Waterlox® URETHANE Finish Application Guide

Waterlox® URETHANE finishes are the ultimate in clear polyurethane finishes for indoor and outdoor use (not in direct UV). Our URETHANE finishes are processed with the highest urethane content available and are soybean oil-based, giving them the ability to form a tough and hard finish without the typical yellowing or ambering characteristics of other urethane products containing linseed oil.

URETHANE Gloss is so clear you can read the date off of a dime on the bottom of the can. All Waterlox® URETHANEs are recommended for floors and other interior and exterior (not in direct UV) wood surfaces such as countertops, cabinets, tables and furniture and will yield a clear, pale color.

Getting Started

What You’ll Need

Safety

  • Chemical resistant gloves and eye protection (e.g.: safety glasses and/or goggles), hearing protection (if using buffing equipment).
  • NIOSH/MSHA-approved respirator during application (for organic vapor).
  • NIOSH-approved dust mask for sanding (if sanding to bare wood).
  • Read and carefully follow label instructions, guidelines, warnings and cautions.

General

  • Vacuum, broom and clean, lint-free rags.
  • Paint thinner or mineral spirits.1
  • Painter’s tape.
  • Box fan(s) to insure cross-ventilation and adequate dry.

Product Options

Waterlox® Sealer Product Options

A sealer is NOT required before using Waterlox® URETHANE products; however, they can be used over any of the Waterlox® sealers listed below to change the color of the project. One of the Waterlox® Tung Oil sealers will lead to a more richened, golden/amber final project color; and the TRUETONE® will lead to the chosen color; as compared to using URETHANE alone for all coats.

  • ORIGINAL Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish – TB 5284
    Optional first coat of the system. This Tung oil-based sealer seals the wood from within and provides a warm and golden/amber color to the wood. It also beautifies, richens and shows off the depth of the wood. One to two coats (depending upon the hardness of the wood) are required for adequate film build.

  • MARINE Sealer – TB3809
    Optional first coat of the system. This Tung oil-based sealer seals the wood from within and provides a warn and golden/amber color to the wood for exterior projects. It also beautifies, richens and shows off the depth of the Wood. One to two coats (depending upon the hardness of the wood) are required for adequate film build.

  • TRUETONE® Color-Infused Tung Oil – TB 70XX
    Optional first coat of the system. This innovative high-solids, VOC compliant, Color-Infused and Tung oil-based sealer and stain seals the wood which minimizes grain raise. It also beautifies, richens and shows off the depth of the wood. Must be driven into the wood and excess removed.

  • UNIVERSAL Tung Oil Sealer (UTOS) – TB 1000
    Optional first coat of the system. This innovative high-solids, VOC compliant, Tung oil-based universal sealer seals the wood which minimizes grain raise. It also beautifies, richens and shows off the depth of the wood. Must be driven into the wood and excess removed. One coat is required for adequate film build.

Waterlox® URETHANE Finish Product Options

Use 2 coats of the finish. It is an oil-modified urethane.

  • Waterlox® URETHANE Gloss XL88 – TB 4252
    Results in an 80-85° gloss finish.

  • Waterlox® URETHANE Semi-Gloss XL90 – TB 5824
    Results in a 20-30° gloss finish.

  • Waterlox® URETHANE Satin XL89 – TB 5930
    Results in a 20-30° gloss finish.

Coverage

  • One gallon covers approximately 500 square feet per coat
  • One quart covers approximately 125 square feet per coat
  • One 2 fl oz bottle covers approximately 6 square feet per coat

Tools

Not recommended for use with a roller.

For Large Projects

  • A synthetic applicator and a paint pan large enough for chosen applicator.
  • A quality natural bristle brush or paint pad recommended for use with oil-based finishes for cutting in edges.
  • Sanding with abrasive pads between coats is required for adhesion.
  • Maroon pads, surface preparation pads (SPP pads) or a 100-grit screen are recommended.
  • Also 320-grit sandpaper, 0000 steel wool or other equivalent abrasive.

For Small Projects

  • A quality natural bristle brush or paint pad recommended for use with oil-based finishes.
  • Sanding with abrasive pads between coats is required for adhesion.
  • 320-grit sandpaper, 0000 steel wool or other equivalent abrasive.
Surface Preparation
  • Vacuum the surface thoroughly with and across the grain to remove as much sanding dust as possible, including all surfaces that could hold dust.
  • 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 (15-30 minutes).1
  • Tape off or cover any surfaces not being coated.

Testing

Waterlox® URETHANE will alter the appearance of the wood. Proper testing of the entire process should be completed before beginning.

Sealer (Optional)

  • Waterlox® URETHANE can be used independently to create a very clear, hard finish. If desired, stains or Waterlox® branded sealers and/or stains (e.g.: ORIGINAL Sealer/Finish, MARINE Sealer, TRUETONE® Color-Infused Tung Oil, or UNIVERSAL Tung Oil Sealer (UTOS)) can be used prior to using Waterlox® URETHANE to meet design and aesthetic needs. If you choose to use a stain/sealer prior to using the Waterlox® URETHANE, allow for proper drying times and test for aesthetics and adhesion if using non-Waterlox® products. See the Find your Application Guide for detailed instructions when combining different Waterlox® product lines.
Application and Product Handling

Product Handling

  • Waterlox® URETHANE Gloss – NO shaking or stirring required or advised.
  • Waterlox® URETHANE Semi-Gloss and Satin Sheen – Shake or stir contents before use. Stir contents occasionally during use.
    • BATCHING. If more than one container of finish is needed to complete a coat, the containers should be batched together before starting the coat.

Application Steps

  1. OPTIONAL Sealer: Apply Waterlox® ORIGINAL Sealer & Semi-Gloss Finish, Waterlox® MARINE Sealer, TRUETONE® Color-Infused Tung Oil or UTOS following proper application and drying directions. Then, apply two (2) coats of Waterlox® URETHANE Finish at the chosen gloss level with proper dry time between coats.
  2. Pour out the amount of product needed for the first coat.
  3. Apply first coat of Waterlox® URETHANE Finish with the grain and at the recommended spread rate.
  4. Allow to dry for 24 hours. Sanding with abrasive pads between coats is required for adhesion. Use maroon pads (i.e.: surface preparation pad, a.k.a. SPP pads), a 100-grit screen, a 320-grit sandpaper, a 000 steel wool or other equivalent abrasive.
  5. Lightly dampen a mop, lint-free rag or micro-fiber mop with regular mineral spirits (paint thinner)1 to remove dust. Allow the mineral spirits to evaporate (30-45 minutes).1
  6. Apply the second coat of Waterlox® URETHANE Finish.

Application Procedure

For Large Projects

  1. Clean the new, unused applicator with painter’s tape, lint roller, in the dryer or with a vacuum before starting.
  2. Pour out the Waterlox® URETHANE Finish product into a paint tray.
  3. Dip the applicator fully into the paint tray to saturate it.
  4. Following the grain, pull the applicator (spread the finish) toward the opposite wall evenly. Hold the applicator with light pressure and at a slight angle to maintain a wet edge.
    • To avoid lap marks, maintain a wet edge by overlapping sections previously finished by several inches. Be sure to feather the finish at every start and stop.
  5. When cutting in edges do not work more than 5-10 feet from the field-applied finish.

For Small Projects

  1. Clean the new, unused paint pad with painter’s tape, lint roller, in the dryer or with a vacuum before starting.
  2. Pour out the amount of finish needed for the job or dip applicator into the can and spread evenly.
  3. Following the grain, lightly drag the applicator or brush from one end of the project to the other to remove applicator marks. Hold the applicator or brush with light pressure and maintain a wet edge.
  4. Wipe off any drips with a clean rag if necessary.

Clean Up and Disposal

Clean application tools immediately with regular mineral spirits1 or paint thinner. Do not pour extra product down the drain! Allow rags that are wet with product to dry in a well-ventilated area before disposal. Properly dispose of rags, applicators and waste.

DANGER! Rags, steel wool or waste soaked with Waterlox® may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded. Immediately after use, place rags, steel wool or waste in a sealed water-filled metal container. Read carefully other cautions on the product label.

Storage

  • Visit waterlox.com/storage. Keep container closed when not in use. Read carefully and follow all label instructions, guidelines, warnings and cautions.

Drying and Ventilation

  • Waterlox® URETHANE Finish will dry through exposure to oxygen (oxidation).
  • Minimum of 24 hours dry time between coats. Sanding between coats is required. Good cross-ventilation is recommended.
  • Poor ventilation, high humidity or cool temperatures may increase dry times.
  • After the last coat is applied, stay off the surface overnight. The first 7 days are the most critical.
  • Read carefully other directions and cautions on the product label.
  • For full ventilation details, visit Drying, Ventilation, Curing and Circulation.

Re-Coat and Maintenance

Visit the re-coat and maintenance guide for more information.

This guide is intended to be a standard application procedure. See the URETHANE product page for additional guides and tips.

Warnings

DANGER! COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID AND VAPOR CONTAINS MINERAL SPIRITS. VAPOR HARMFUL. MAY AFFECT THE BRAIN OR NERVOUS SYSTEM CAUSING DIZZINESS, HEADACHE OR NAUSEA. CAUSES EYE, SKIN, NOSE AND THROAT IRRITATION.

NOTICE: Reports have associated repeated and prolonged occupational overexposure to solvents with permanent brain and nervous system damage. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents may be harmful or fatal. Keep away from heat and flame. Prevent build-up of vapors by opening all windows and doors to achieve cross-ventilation. Use only with adequate ventilation. Do not breathe vapors or spray mist. Ensure fresh air entry during application and drying. If you experience eye watering, headache or dizziness or if air monitoring demonstrates vapor/mist levels are above applicable limits, wear an appropriate, properly fitted respirator (NIOSH/MSHA approved) during and after application. Follow respirator manufacturer’s directions for respirator use. Close container after each use. Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling.

FIRST AID: In case of eye contact, flush immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and get medical attention; for skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If you experience difficulty in breathing, leave the area to obtain fresh air. If continued difficulty is experienced, get medical assistance immediately. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Call physician immediately. If spilled, contain spilled material and remove with inert absorbent. Dispose of contaminated absorbent, container and unused contents in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.

WARNING! Cancer – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

WARNING: If you scrape, sand or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. Lead is toxic. Exposure to lead dust can cause serious illness, such as brain damage, especially in children. Pregnant women should also avoid exposure. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop. Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log onto www.epa.gov/lead.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

1 If regular mineral spirits or paint thinner is not available in your area, there are alternatives. Visit waterlox.com/mineralspirits.