Application Guide for TRUETONE Finishes

These application instructions are based on the TRUETONE finishing system provided below.

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Introduction

Your Required Products

For more details on how much product to use, visit our coverage guide.

Your Finishing System

1st Coat

2nd Coat

3rd Coat

Getting Started

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

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

General Considerations

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)

Preparation

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.

Application

Coat 1

Coat 2

Application: Do NOT shake or stir contents. Buff in this coat’s product and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Buff off all of the excess with a clean, lint-free cloth or fresh buffing pad. The first coat will use the most product and spread rate may vary slightly. DO NOT APPLY WITH A BRUSH. DO NOT ALLOW EXCESS OIL TO DRY (WIPE OFF EXCESS). Do NOT work too far ahead of the process.

Dry time: Allow coat to dry for at least 24 hours with good ventilation. Poor ventilation, high humidity or cool temperatures may increase dry times.

Coat 3

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.

Finishing Up