Finishing Tips

Applying Water Base Finishes

Hand Application
Spray Application
Trouble Shooting Guide

EF Water Base Finishes - Hand Application

Surface Preparation All surfaces should be clean and free from all dirt and oils. Sand surface using fine grit sandpaper such as no.180-no.220. Water base finishes need a smoother surface than oil base finishes. Do not use tack cloths when using water based finish. Tack cloths contain oil and will contaminate the surface. On certain woods such as oak and ash, pre-wet the wood with a damp cloth to raise the grain before final sanding. Allow the dampened wood to dry 30 minutes before the final sanding. This will provide a smoother final finish.

Temperature and Humidity Water base finishes must be applied at temperatures above 65 F. Cooler temperatures will adversely affect how the finish will level and harden, causing fish-eyes or craters. If it is cold enough to wear a sweater it is too cold to apply a water base finish. The surface of the wood must also be warm. If you turn the heat on when you enter your shop in the morning, the air heats up quickly but your furniture will still be cold for some time. Check the surface to see if it is warm. Also, check the temperature of the finish. Warming cold finish by setting the can next to a heater or setting the container in some hot water for five minutes will improve the ease of application.

In hot temperatures (85 100 F) the finish may dry too fast. Use EF Extender to open (increase) the dry time. Finishes that dry too fast may not completely level out before all the water evaporates from the finish. This can result in a poor appearance.

Maintenance and Care Water base finishes take seven days before they are ready for daily use. To maintain the finish, clean surface with a damp washcloth and wipe dry. Cleaners such as Pledge and Murphys Oil Soap are not recommended because they leave a dull residue on the finish. Polishes such as lemon oil or orange oil work well for routine maintenance.

Restoring an Old Surface Top coats may be recoated at any time in the future. Simply wipe down the surface with mineral spirits to remove any grease or dirt, lightly sand with no.320 sandpaper or finer, and then apply another coat.

Mixing and Tinting Mix gloss and satin together to get a semi-gloss top coat. Tinting may be accomplished by adding 10 to 20 percent EF Stain to an EF Top Coat.

Hardwood Floors Use EF High Performance Polyurethane.