How-to Guides

Clear finishes

Preparation is the secret to a professional, high standard finish to your timber surfaces. Good surface preparation is simple and generally requires less time than people imagine.

Application:
It is important before using any type of finish to remove all traces of oil, grease or wax. This is easily done by rubbing down the surface vigorously with fine steel wool and mineral turps, then wiping off any excess with a clean rag. Apply two or three generous coats of the selected interior gloss finish at intervals of less than six hours. Sand lightly between coats with a No. 240 grade pre-cut paper. Allow 24 hours for final coat to completely harden.

Note: In cold conditions, drying time will be extended.

Wood Stains

Wood stains allow you to transform cheaper types of timber, change the colour of timber or strengthen the colour of a timber. Apart from colouring the timber, staining enhances the grain giving even common timbers a distinctive appearance.  Wood stains colour the timber without obscuring the grain and are quick and easy to apply.  Wood stains should always be applied direct to unfinished timber and never over a wood filled surface.

Pigment wood stain:
A pigmented stain, designed to provide an even toning to all timber, in particular to unevenly porous timbers, such as pine and whitewood furniture. Always test the strength of stain first on a timber off cut, or a part of the job that will not show.  If the stain colour is too strong, thin according to directions, usually using mineral turps.

Note: Where more than one can of stain is required to complete a job, combine all cans into a metal container and stir well before use.  This will ensure consistent colour.

Pigment stain application:
Shake the contents thoroughly before use and apply generously with a clean cloth pad, rubbing in with a circular motion. Allow to stand for 1 to 3 minutes (depending upon weather conditions) before removing excess by vigorously wiping along the grain with a clean cloth pad.

On large jobs, stain one surface at a time, so that the stain does not dry before excess is removed. Allow stained surfaces to dry for a minimum of 4 hours before clear finishing with the desired clear finish.

Note:  The final colour will not be achieved until clear finishing is completed.

Clear finishes for timber floors

Preparation for a clear finish:
Sand the floor to a completely smooth finish.  Floors treated with wax or polish need to be machine sanded back to bare timber. Thoroughly vacuum and wipe the floor down with a cloth dampened with mineral turps to remove all traces of dust and dirt from the surface. Apply two or three coats of the clear finish.  Each coat should be applied within 6 hours.  You can usually walk on the floor the day after the final coat is applied. Sand between each coat and ensure that all dust is removed before applying subsequent coats.

Note:  If the subsequent coats are applied after an interval of 24 hours, the surface must be completely sanded using 80 grade glass paper to avoid adhesion problems.  Clear finishes specifically formulated to protect and beautify pine should be used to minimise yellowing.

Oil Finishes

Oil Finishes produce an attractive natural matt finish. This type of finish is ideal for smooth or rough raw timber on handrails, outdoor furniture and decking. The Timber retains its natural colour without hiding the grain. The oil finish penetrates deep into the timber to prevent it drying out and preserves it from the weather

Application:
Apply two full coats at 12 hour intervals. Allow to dry for a minimum of 48 hours after the final coat. Lightly sand along grain with fine No. 400 grade, wet and dry paper. Be careful when sanding edges, wipe off dust with clean cloth.

Thoroughly wet the surface with the oil finish. While wet, rub vigorously along the grain with a pad of fine steel wool, until smooth.

Remove surplus oil by rubbing surfaces thoroughly with a soft clean cloth.

Allow to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before use.