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How to apply Woodoc woodsealer

How many times have you entered a Hardware store with the goal of purchasing a wood protection product without having a clue which product will actually do the trick? In this lesson we will help you get started on how to apply a Woodoc woodsealer. Believe us when we say that this is going to help you to a better result in the future.

Prepare your surface

No matter your knowledge or skill base, the way you prepare the surface of the wood will determine the outcome of the finished product. So take some time to prepare the surface. You can achieve this in the following way:

  • Ensure that the wood is dry. Someone once said that working with wood is amazing as it is always ready and waiting. In this case, if your wood has been in a damp place let it rest awhile in a dry environment.
  • Dust off and clean the surface of the wood and don’t use water to clean it off. 
  • Seal the end grain of the wood. For the lay person this means the end which has been cut needs to be sealed. Remember this.
  • Work with the wood grain and don’t work across or against it. Scrape, sand and apply the finish along the grain of the wood.

These are some basic principles to taking the first steps to sealing wood.

Sealing new vs Old wood

New wood

To seal new wood, it is best to sand until it is smooth and clean. And then, remove all dust. Don’t use water!

Preparing previously sealed surfaces

Whether the surface has been painted, sealed, varnished, waxed, oiled or anything else, clean the surface with mineral turpentine otherwise white vinegar. Thereafter, sand the surface clean which may include starting with a coarse sandpaper 60 grit and steadily becoming smoother 120 or more until the surface is clean. Also remove all traces of weathering by applying Woodoc Wood Reviver. Check out the link to see how to apply Woodoc Wood Reviver.

Previously treated Woodoc wood

You have to consider two things when preparing wood which was previously treated with Woodoc:

  1. A solvent based sealer where you need to use mineral turpentine and steel wool to clean the surface. If you are not sure what a solvent based sealer is, consider the following:
    • It is a hard wearing with a glossy finish. It gives the surface a “wet” look. 
    • It is often used on exterior wood
    • However, to avoid greasy stains or oily surfaces a solvent-based sealer is often used, so don’t overlook interior wood too.
    • Lastly, which may be difficult to identify, but a strong odour is usually associated with a solvent-based sealer

Notes on solvent based sealers (these are the points you share around the braai):

  • only use with mineral turpentine, don’t use with lacquer thinners, acetone or any other similar product.
  • matt sealers must be stirred until they become milky in appearance
  • as you will learn three coats of Woodoc are the best option and you should sand lightly after each coat before the next coat is applied. So apply the sealer, allow to dry, lightly sand with steel wool, dust off and clean, and apply the next coat.
  • if a sealer is congealing upon opening it, dilute with no more than 10% mineral turpentine and stir!

 

 2. A water based sealer needs a light sand to prepare the surface and ensure proper binding between old and new surfaces. And remember to remove the dust and particles.

Braai-time notes for water-based sealers:

  • Woodoc sealers are not compatible with mineral turpentine, lacquer thinners, acetone or other similar products.
  • Lightly sand the surface before applying the next coat and don’t sand after the final coat. 

Three Coats - Seals the Deal

Woodoc 1: The First Coat

Action: Penetrates, binds with the wood and nourishes

Woodoc 2: The Second Coat

Action: Penetrates, binds with the first coat and starts the surface finish

Woodoc 3: The Third Coat

Action: Binds with the first two coats and completes the protection of the wood.

That’s it. That’s how to know what you looking for when you want to seal your beloved furniture, windows, doors and any other wood finishes.