Area Preparation
GENERAL SURFACE PREPARATION: All wood surfaces must be thoroughly clean, dry and free of dirt, grease, grim, mildew, mill glaze and previous coatings before application. Spray all wood surfaces with clean water, completely wetting the wood. Apply a cleaning solution of four (4) ounces of 100% powdered Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) or phosphate-free substitute with one (1) quart of liquid bleach and three (3) quarts of water to the wood surfaces with a garden sprayer or a heavy nap roller cover. Scrub surface with a hard bristle brush for 15-20 minutes to help remove mill glaze or weathering. Do not allow solution to dry on the wood surface. Power-wash wood surface clean with fresh water using 500-800 psi with the nozzle 8-12 inches away to remove cleaning solution. Allow the surface to dry for 48 hours, or to have a moisture content of 18% or less before application. Sand all cleaned wood using 80-120 grit sandpaper for vertical surfaces and 60-80 grit sandpaper for horizontal surfaces. Always sand in direction of the wood grain and remove sanding dust. Finish should be applied within one week of preparation for horizontal surfaces (decks) and four weeks for vertical surfaces (siding), provided that the surface remains free of dirt, grease, grim and mildew. NEW WOOD AND WEATHERED UNCOATED - Clean and prepare all wood surfaces as specified under GENERAL SURFACE PREPARATION. Tannin containing woods such as redwood, red cedar, mahogany, douglas fir, etc. contain tannic acid which tends to migrate to the surface and discolor the stain, especially noticeable when using white or light colors. The discoloration is not harmful. To avoid discoloration, apply an oil base stain blocking primer. Pressure-treated wood must be properly seasoned, dry and free of salts and other water soluble materials before applying stain. Water- repellent treated lumber requires one year minimum of weathering prior to cleaning and application. COMPOSITE DECKING - Clean and prepare surface as specified under GENERAL SURFACE PREPARATION. Do NOT sand composites. Always perform an adhesion test before application. PREVIOUSLY COATED WOOD - Spray all wood surfaces with clean water, completely wetting the wood. Generously apply a cleaning solution of four (4) ounces of 100% powdered Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) or phosphatefree substitute with one (1) quart of liquid bleach and three (3) quarts of waterto the wood surfaces with a garden sprayer or a heavy nap roller cover. Let the solution dwell on the wood for 15-20 minutes as you scrub the surface with a hard bristle brush to remove contaminates. Do not allow solution to dry on the wood surface. Power wash cleaning solution from the wood with plenty of clean fresh water using 500-800 psi with the nozzle 8-12 inches from the surface for full effectiveness of the cleaning and to prevent damage to the wood. Allow the surface to dry for 48 hours, or to have a moisture content of 18% or less before finishing. Spot prime bare areas with this product and apply two coats of this product as outlined in the application directions. 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 an 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 on to www.epa.gov/lead.
Application Details
CAUTION: Surfaces are slippery when wet. Use caution when walking on wet surfaces during application. Test wood for absorbency by sprinkling water on the surface - if water is absorbed within 30 sec. - 2 min., depending on climate, the surface is ready for finishing. If water is not absorbed, wait 30 days and re-test. Before starting, test your color choice on a small area. Buy sufficient product for the whole job. Intermix all product together before starting to avoid color variance. Stir thoroughly before and during application. Do not thin. Apply when air and surface temperature is between 50° F (10° C) - 90° F (32° C). Do not apply in direct sunlight, if rain, snow, heavy dew or low temperatures below 50° F (10° C) are expected within 48 hours. Application using a nylon-polyester brush is the preferred method. If applied by roller or airless sprayer, back brush immediately to ensure penetration and to avoid an uneven finish. For airless spray, use a .015”-.019” tip at 1200 - 1600 psi, adjust pressure as needed. Apply an even coat in the direction of the grain, avoiding heavy application. To avoid lap marks, start at one edge and follow through to the end of each board, maintaining a wet edge. Coat all end grains and the back of all boards if possible. Apply second coat once first coat has dried. TWO COAT APPLICATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE. NOTE: Tannin containing woods such as redwood, red cedar, mahogany, douglas fir, etc. contain tannic acid which tends to migrate to the surface and can discolor the finish. The discoloration is not harmful and can usually be removed by cleaning with a solution of four (4) ounces of oxalic acid to one gallon of warm water. Apply with a garden sprayer or heavy nap roller cover. Allow to sit on surface for 20 min. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. DO NOT ALLOW solution to dry on wood surface.
Drying Time
Dries to touch in approximately three hours. May be recoated in four to six hours. Dries to light foot traffic in 24 - 48 hours. Wait 72 hours before replacing furniture. Low temperature, high humidity, thick films or poor ventilation will increase these times. Avoid heavy abrasions immediately following application.
Coverage
Apply at 250 - 400 sq ft/gallon (6 - 10 m2/L). Actual coverage may vary depending on the type, age, and texture of the wood and application method.
Cleanup
Clean hands and tools immediately with warm, soapy water. Clean spills right away with a damp cloth. To maintain the products protective characteristics, apply a maintenance coat when visibly required. Approximately two to three years for decks and five to eight years on siding can be used for general purposes. However, as weathering exposure and altitude vary, maintenance may be needed sooner. Clean and prepare surface as specified under GENERAL SURFACE PREPARATION. Areas that show minimal wear should only be lightly coated. Lighter colors may require more frequent maintenance. KEEP FROM FREEZING.
Product Warning
Provide fresh air ventilation during and after application and drying. Avoid the inhalation of dust, particulates, spray or mist arising from the application of this preparation. Use personal protective equipment as required. DANGER - RAGS, STEEL WOOL OR WASTE SOAKED WITH FINISH MAY SPONTANEOUSLY CATCH FIRE IF IMPROPERLY DISCARDED. IMMEDIATELY AFTER EACH USE, PLACE RAGS, STEEL WOOL OR WASTE IN A SEALED WATER-FILLED METAL CONTAINER. Note: These warnings encompass the product series. Prior to use, read and follow productspecific MSDS and label information. FIRST AID: If swallowed, rinse mouth with water (only if the person is conscious). Call physician immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. If in eyes, rinse with water for 15 minutes. Check for and remove any contact lenses. If on skin, rinse well with water. Wash with soap and water. Get medical attention if irritation develops. If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If experiencing respiratory symptoms call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician. Keep out of the reach of children. For workplace use, an MSDS is available from your retailer or by calling (412) 492-5555. EMERGENCY SPILL INFORMATION: (412) 434-4515 (U.S.).