HOW-TO
How to Apply Clear Wood Finishes
Tips to apply your topcoat correctly and ensure your project is finished to perfection.
HOW-TO
How to Apply Clear Wood Finishes
Tips to apply your topcoat correctly and ensure your project is finished to perfection.
How to Apply a Clear Protective Finish
Most clear finishes are applied with a brush, working in the direction of the grain of the wood. After it dries, sand lightly. Then remove all the sanding dust and apply a second coat. For added durability, a third coat can be applied. Most projects will be ready for normal use in 24 hours. Be sure to follow the label directions for the product you are using.
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Stir the clear finish well before and occasionally during use.
Be sure to mix in all material that may have settled to the bottom of the can.
Never shake a can of clear finish.
Shaking will cause bubbles in the dried finish.
Always apply thin coats.
Thick coats take longer to dry and are more likely to be uneven and attract dust.
“Tip off” each section.
To minimize brush marks and bubbles, “tip off” each section of your project at a 45-degree angle and lightly run the bristles over the entire length of the wood.
Test before you sand.
To be certain that the finish is ready to be sanded, sand a small, inconspicuous area first. If the finish starts to “ball up”, STOP. It is not dry enough to be sanded. Wait at least 30 minutes then test again.
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