Tips for use of Water-based finishes

After sanding your floors with the Silver-Line SL-8 and SL-7 it is time to apply finishes. Here are some tips when using water-based finishes.

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• Screen the floor with a 120 or 150 grit sandscreen. Screening will close the pores of the wood and the Water-Based finish will not cause alot to grain raise.
  
• When tacking a floor before application of the first coat, use a soft rag dampened with water instead of a tack cloth. The chemicals used to make the tack cloth sticky may effect the adhesion of the water-based finish. The cloth should be damp but not wet! Tack the entire floor and do not forget to remove dust from the walls, doors, windows, etc.
• Use a recommended water-base applicator, most suppliers will sell applicators that were designed to be used with a water-base finish.
  
• Unlike the process when using oil modified finishes, do not screen the floor after the first coat of water-based finish is applied. Wait until the second coat is applied then screen lightly. Remember, the screening is done to take out the raised grain, do not remove the finish.
• Do not use steel wool to screen your water-based finishes. Any steel wool material left on the floor after you vacume will rust into your floor.
• Always read the manufactures instructions and follow them.

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Last up date 06/10/05

Please E-MAIL us with any questions:
johng@essex-silver-line.com

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITIES: Due care has been exercised in the preparation of this web page to insure its effectiveness. The author makes no warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to procedures or other contents of this web page. In no event will the author be liable for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages in connection with or arising from the furnishing, performance, or use of this web page.

Safety Warning: This web page contains general and basic safety information; it is not intended to replace the instructions of precautions of manufacturers, equipment and material vendors, or OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). While safety tips are included, it is not possible to provide precautions for all possible hazards, due in part to variations in machinery design, jobsite conditions, and operator abilities. Standard and accepted safety precautions should be followed at all times.

Copyright 1996 Essex Silver Line Corp. All rights reserved.