
Should you sand after applying waterlox?
When you apply the first coat of Waterlox, it’s like snowfall on the mountains. The snow caps the peaks and begins to fill the valleys. If you sand, you will unseal the caps and there will be less to flow to the valleys when you apply the next coat of finish.
Can You sand down waterlox tung oil?
Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes should never be abraded with a coarser grit than 150. NEVER sand a surface that has been stained as this process will change the color. Before using a new applicator, be sure that any loose hairs or fibers are removed or cleaned from the applicator.
Is waterlox safe to use on wet edges?
As long as you maintain a wet edge you should be fine. This is all just opinion! You might contact Waterlox customer support and ask them what to do. They are very responsive. Good luck!
Can you let waterlox dry in a container?
If you allow the Waterlox to dry in the container, and then try to re-use the container, you are pretty much guaranteed to get glops of dried Waterlox in the next coat. Tip #4: Crinkle crinkle little can

Can you sand off Waterlox?
Sanding or Buffing Some Waterlox products will require sanding, buffing, or screening the existing finish to provide a better surface for adhesion. Sanding is not required for other product families, but some sanding may be beneficial for removing scratches and other damage.
How do you smooth out a Waterlox?
Wipe the surface clean with a clean lint free cloth, very lightly dampened with mineral spirits. This will pick up all the material from the pores and slurry from buffing and should restore the clarity. At this point you should have a very smooth, consistent surface.
How many coats of Waterlox should I use?
twoApply two (2) coats of Waterlox ORIGINAL Finish at the chosen gloss level with 24 hours between coats. Pour out the amount of product needed for the first coat. If working from a previously opened container, straining through a medium to fine mesh paint strainer may be required.
Does Waterlox need to be reapplied?
The more its used, the faster it wears off and the more often it will need to be replenished. When the surface no longer beads water or the wood appears dry/starved, it is time for reapplication.
Can you sand between coats of Waterlox?
Failure to sand/abrade between coats of a surface finish can result in delamination of the new coat from the old coat. With Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes, new coats will actually bond with the previous Waterlox coat and becomes part of it rather than a layer on top of it.
How long does Waterlox take to cure?
Dry time will depend upon ventilation, humidity and temperature. CURING Even though the recommended dry time is 24 hours, Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes completely cure in 30 - 90 days. There are two basic steps to the drying and curing of a Waterlox Original Tung oil finish: 1.
Is Waterlox good for Butcher block countertops?
The go-to choice for finishing butcher block countertops is Waterlox because it provides incredible durability and easy maintenance in highly used areas.
Is Waterlox better than tung oil?
While Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes contain a superior drying oil, namely Tung Oil, they are fully cooked varnishes, which dry quicker and form permanent films tough enough to walk on and take daily abuse. Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes are also water and chemical resistant (alcohol and alkali).
Is Waterlox good for countertops?
Wood countertops can give your kitchen, bath or bar an unprecedented look. Waterlox is a superb choice for finishing wood countertops because it produces an incredibly appealing and durable surface. It is waterproof, food-safe and easy to maintain.
How often should I reapply for Waterlox?
Waterlox® is a tough, hard finish, but depending on wear and usage, this finish will need to be refreshed over time (typically 5-8 years). The finish can be reapplied by the home owner or you may prefer to have it done by a professional.
Can I put polyurethane over Waterlox?
No Waterlox products should be used over urethanes. They should be completely removed before using Waterlox. All Waterlox products can potentially be used under other urethanes. Proper testing is required for compatibility and adhesion.
How to use Waterlox Original Sealer?
1. Pick Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish for a basecoat and a medium sheen. The Waterlox Original Sealer should be used as a basecoat for every stain job you do. After, if you want a medium semi-gloss sheen, you can add more coats of this finish to achieve the desired effect. This produces a 75º gloss level immediately after finishing, ...
What is waterlox stain?
Waterlox is a finishing stain that is used to protect wood surfaces. The Waterlox brand comes in three different finishes – the Original Sealer/Finish, the Original Satin Finish, and the Original High Gloss Finish. If you want to apply Waterlox to your wood surface, you’ll need to sand it down, clean up any leftover debris, and paint with the grain.
How many base coats for 500 sq ft?
Typically, you’ll need 2 basecoats and 1 topcoat. This means that for a 500 sq ft area, you would need 2 US gal (7.6 L) of Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish and 1 US gal (3.8 L) of whatever topcoat you choose. You may need more coats for very porous, untreated, or recently sanded wood surfaces.
How to apply a wood finish?
1. Sand the surface with a sanding block and 220-grit sanding paper. Before you begin applying the finish, you’ll need to sand down the wood surface first. To do so, you should get a sanding block and several pieces of 220-grit sanding paper. Gently sand down the surface of the wood to remove any rough or uneven spots.
How to stain wood with a paint pad?
Let it soak up enough of the finish to be saturated, but not dripping excessively. Rub the paint pad back and forth across the surface to be stained in approximately 1 ft (0.30 m) to 2 ft (0.61 m) sections at a time, always going with the grain of the wood.
How to clean a wood floor after vacuuming?
Lightly sand the wood surface. Wrap your sand block with 220-grit sandpaper and rub it across the surface of the wood in 2 ft (0.61 m) to 3 ft (0.91 m) sections.
How many sq ft does waterlox cover?
Buy enough Waterlox to get the job done. 1 US gal (3.8 L) of Waterlox will cover 500 sq ft per coat. 1 qt (0.95 L) will cover 125 sq ft per coat. You can use Waterlox’s online “Purchase Assistant” to help you determine how much finish to buy: https://www.waterlox.com/support/purchase-assistant.
How long does it take for Waterlox to dry?
Drying and Ventilation. Waterlox ORIGINAL Sealer/Finish will dry through exposure to oxygen (oxidation). Dry time before recoating is 24 hours. Poor ventilation, high humidity or cool temperatures may increase dry times. Read carefully other directions and cautions on the product label.
What is a Waterlox original sealer?
Waterlox ORIGINAL SEALER/FIN ISH is the flagship product of Waterlox. It is very versatile in use: 1. as a base/sealer coat for the ORIGINAL finishing system, 2. as a semi-gloss finish when used as a sealer and finish, 3. as a base/sealer for other Waterlox finishing systems; 4. as a finish over other Waterlox sealers. It is a proprietary handmade Tung Oil and resin composition that penetrates the wood, yielding a rich, hand-rubbed look that’s durable and easy to maintain.
How to get sanding dust off wood?
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) before applying. 1. Tape off or cover any surfaces not being coated. Perform any other preparation steps (e.g. stain).
Can waterlox catch fire?
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.
Is Waterlox a stand alone product?
Waterlox ORIGINAL Sealer/Finish is not a stand-alone product when used as a sealer only and will not provide a waterproof surface when used on its own in that manner. It is recommended to apply two additional coats of Waterlox ORIGINAL Sealer/Finish or two additional coats of a Waterlox Finish overtop to fully waterproof and protect.
Is Waterlox compatible with most stains?
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.
Is wood a natural substrate?
Wood is a natural and unpredictable substrate and can vary greatly by species, tree, cut of wood, board and even within the same board, so getting two projects to match exactly can be very difficult. 1 The tips below are generalizations. We do not test all products from all manufacturers. Wood is unpredictable.
Does waterlox count as a step in the process?
Waterlox TRUETONE stains do count as a step in the process because they contain a large amount of tung oil, therefore they will count as one of the protective layers. A possible time saving alternative is to mix a stain or dye into the first coat of Waterlox sealers (UTOS, ORIGINAL Sealer/Finish or MARINE Sealer).
Is Waterlox a protective coat?
When traditional stain is used in a traditional manner, it is not considered a protective coat / layer. It is an added step in the process and will not change or eliminate other steps in any of our guides. Waterlox TRUETONE stains do count as a step in the process because they contain a large amount of tung oil, ...
Can you mix stain with waterlox?
Stain should only be mixed into the first coat of Waterlox sealer. This should be used as the base coat. Additional tinted layers can be used, but they may not color the wood as desired. AT LEAST two non-tinted coats of some type of finish are required to protect any color process.
Can you mix water lox with alcohol?
Waterlox sealers use mineral spirits as the main solvent. They will not mix with water-based or alcohol-based products. If using a powdered dye, make sure it can be dissolved in non-polar or oil-based solvents. Stain should only be mixed into the first coat of Waterlox sealer. This should be used as the base coat.
Does water popping affect stain?
Water popping the wood can GREATLY increase the amount of stain the wood accepts. Using a conditioner can decrease the amount of color that the wood accepts. Other factors such as how the wood is milled can affect how much stain the wood will accept.
What is a waterlox original?
Waterlox ORIGINAL Finishes are interior finishes that work as a finish for interior projects. Waterlox ORIGINAL Finishes are available in three gloss levels: gloss, semi-gloss and satin. Waterlox ORIGINAL enhances the color, richness, and grain of wood. It is a proprietary handmade Tung Oil and resin composition that yields a rich, hand-rubbed look that’s durable and easy to maintain.
How long does it take for Waterlox Original Finish to dry?
Apply first coat of Waterlox ORIGINAL Finish with the grain and at the recommended spread rate. Allow to dry for 24 hours.
Can waterlox catch fire?
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.
Do you sand between coats of paint?
Sanding between coats is not required for adhesion but may be done for aesthetics. Lightly sand the surface with a synthetic abrasive pad (medium/maroon recommended). If sanding, lightly dampen a mop, lint-free rag or micro-fiber mop with water or regular mineral spirits 1 (paint thinner) to remove dust.
Replies
What look are you trying to achieve? I use Waterlox Original on (solid) cherry without incident. If you're worried about blotching, then a thin coat of shellac might reduce it slightly, but probably not enough to make a noticeable difference in the long run.
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Is it necessary to seal the butcher block?
Butcher block wood worktops, which are frequently used in kitchens, may be permanently sealed and waterproofed using a number of methods. A penetrating sealer penetrates the pores of a substrate like wood, concrete, or stone and seals them from the inside out. Moisture cannot permeate the surface after it has cured.
Do you use butcher block as a sealant?
To use mineral oil to seal butcher block, just apply a large amount, let it soak in, then wipe away the excess. Any paper you place on top of the butcher block will absorb the oil from the butcher block and discolor it. Even if you haven’t oiled it in weeks.
Is there a stain for Butcher Block Countertops that is food safe?
For a food-safe wood finish on your butcher block countertop or kitchen island, pure tung oil is an excellent option. It’s simple to use, nontoxic, and produces a lovely matte finish that goes with virtually any decor. Butcher block countertops made of wood have a unique appeal.
Is it true that Waterlox alters the color of the wood?
Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish is amber in hue and will alter the colorization process’ original color. (For example, white will become yellow, light blues will turn green, and so on.) Our unique Tung oil-based solution brings out the natural patina of wood.
What is the lifespan of Waterlox?
Waterlox Original Tung oil cures fully in 30 – 90 days, despite the suggested dry time of 24 hours.
Is Waterlox a water-resistant product?
Waterlox is an excellent option for polishing wood surfaces since it creates a visually attractive and long-lasting finish. It’s waterproof, food-safe, and simple to clean. Waterlox effectively seals off water while preserving the inherent beauty of wood.
Is it possible to wipe off Waterlox?
Waterlox Original Sealer/ Finish is a resin-modified tung-oil base that gives it the shine and vibrancy of pure oil with the fast build and long-lasting protection of a lacquer. Its unique composition also allows you to apply it thickly or thinly.
What woods does Waterlox look good on?
For my taste, that would be something like mahogany or walnut. Waterlox looks gorgeous on those woods. But if you’re using it on lighter wood, like my red oak, or white oak, or pine, etc., then there will be a definite orange undertone. Some people like that and are fine with it.
How long does it take for waterlox to dry on hardwood floors?
The cons of using Waterlox on hardwood floors. The main con to using Waterlox on your floors is simply the amount of time it takes. Each coat takes 24 hours to dry before recoating, and you need a minimum of three coats. Once you have applied all of your coats, you need to be gentle with the floors for at least seven days.
How many coats of finish should I use to get a sheen on a floor?
It’s not until you build up the finish with a minimum of three coats that you’ll get an even sheen on the floor.
Can you use waterlox with stain?
You CAN use Waterlox with stain. There are two options for that. You can either stain the wood first, allow it to dry completely, and then add the Waterlox on top. OR, you can mix stain with your first coat of Waterlox and then follow up with two coats of clear Waterlox.
Is waterlox a good sealer?
Second, Waterlox is a penetrating sealer, so it really gets down into the wood to protect it.
Can you sand polyurethane?
So if you let the first coat dry/cure too much, then you have to sand it to give that coat some “tooth” for the next coat to grab onto. If you don’t sand between coats, the polyurethane could literally peel off in layers in time.
Can you use waterlox on hardwood floors?
The pros of using Waterlox on hardwood floors. I was drawn to Waterlox initially for three reasons. First, it’s a tung oil product, and tung oil has been used to seal hardwood floors for a very long time. With Waterlox, you get the benefit of the beauty of a floor finished with tung oil, plus the long-wearing durability ...
