Use and Care Manual

URETHANE FAUX WOOD
staining guide:
gloves
quality brush(es) for stain
quality brush for topcoat*
staining rags
mineral spirits
stain
topcoat*
MATERIAL CHECKLIST SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS & NOTES
• *Topcoat is required for exterior applications
• It is recommended to apply stain when temperatures are between 50 to 90
degrees F and relative humidity is below 80%.
• Apply stain to all exposed edges and ends of your stainable urethane
product. IMPORTANT: Any urethane product that will be exposed to weather
must be nished within 90 days of exposure.
• DO NOT apply stain or topcoat while dew is present.
• DO NOT apply stain in direct sunlight.
• DO NOT sand stainable polyurethane product.
Safety Instructions
READ CAREFULLY BEFORE STAINING
To avoid inhaling any fumes when using stains, paints or topcoats, it is extremely important to use adequate ventilation. Keep all materials out of the reach
of children. Close all containers after use. Please be sure to follow the stain manufacturer’s safety procedures.
STEP 1: SURFACE PREPARATION
Prior to staining, be sure to clean and prepare surfaces. Use a clean rag dampened with mineral spirits to wipe the entire
surface, removing all contaminants.
Tip: Compressed air can be used to blow dust off of deeply grooved products.
STEP 2: APPLY STAIN
Stir the stain well with a stir stick. Improperly mixed stain will not dry correctly. Apply the stain with brush, apply the stain
directly on the surface of the polyurethane product. Ensure that you work the stain into the grain, ll all crack and crevices.
Tip: If your product is 10’ or greater, apply the stain in sections.
STEP 3: BLEND
After product has been fully stained, take a clean, dry short bristle brush and begin dry brushing and blending the stain in
the direction of the grain. Every few strokes, remove the excess stain onto a clean rag or shop towel. Continue this process
until you have completed the entire product or area of the product and it appears as any stained wood product. Pay special
attention to any deep grooves and corners. Do not let stain collect or pool in these areas. For lighter shades, remove more of
the stain when dry brushing. For darker applications, repeat Steps 2 and 3. Make sure rst application is dry before applying
second coat of stain.
Tip: To reduce bristle loss during the blending process, periodically tug on the bristles with a rag or shop towel. This will help
remove loose bristles so the strands do not fall off and stick to the product.
STEP 4: TEST FOR DRYNESS
To test for dryness, use a gloved hand to touch an area of the product that is hidden or near the edge. The stain is completely
dry when nothing comes off on the glove. If it is not dry, test again every hour until dry.
STEP 5: APPLY TOPCOAT (FOR EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS)
Stir the topcoat well with a stir stick. To apply the topcoat, wet the tips of the brush to apply a single, very thin layer of topcoat.
Apply topcoat in a smooth and even motion. Do not use excessive brush strokes, as this may cause the topcoat to bubble or
loosen the stain. If you nd an area that is too light or dark with stain, apply a small amount of mineral spirits and wipe. Then
reapply the stain and dry brush and blend area. After it is dry, apply topcoat again.
Tip: To reduce bristle loss during the topcoat process, periodically tug on the bristles with a rag or shop towel. This will help
remove loose bristles so the strands do not fall off and stick to the product.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Use water based stain or a quality gel stain. If using gel stain, it should be cut 2-1 with 2 parts stain and 1 part mineral spirits. Follow gel
stain drying times found on the container. If product will be used in an exterior application, exterior water based stain should be used with a
quality exterior top coat.