Surface preparation...

Stripping Old Finishes

• Completely remove any old finishes from the surface. Use a chemical stripper along with scrapers and sandpaper as need

• Wear protective neoprene gloves to protect your hands and safety glasses/goggles. to protect your eye

Sanding The Surface

• Always sand with the grain of the wood using a fine grit sandpaper: DO NOT USE STEEL WOOL

• If surface is rough, start with medium grit and finish with fine grit. Wear a dust respirator and safety goggles when sanding

• Remove all sanding dust by vacuuming and wipe with a clean water dampened cloth. DO NOT USE A TACK CLOTH. [Top]

• Apply a liberal coat of pre-stain to all sides and edges. Allow to penetrate for 3 to 10 minutes. Wipe excess with a clean cloth.

• Always work with a clean, unsealed surface.

• Sand surface lightly with a fine grit sandpaper (nylon sanding pad) to remove any grain raise and immediately begin staining. Wipe with a clean water-dampened cloth. [Top]

• Mix or shake the stain thoroughly.

• Always test color on a separate piece of wood prior to beginning your project. Application of topcoat will also affect the color.

• Apply the stain liberally with a nylon/polyester brush, foam brush, staining pad or rag. Allow product to penetrate the wood NO LONGER THAN 3-5 MINUTES.

• While stain is still wet, wipe off the excess using a staining pad or a clean cloth. Use a rag or cloth lightly dampened with stain to even out the finish.

• If stain dries before wiping off, re-wet the surface with more stain and re-wipe.

• If a deep, richer color is desired, apply a second coat 2 hours after the first coat has dried. Apply the second coat with a staining sponge only. Dip the sponge into the stain and wring out excess product from sponge before lightly applying the second coat. Do not overwork or wipe with a clean cloth. Overworking and wiping may result in the removal of both coats.

Color Intensity Tips

More color intensity can be achieved on white or pastel based colors with the use of a two part wood bleach or oxalic acid wash prior to staining. Be sure to read and follow all precautions and instructions carefully when using bleach solution.

Removing Stain

In the event of an application error or for whatever reason it becomes necessary to remove the stain, spray the surface with ammoniated window cleaner. Wipe with a clean, dry cloth. Stain can normally be removed by this method for up to 72 hours after application. Surface is immediately ready for re-staining. [Top]

• To reduce penetration of protective finishes. Allow stain to thoroughly dry prior to application of sanding sealer.

• Apply thin even coats taking caution not to puddle, overbrush or overlap sealer. Always maintain a wet edge.

• Sand lightly between all coats with a fine grit sandpaper and remove dust with a water-dampened cloth. NEVER USE STEEL WOOL.

• If desired, apply a second coat prior to finish coats. Do not apply more than two coats.

• Allow a minimum of two hours of drying time before applying a topcoat. [Top]

• Stir thoroughly prior to and during use.

• Apply thin, even coats taking caution not to puddle, overbrush or overlap finish. Always maintain a wet edge.

• Apply with a good quality nylon or nylon/polyester brush or pad applicator.

• Let dry and sand lightly between all coats with a fine grit of sandpaper. NEVER USE STEEL WOOL. Remove dust with a water dampened cloth. Allow to dry thoroughly between coats (3-4 hours).

• A minimum of three coats is recommended, two coats if a sanding sealer is used. [Top]