wood countertops, vanities, dining tables, & bars
WHERE TO USE: The origin of our name, Waterlox, stands for "locks out water.” Therefore, we think our Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes are the perfect solution for any and all wood finishing project(s). When you add to that your plans to finish a known water-related area like a bathroom, kitchen or table top, we think Waterlox should be the only finishing choice since no other clear finishes available on the market today have our superior waterproofing properties. Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes are waterproof, stand up to household spills and are non-toxic1 and food-safe when dry. Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes have good heat resistance, can be used around stoves and are unaffected by boiling water and liquids.2
Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes are also a solution for concrete countertops; however, the number of coats may vary due to the differing levels of porosity in concrete products. Most projects will require between 3 and 4 coats of Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes.3
As with any finish, special care and attention should be used when applying the Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes. The following outline has been prepared for that purpose.
DRY TIME: 24 hours between coats. Poor ventilation, high humidity or cool temperatures may increase dry times.
SURFACE PREPARATION: Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes perform best over bare wood. For best results, apply liberally at approximately 500 square feet per gallon per coat (125 square feet per quart per coat). Most applications will use a quality natural bristle brush. Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes are not designed to be used as a top coat over other previously finished surfaces.
COVERAGE/THINNING: One gallon covers 500 square feet per coat. One quart covers 125 square feet per coat. The number of coats depends on the porosity of the wood. No thinning necessary.
NEW WOOD APPLICATION: 1. Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish does not require shaking or stirring. Even though you may desire a final gloss level different than a medium sheen, we recommend starting all projects with the Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish as your base coats as follows. 2. Waterlox may alter the appearance of the wood. Conduct a test area by applying all intended coats on a scrap piece or an inconspicuous area before beginning the entire project. 3. Sand the surface with 100 or 120 grit sandpaper to keep the grain open and allow for maximum penetration of the Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish. 4. Apply all coats liberally with the grain using a quality natural bristle brush. Do not wipe on and off the finish. Further, applying the finish with a rag vs. liberally with a brush results in ½ the recommended film build for each coat. If this is your preferred method of application, double the amount of coats applied. 5. For hardwood species, apply 3 coats of Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish. For soft wood species, apply 4 coats of Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish. Allow each coat to dry for 24 hours. 6. After the last coat is dry, lightly sand the surface with 320 grit or 3/0 or 4/0 steel wool to smooth out the finish. 7. Tack the surface with a lint-free rag dampened with mineral spirits. 8. Continue with 1 more coat of Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish for a medium sheen; apply 1 coat of Waterlox Original Satin Finish for a lower sheen, or 1 coat of Waterlox Original High Gloss Finish for a higher sheen.4 9. Allow the finish to cure for 72 –96 hours. During this cure time, do not use the surface.
PREVIOUSLY FINISHED WOOD APPLICATION: Strip previously finished surfaces to bare wood, and then apply as described under “New Wood Application”.
Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes can be applied over a non-film forming mineral or vegetable oil. 1. Allow the countertop to age for 30 days. 2. Scuff sand with 320 grit sandpaper. 3. Clean the surface with a rag dampened with mineral spirits (paint thinner) which will attract any remaining dust and dirt. Mineral spirits (paint thinner) is recommended because the Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes are based in this solvent and is therefore compatible with it, and it also evaporates slower than other more intense solvents such as lacquer thinner. 4. Apply as described under “New Wood Application”.
CLEAN UP: Clean application tools immediately with mineral spirits or turpentine. Properly dispose of rags, applicators and waste. Read carefully cautions on the product label(s).
STORAGE AND DISPOSAL: Keep container closed when not in use. Partially filled containers of Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish may gel. Read carefully cautions on the product label(s).
PRODUCT INFORMATION HOTLINE: To answer any wood finish questions or for more information, including storage suggestions, visit our website at
www.waterlox.com or call 800.321.0377, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4 pm EST (excluding holidays).
CLEANING/MAINTENANCE: After the Waterlox Original Tung oil finish has dried and cured for at least 7 days, cleaning may be performed. Clean options are as follows: Waterlox Original Cleaner Concentrate (following the directions on the label); warm water with a mild soap; or a mixture of 1-2 oz of white vinegar to 2 gallons of water and fill in spray bottles to use for daily cleaning.
Avoid ammonia-based or bleach-based cleaning products like Lysol
®, Fantastik
®, 409
®, Windex
® (ammonia and bleach-based products will soften the oil finish if used on a daily basis). Occasional cleaning with these products is acceptable.
Avoid ammonia-based cleaners and products containing wax or acrylics, and try to prevent water from pooling or standing on the surface for long periods of time. We believe wax creates maintenance issues, scuffs easily, leaves water spots and attracts dirt. Wax also makes it difficult to recoat your wood surface with Waterlox when necessary. Even though waxes are compatible with Waterlox finishes, we don’t recommend using them for the aforementioned reasons.
We also recommend avoiding products containing wax or acrylics. We believe that wax attracts and traps dirt, scuffs easily, waterspots, needs to be maintained frequently. Wax also makes it difficult to recoat your wood surface with Waterlox when necessary. Even though waxes ae compatible with Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes, we do not recommend using them for the aforementioned reasons.
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Tip: 1. After cleaning any surface finished with Waterlox Original Tung oil finishes, rinse with clear water. 2. Avoid puddling water for long periods of time; wipe up spills immediately. 3. Avoid allowing soap to sit directly on the finish; wipe up excess soap immediately. |
RECOAT/MAINTENANCE: 1. Wash the surface with a neutral cleaner such as TSP® or Spic-n-Span® and water. 2. Follow with a clear water rinse. 3. Lightly sand the surface if there is ground-in dirt. 4. Wipe on an additional coat of the finish used as the previous topcoat. 5. Let dry for 48-96 hours before use.
1The only “toxic” portion of the formulation is the mineral spirits, which evaporates in order for the finish to dry. A minimum of 7 days should be waited before using the surface; full cure and hardness is achieved in 30-90 days.
2 Waterlox has good heat resistance; however, avoid placing hot pots or pans directly on the finish. Always use a potholder under cooking utensils and hot pans/pots.
3Once the project is completed, removing the finish can be very difficult as Waterlox will alter the appearance of the cement. Apply all intended coats to a small, inconspicuous area or scrap piece of cement from the project and allow to dry properly prior to the actual application. Final color effect is always influenced by the texture, porosity, and by the method of application, and will be difficult to reverse once finished.
4We are asked quite often if our Waterlox Original Marine finishing system is recommended for surfaces near water – like a bathroom or kitchen. The simple answer is “no”, our interior Tung oil finishing line will give you the waterproofing needed for these type of applications. It is true that our Waterlox Original Marine finishing products are waterproof; however, they are primarily recommended for use outdoors in direct UV as they are formulated as a traditional spar varnish finish system.
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Tip: To prevent warping, many wood countertop manufacturers recommend sealing the underside of wood counters, especially when it contains a sink or dishwasher. Our Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish is an ideal product to use for this application. |