Application Guide for H2OLOX® Finishes

Application Tools

For safety:

• Chemical resistant gloves and eye protection (e.g.: safety glasses and/or goggles), hearing protection if using mechanical equipment
• A NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator fitted with an organic cartridge and a NIOSH/MSHA approved dusk mask (if sanding)
• Read and carefully follow label instructions, guidelines, warnings and cautions.

For general use:

• A vacuum, broom and clean, lint-free rags
• Regular mineral spirits, turpentine or paint thinner (if regular mineral spirits or paint thinner is not available in your area, there are alternatives, visit waterlox.com/mineralspirits)
• Painter’s tape

For H2OLOX product(s):

Before using new applicators, “clean” them by removing loose bristles or fibers. Aggressive dry brushing or a paint brush comb may remove any loose bristles. For pads, use a lint roller, wrap in masking tape or run through a dryer cycle to remove any loose fibers.

For more accessory and storage options, view our Accessories page and filter by appropriate product and surface size.

For best results and your own safety, always read and carefully follow all label instructions, guidelines, warnings and cautions.

Coverage & Thinning

For H2OLOX product(s):

• One 2 ounce sample covers 6 square feet per coat
• One quart covers 125 square feet per coat
• One gallon covers 500 square feet per coat
• No thinning necessary

General Considerations

Test product: Products will alter the appearance of the wood; complete proper testing of the entire process before beginning.

Application location: Select a well-lit area to complete your finishing project (preferably with good ventilation) and away from other projects, persons or animals. Do not work in strong, direct sunlight.

Temperature and humidity: Products, ambient temperature and wood surface should be above 50⁰ F for the entire recommended drying time. It should be dry and warm. Do not work beneath heating or air conditioning vents.

Drying and curing times:

• Allow at least 1 day per coat for proper drying
• Full cure will be 7 days after the final coat (see our Care After Final Coat guide for day by day recommendations)

Ventilation:

• Be sure to ventilate properly and keep all unnecessary persons or animals away during application
• In general, the solvent vapors will be mostly evaporated in 2-4 hours after application
• After the solvent has evaporated, the product needs good air flow, specifically oxygen, to dry hard (see our Ventilation guide for more information)

Prepare Your Surface

If unfinished:

• Raw wood surfaces should be sanded to between 100-150 final grit.
• Follow proper sanding procedures as Waterlox products will highlight the wood, including sanding mistakes and imperfections.
• Clean the surface free of debris and vacuum the surface thoroughly with and across the grain to remove as much sanding dust as possible, including all surfaces that could hold dust.

If previously finished: If your surface has been previously finished with non-Waterlox products, reference our Previously Finished Preparation guide.

If previously stained: If your surface has been previously stained, reference our Stain and Waterlox guide.

Coat 1

Coat 2

Application: If using the semi-gloss, satin or matte sheens, shake/rock container for 30-45 seconds to mix product well and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes to allow bubbles to break dissipate. If an excessive amount of bubbles exits, gently stir before use. Stir contents occasionally during use. Liberally brush or t-bar on this coat’s product. Do not over work or over brush the product.

Dry time: Allow coat to dry for at least 24 hours or longer with good ventilation. Lightly sand the surface with a synthetic abrasive pad to remove roughness and prepare the surface for the next coat. Wipe down with damp microfiber rag (with water or mineral spirits). A medium coarse pad is recommended (usually maroon). Poor ventilation, high humidity or cool temperatures may increase dry times.

Coat 3

Application: If using the semi-gloss, satin or matte sheens, shake/rock container for 30-45 seconds to mix product well and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes to allow bubbles to break dissipate. If an excessive amount of bubbles exits, gently stir before use. Stir contents occasionally during use. Liberally brush or t-bar on this coat’s product. Do not over work or over brush the product.

Dry time: After the last coat is applied, we advise staying off the surface for at least 24 hours. The first 7 days are the most critical after applying Waterlox finish products. For more details, please view our Care After Final Coat guide.

Immediate Clean Up

For H2OLOX product(s):

Clean applicators with soap and water. Properly dispose of rags, applicators and waste. Do not discard unused product down the drain. Read carefully and follow all label instructions, guidelines, warnings and cautions.

Immediate Storage

For H2OLOX product(s):

Visit waterlox.com/storage. Keep containers closed when not in use and in a cool, dry place. If stored properly, an unopened can of Waterlox has an almost indefinite shelf life. Keep from freezing. Read carefully and follow all label instructions, guidelines, warnings and cautions.