Storage of Waterlox®

For Waterlox® ORIGINAL, VOC COMPLIANT, MARINE and URETHANE products:

Keep containers closed when not in use and keep in a cool, dry place (above 32° F). If stored properly, an unopened can has an almost indefinite shelf life. Cold temperatures will not negatively affect Waterlox®, but if it has been chilled or exposed to freezing temperatures, allow it to stand for at least 6 hours in temperatures above 60° F before using. DO NOT artificially heat Waterlox® products.

Store in a full container. Partially filled containers may gel since Waterlox® finishes dry through oxidation. When a container is opened and used, ‘head-space’ is created allowing it to be exposed to oxygen and the remaining unused portion may begin to oxidize. This leads to skinning and eventually gelling of the product. When reusing stored product, it’s best to strain the material through a 125 micron paint strainer or coffee filter to remove any impurities before use.

Pour the Waterlox® needed to complete the job into another container and promptly reseal the original container. For rectangular cans, replace both the metal seal and screw cap. For round cans, replace the lid. DO NOT return any unused portion to the original can.

Displace the oxygen inside the container using one or more of the following methods:

  • Decant the product into a StopLoss® Bag or a smaller airtight glass or metal container. DO NOT use plastic. If using a previously vacuum-sealed jar (e.g. pickles or baby food) use plastic wrap inside the lid to create an adequate seal.
  • Use clean marbles or stones to raise the level of the finish and thereby displace the oxygen.
  • For rectangular cans, squeeze the sides to push the liquid up and seal before the air returns into the can.
  • “Float” the product with an inert gas, such as BLOXYGEN®, carbon dioxide or argon, that is heavier than air.

For Waterlox® TRUETONE®, BUFF-IN FINISH, UTOS, PURE TUNG OIL products:

Keep containers closed when not in use and keep in a cool, dry place (above 32° F). If stored properly, an unopened can of Waterlox® finish has a 2-year shelf life from the date of manufacture (located on the bottom / underside of the container). Cold temperatures will not negatively affect the product, but if it has been chilled or exposed to freezing temperatures, allow the product to stand for at least 6 hours in temperatures above 60° F before using. DO NOT artificially heat Waterlox® products.

Store in a full container. If reusing stored product, it’s best to strain the material through a 125 micron paint strainer to remove any impurities before use.

Pour the Waterlox® needed to complete the job into another container and promptly reseal the original container. For rectangular cans, replace both the metal seal and screw cap. For round cans, replace the lid. For plastic bottles, replace the seal and cap. DO NOT return any unused portion to the original can.

Displace the oxygen inside the container using one or more of the following methods:

  • Decant the product into a StopLoss® Bag or a smaller airtight glass or metal container. Unless the product originally came in a plastic container, DO NOT use plastic bottles. If using a previously vacuum-sealed jar (e.g. pickles or baby food) use plastic wrap inside the lid to create an adequate seal.
  • Use clean marbles or stones to raise the level of the finish and thereby displace the oxygen.
  • For rectangular cans or plastic bottles, squeeze the sides to push the liquid up and seal before the air returns into the can.
  • “Float” the product with an inert gas, such as BLOXYGEN®, carbon dioxide or argon, that is heavier than air.

For Waterlox® H2OLOX® finishes:

Keep containers closed when not in use and keep in a cool, dry place (store between 40 – 80° F). Do not store in an attic, garage, in direct sunlight or next to something warm like a water heater or furnace. H2OLOX® has a one (1) year shelf-life from the date of manufacture (located on the bottom / underside of the container).

Waterlox® H2OLOX® products contain water and as such should be kept from freezing. Prolonged storage in cold temperatures (<40 degrees F) and/or multiple freeze thaw cycles may negatively affect the product. If H2OLOX® has been chilled or exposed to freezing temperatures, allow the product to stand for at least 6 hours in temperatures above 60° F before using. DO NOT artificially heat Waterlox® products.

Store in the original container. Partially filled containers should be filtered through a paint strainer before use. DO NOT return any unused portion to the original can.

Displace as much oxygen as possible inside the container by squeezing the sides to push the liquid up and seal before the air returns into the container.