationship with water. The end grain of wood is very absorbent. To properly protect against water, you may need to take special precautions with exposed end grain. Areas of Concern What is End Grain? The “grain” of…
Finishing the Underside of a Countertop
The finishing process is usually the longest part of a countertop project and it also requires a lot of planning to determine where, when and how you are going to complete the project. One important piece of the plan is what surfaces actually need to get finished. For some extensive planning help, check the Where,…
Food Safe and Non Toxic
Waterlox interior products (when used correctly) will leave food-safe and non-toxic surfaces. These surfaces will be safe for food contact once cured, but should NOT be used on cutting surfaces (see Waterlox on Cutting Boards). The most important part is that the surfaces are well cured before use and the wood is properly sealed. See…
Gloss Scale of Waterlox® Products
Most of the Waterlox product lines have multiple finishes available at varying levels of gloss. The four levels, in order of lowest gloss to highest, are Matte, Satin, Semi-Gloss and Gloss. Some product lines will contain only one option, while others may have 2, 3 or all four. The Find Your Finishing System tool will…
Hot Objects and Waterlox
High heat and coatings tend to not get along unless the coating is specifically designed for high heat exposure. Waterlox products are not designed to withstand prolonged exposure to high heat. Hot Cookware/Pots/Pans Do not place any hot cookware directly onto a Waterlox finished surface. Use a pot holder, trivet or other insulator to prevent…
How do I get rid of lingering odors and tacky finishes?
All Waterlox coatings will cure through exposure to oxygen. Oxygen molecules seek out uncured sections of oil and undergo a chemical reaction that cross-links the oil and resin together to make a film. When a Waterlox coating is staying soft, tacky, or has a lingering odor, this is a sign that the oxygen is having…
How Gloss Works
Almost every product that we produce at Waterlox would be considered a “clear” coat. Clear is in quotes because the Tung Oil in most of our products will have some impact on the final color, so they are not perfectly clear. However, they are all intended to show off and highlight what is underneath the…
How Much Product Do I Need?
Waterlox® produces a variety of different products that may have different spread rates. They can generally be classified as Buffer Applied1 coatings and Wet Applied coatings (brush/pad). Waterlox® Products Spread Rate ORIGINAL Formula Wet Applied 500 sq. ft. per gallon per coat 125 sq. ft. per quart per coat 6 sq. ft. per 2 oz.…
I Saw Something On the Internet…
Waterlox products have been around for over 110 years and they have been used by thousands of wood enthusiasts on thousands of different projects throughout those years. While most enthusiasts have been very pleased with their results and have happily shared their experiences on forums and in videos, they can sometimes create confusion for other…
Identifying Your Existing Finish
If you are considering refinishing or refreshing an existing finish with Waterlox products, it helps to know what type of finish is currently on the surface. If you were the one who finished it previously or you have good notes from the previous owner, then you can move right on to our Quick Guide: Waterlox…
Janka Hardness and Wood Species
Wood is an extremely common building material and is also used widely for crafts, art and other projects. One of the first things you’ll notice when you begin working with wood is the sheer variety of possible woods to work with. There are thousands of different species of trees whose wood is used in various…
Japan Driers or Accelerating Drying
We DO NOT recommend adding any drier accelerants or Japan Driers into any Waterlox products. In actuality, the drying of Waterlox is relatively quick for a conventional solvent-based product and most surfaces are dry within a few hours. The real concern is about getting a proper cure of each layer. See the drying, curing and…
Lifespan and Recoating Frequency of Waterlox® Products
In general, all Waterlox products are permanent coatings. This means that they will not disappear on their own. With wear and tear, eventually all coatings will disappear and require some form of maintenance in their lifetimes. Interior Projects All of our interior products will produce long-lasting results. On projects like ceiling beams, fine/decorative furniture or…
Maintenance of Waterlox Original Marine Finish outdoors.
Our Marine finishing system is recommended for use outdoors in areas that have direct UV exposure. As the gloss begins to fade on the Marine Finish, this is the key to knowing that its time to re-coat. For the grey/darkened areas, you’ll want to wipe them with Mineral Spirits to determine if they turn black…
Mold and Mildew and Waterlox
Waterlox products do not contain any mold or mildew killing/controlling additives. If you are using our finishes in mildew prone areas (dark and damp), you may want to consider some mold/mildew prevention steps. Notable areas of concern would be some porch ceilings, exposed but shady areas on outdoor surfaces, underside of outdoor furniture, etc. Starting…
Number of Coats for Your Project
When finishing a project and selecting a finish, one important factor is the number of coats required to complete the project. The important thing to remember is that the number of coats is only half of the actual equation when it comes to finishing a project. The other half of that equation is spread rate.…
Old Cans of Waterlox®
If you have old cans of Waterlox products sitting around, there is a good chance that it is still perfectly usable product, regardless of how old it is. The Waterlox products dry and cure through exposure to oxygen and they are fully reacted together to form one uniform liquid, so they will not slowly separate…
Outdoor Projects in Direct Sunlight
Clear wood finishes that protect outdoor surfaces with direct sun exposure face a very difficult task. The regular and chronic UV exposure and expansion and contraction of wood surfaces as the seasons and weather change, create a very difficult environment for coatings. Waterlox does offer the MARINE and PURE Tung Oil product lines that can work on…
Penetrating oil compatibility with Waterlox®.
Wood countertops are very popular and many customers have discovered that Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes are a perfect solution for this type of project. We view a countertop as a miniature floor when recommending application, spread rate, dry times, etc. therefore, you may want to view those FAQs throughout the site or give us…
Pet accident fix on a Waterlox Original Tung oil finished surface.
To fix a pet accident, you will first need to determine if the accident has stained the finish coat(s) or stained the wood beneath the finish. By sanding the Waterlox finish, you can determine which it is. If the accident stained or changed the Waterlox, you will have to sand through the layers of Waterlox…
Pet urine and saliva and Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes.
Generally speaking, properly finished wood with Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes will stand up to casual pet accidents (e.g. wiped up immediately or soon after the accident occurs); however, we are unaware of any clear wood finish that will stand up to chronic accidents. Chronic accidents are those left unattended for longer periods of time…
Previously Finished with Non-Waterlox Products
In general, there are two types of finishes, film-formers and penetrating oils. Film-forming finishes tend to dry into clear, hard films regardless of the substrate that they are applied. Penetrating oils tend to dry slowly and into soft, cloudy films when applied to a non-porous surface (like glass) and work best when they can penetrate…
Product Recommendations
As a company, Waterlox has been around for over 100 years and has developed an extensive list of products for any and all wood projects. Selecting the right finish for your project can seem daunting, but we’re here to help. The Waterlox Products Waterlox offers a range of product families that aim to address different…
Protecting Finished Surfaces During Construction
If you are finishing a project during other construction, it is a good idea to protect your freshly finished surfaces. Timing and Curing Waterlox products cure through exposure to oxygen (see drying, curing and ventilation), so when they are covered up, the curing clock is essentially stopped. It is best to allow at least 48…
Quick Adhesion Test: Cross-Scribe
The ideal method for adhesion testing is the Cross Hatch Test as described in our Adhesion: Cross Hatch-Test guide. Cutting a small grid can be a little challenging, so the use of an X pattern can be a quick way to check coating adhesion. The Test Required Items Specimen to be tested – Properly applied…
Quick Guide: Waterlox® and Other Finishes
This is a general reference guide for using Waterlox products in conjunction with other types of finishes. There are always some exceptions and proper testing should always be done when combining different brands and types of finishes. See the “Mixing and Matching” section in the Types of Finishes guide for more information about testing for…
Quick Solvent Reference Guide
There are 5 times throughout a Waterlox® project where the use of a solvent is recommended: Cleaning the surface before the first coat of a Waterlox® product. Cleaning the surface between coats of Waterlox® products. Cleaning application tools (e.g.: brushes, pads, etc.). Thinning Waterlox® products for specific application techniques (i.e. spraying). Removing an unwanted drip…
Rain or dew and Waterlox.
Q: “My project is wet from rain or dew, can I recoat?” A: For projects either around water or outdoors in the elements that can produce moisture, dew and/or rain, it is important that the project be completely dry prior to coating. Drying of the film on the surface is not our major concern; it’s…
Re-coating over top of a Waterlox Tung oil finish.
If for some reason it becomes necessary to re-coat a Waterlox Original Tung oil finished surface with another type of coating, you can apply a surface finish over top of our Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes, keeping the following details in mind. If the last coat applied was our Waterlox Original Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish,…
Refreshing or Recoating a Waterlox® Finished Surface
As with any working surface, a Waterlox® surface will get worn down over time. One of the advantages of Waterlox® products is that they still maintain a high level of protection even when worn. However, when your surface needs to be refreshed, it can easily be done with a few simple steps. Clean the surface…
Removal of magic marker.
Other than sanding and refinishing, surfaces finished with Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes that are marked on at a later date with Magic / Permanent Marker may be able to be cleaned up with Rubbing Alcohol. Rubbing alcohol may dull the finish in the spot being spot cleaned; however, it will be less noticeable than…
Rug pad recommendation.
We at Waterlox believe that your beautiful wood floors should be highlighted with no rugs (other than at entry doors or high wear areas). If you choose to use rug pad(s), you’ll want to use natural rug pads or those with the least amount or no plastic or rubber. Rubber and plastic both contain plasticizers…
Sanding and Waterlox®.
Sanding for adhesion purposes is not required between coats of Waterlox®s Tung oil based, penetrating finishes, making them unique. Most surface finishes such as urethanes require the sanding process to create what’s called a “profile”. A profile is similar to a mountain range microscopically. Failure to sand/abrade between coats of a surface finish can result…
Sanding Impefections and Waterlox®
Waterlox® ORIGINAL Tung oil finishes are penetrating oils that build up to a film and bring out the natural patina (beauty) of wood. As such, it is imperative that the sanding of the project be completed with precision and accuracy. Sanding imperfections and poor sanding, like the character of wood grain, can be highlighted as…
Scuffing and Waterlox®.
One of Waterlox®’s product performance characteristics certainly does not include “scratching or scuffing easily”. Often times when customers call us to report this perceived “lack” of performance; we try to learn what the spread rate of the material was when the finish was applied and what methods of application were used. A properly finished surface with…
Should I use the Marine products in a bathroom?
We are asked quite often if our Waterlox MARINE finishing system is recommended for surfaces near water – like a bathroom or kitchen. The simple answer is “no.”Our interior sealers and finishes will provide the water resistance needed for these type of applications. It is true that Waterlox MARINE products are water resistant; however, they…
Silicone Caulk and Waterlox®.
Customers ask: “Can we use silicone caulk around the sink and wood countertop?” The answer is “Yes”. You will want to finish the countertop completely and wait 5-7 days for the finish to cure before using the silicone caulk. You will not want to use the silicone caulk prior to finishing the top as the…
Special Cases
The Find Your Finishing System Tool and the Product Recommendations guides are comprehensive in what is recommended for particular projects. However, there are some cases where you may want to consider a specific product for your project. Exterior Special Cases The most difficult obstacle to overcome for exterior clear coatings is UV protection. If your…
Spraying Waterlox® Products
Spraying Waterlox finishes is possible using both a conventional or HVLP (high-volume, low-pressure) spray gun. HVLP is recommended due to less overspray and better transfer efficiency. Thinning Recommendations For both types of guns, based upon the solids and viscosity, the following thinning recommendations should be followed for spraying: Waterlox ORIGINAL Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish –…
Stain and Waterlox®.
Waterlox products are compatible with most stains. There are many methods and options available when choosing a stain. The goal of this guide is to go over the basics, possibilities and considerations when adding color. As with paint colors, staining or coloring wood is a personal choice. What works for one person may not be…
Steam cleaners and Waterlox®
Q: Can I use a steam cleaner to clean my Waterlox® finished floor? A: Most everyone has seen the infomercials showing how a steam cleaner magically sanitizes and cleans a surface. In fact, we have had many people ask about using a steam cleaner. Our stance is that we really don’t suggest using steam cleaners.…
Storage of Waterlox®
For Waterlox® ORIGINAL, VOC COMPLIANT, MARINE and URETHANE products: Keep containers closed when not in use and keep in a cool, dry place (above 32° F). If stored properly, an unopened can has an almost indefinite shelf life. Cold temperatures will not negatively affect Waterlox®, but if it has been chilled or exposed to freezing…
Summer Finishing Tips
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when finishing in warm weather. Stay out of the sun Do not finish in direct sunlight. If you need to finish in a sunny area, try to apply your coats in the early morning or late afternoon. The sun will cause the surface of the film…
The Curing Process
When a coating is applied to a surface, it typically undergoes two phases: drying and curing. Drying is the evaporation of solvents, water, or other ‘carriers’ used to make it easier to apply the coating. Curing is the actual cross-linking and hardening of the coating, usually through new chemical bonds forming between molecules. Drying and…
Thinning & Mineral Spirits1 recommendations
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…
Tips for a Smoother Final Finish
If you are having a hard time getting the final finish to lay down just right, these tips can help finish your project and make it the envy of your friends and neighbors. There are a myriad reasons for poor appearance ranging from dust, wood fibers, rushed application, bugs, bubbles, streaks, climatic change during drying,…
Traditional Sealers: ORIGINAL Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish and MARINE Sealer
If you have used Waterlox products in the past, most likely you started your project with our Waterlox Original Sealer and Finish Medium Sheen (TB 5284) or our Waterlox Marine Sealer (TB 3809). Original Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish and Marine Sealer are and have always been the same product with different labels on the can.…
Tung oil amount in Waterlox®.
By definition, Waterlox® ORIGINAL Tung oil finishes are “phenolic modified Tung oil-based varnishes”. By design, our original formulas are low solids solutions (meaning high solvent percentages) engineered to offer the most desirable combination of wood penetrating and protective film build. Without revealing the exact nature of our proprietary formulas, the solids portion of these finishes…
Types of Finishes
What is a “Finish”? Wood finishing is probably the most complicated step in any wood project, mostly due to the sheer volume of options and choices available. A basic definition would be: “A protective layer formed by a permanent or semi-permanent solid”. The solid portion of a finish is what is left behind after everything…
Understanding VOC
What is a VOC? VOC is an acronym (pronounced VEE-OH-CEE) that stands for Volatile Organic Compound. The scientific definition is an organic (carbon containing compound) that has a high vapor pressure at room temperature. The EPA defines this as “any organic compound having an initial boiling point less than or equal to 250°C at a…
Ventilation importance.
Proper ventilation and adequate air circulation must be provided when using any wood finishing materials. Most oil-based varnishes dry upon exposure to oxygen, which is also known as “oxidative cure.” A lack of cross-ventilation (air exchange) provides less free oxygen, slowing the drying process. Cross-ventilation is the biggest factor affecting dry times.It is not recommended…
VOC Rules and Laws
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have become a major focus of regulatory boards and agencies across the globe. There are ongoing studies and investigations into thousands of these compounds to determine their impact on health and the environment so rules, limits, and laws are constantly changing and shifting. These rules and limits can be set at…
Water and Waterlox® ORIGINAL Tung oil products.
The origin of our name, Waterlox®, stands for “locks out water.” Therefore, we think our Waterlox® tung oil finishes are the perfect solution for any and all wood finishing project(s). When you add to that your plans to finish a known water-related area like a bathroom, kitchen, counter top or table top, we think Waterlox®…
Waterlox® 100% Pure Tung Oil on Decks
Protecting exterior wood decks is an age-old challenge that does not have one simple solution. One option is Pure Tung Oil. The use of Tung oil to protect wood dates back to around 400 BC as a protective finish for wooden ships and still continues to this day. Pure Tung Oil will produce a warm…
Waterlox® and Gloss Level
Waterlox offers different glosses in many of its product lines based on the principle of manipulating the surface roughness. When designing a Waterlox product, the focus is on providing superior protection while highlighting the beauty of the wood. We have offerings that range from a matte finish through a very high gloss finish. If you…
Waterlox® and Solvents
There are many references to mineral spirits throughout our guides, tips and instructions. Mineral spirits is a solvent that is derived from petroleum and is considered an oil-based solvent (e.g.: dissolves oils and other non-polar substances). This guide helps to identify some common solvents and provides some general guidance on where they may (or may…
Waterlox® Limited Warranty
If Waterlox® products are proved to be defective within one year of purchase, Waterlox® Coatings Corporation will replace the material or refund the purchase price. Manufacturer’s liability does not include any injury, labor, loss or damage, direct or consequential, arising out of the use or the inability to use the product. Before using, the user…
Waterlox® on Cutting Boards
For any kind of cutting surface, we recommend using our Waterlox PURE Tung Oil for non-toxic, food-safe wood protection. We do not recommend using our film-forming products (ORIGINAL, MARINE and H2OLOX) on cutting surfaces. Over time, the continual cutting could lead to scratches in the finish, which may compromise the waterproof seal. This could allow…
Waterlox® Product Names: Identifying Your Product
Waterlox® Coatings Corporation has been in the business of making premium wood finishes for over 113 years. We have produced some of the best quality finishes from tung oil and many formulas have remained unchanged for decades. However, the branding or naming conventions have changed on occasion, so this guide is a map to help…
Waterlox® UNIVERSAL Tung Oil Sealer (UTOS) Advantages
Traditional Waterlox® systems began with a sealer, namely, Waterlox® ORIGINAL Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish or Waterlox® MARINE Sealer. Waterlox® developed a new product aimed at simplifying and speeding up the application process, UNIVERSAL Tung Oil Sealer (UTOS). UTOS provides excellent protection, durability and appearance properties that Waterlox® products are known for along with some other advantages.…
Wax and Waterlox®
Wax is very prevalent in the wood finishing world. It is more common in wood working or smaller projects and becoming less common on floors or other areas, but is still encountered regularly. The three places where you may encounter wax would be as a key ingredient in the finish you are using, as an…
What are Waterlox® Finishes?
Waterlox is our company name and we manufacture and sell a variety of finishes. If you have searched our website, you’ll see numerous references to our finishes as well as other finishes and some comparisons between the many types. This guide aims to provide a little more technical background on the Waterlox product families. For…
Where, When and in What Order to Finish Countertops
When you are going to be installing new countertops there are a few tips to make the finishing and installation easier. Where to Finish If you have flexibility in where you are applying your finishes, there are a few factors to consider. There is more detailed information in the drying, curing and ventilation guide. Ventilation:…
Wood Filler and Waterlox®
In today’s ever changing world, many products are available due to market forces and general reformulation. Therefore, we do not know every type of filler process available. Most fillers are compatible with Waterlox® sealers other than those containing any wax or silicone. We also recommend using fillers that are marketed as being paintable and stainable,…
Wood Surface Rejuvenators and Refreshers
There are a variety of products available that claim to be furniture restorers, rejuvenators or refreshers. Still other names are marketed as being quick solutions to liven up a wooden surface, remove scratches, repair color, etc. What are they? There are lots of variations, blends, secret ingredients and mysteries around these products; however, the main…
Cleaning the application tools.
Before using a new applicator, be sure that any loose hairs or fibers are removed or cleaned from the applicator. This can be achieved by any of the following methods: Wrap the applicator with masking or painter’s tape and then remove the tape completely, or Put new and unused applicator pads in the dryer for a spin,…
