I have a few more questions about Waterlox original finish.
* For a heavy use piece, how many coats are recommended? I was planning about 7.
* What solvents will damage a Waterlox finish? The reason for asking is if I wanted to remove wax from an existing piece so I could reapply more waterlox, will the mineral spirits damage the waterlox underneath?
* I realize sanding is optional between coats but does anybody sand and if so, to what grit?
* How long should the finish sit before it’s rubbed out?
Thanks for any feedback!
“100 Years” — scribbled on the wall by a woodworker to remind him to do his best and as a warranty on his work — “If anything I make fails in the first hundred years, bring it back, and I’ll take care of it. After that, there will be a small charge. (Original purchaser only)”
Edited 11/21/2005 11:56 am by zombeerose
Replies
You should be OK with 4 or 5 coats, but it depends on the wood. I use about two coats after it has become a uniform coating. The more coats the more protection, but you don't need to get carried away.
After the finish has cured, there will be no problem using mineral spirits to remove wax.
Before rubbing out you should wait at least several weeks--a month is good. With a relatively thin finish such as the original Waterlox, you should make sure that the next to last coat has been prepared as perfectly as possible, so that the chance of rubbing through the last coat is reduced.
Thx - I'll make sure I remember to get the last couple coats on super-uniformally. :)
"100 Years" -- scribbled on the wall by a woodworker to remind him to do his best and as a warranty on his work -- "If anything I make fails in the first hundred years, bring it back, and I'll take care of it. After that, there will be a small charge. (Original purchaser only)"
>> For a heavy use piece, how many coats are recommended? I was planning about 7
If you are referring to Waterlox Sealer/Finish, 5-7 coats are plenty.
>> What solvents will damage a Waterlox finish?
If it has fully cured which takes about 3-4 weeks, mineral spirits and alcohol will not harm it. Wax has a mineral spirits base so it can be easily removed with mineral spirits. Just wipe dry keeping a fresh face on the paper towels.
>> I realize sanding is optional between coats but does anybody sand and if so, to what grit?
Sanding is only optional if you re-coat within 12 or so hours. After than you should sand for adhesion between coats. However, sanding after the first coats of a wipe-on finish is to flatten the surface for a better appearence. Let the first two coats dry 2-3 days then flat sand lightly with 320 paper. Dust and re-coat.
>> How long should the finish sit before it's rubbed out?
I answered that in your other posting. Oil based varnishes take 3-4 weeks to fully cure to complete hardness and adhesion. The more coats you apply, the colder the air (never below 55-60) the longer it will take. As long as you can detect some odor coming off, it's still curing.
I have been light sanding w/ 320 then 400 between coats mainly to remove any debris. Sounds like the consensus is it will take a month to cure before rubbing it out.Thanks for the feedback.
"100 Years" -- scribbled on the wall by a woodworker to remind him to do his best and as a warranty on his work -- "If anything I make fails in the first hundred years, bring it back, and I'll take care of it. After that, there will be a small charge. (Original purchaser only)"
I know this probably isn't your application, but we used Waterlox on our hardwood floors last year using lambswool applicators (as recommended by the manufacturer)on our floors. It works best if you apply heavy on a 4'x 4' area (for flooring), then re-wipe out the larger bubbles. 3-4 coats seems about right with buffing between coats (white 3M pad). I let it dry about 4 days between coats - the off-gassing (for 800 SF at a time) can be overwhelming.
Having used foam brushes (on the stairs), I find that it doesn't go on very thick at all, so more coats are necessary.
Thx for the info. You are correct that a wooden floor is not my medium. However, you made a point that you applied it "heavy" for 3 to 4 coats w/ buffing in between. I guess the reason I wanted so many coats is because of how thin I was applying it in the first place followed by light sanding w/ 320-400. Therefore, I wanted to make sure I still had a finish left :)
"100 Years" -- scribbled on the wall by a woodworker to remind him to do his best and as a warranty on his work -- "If anything I make fails in the first hundred years, bring it back, and I'll take care of it. After that, there will be a small charge. (Original purchaser only)"
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