FINISHING YOUR FLOORS

PREPARATION

Prior to beginning any stain or finish application, we recommend that you vacuum the floor thoroughly.

It is ideal to also vacuum every surface in the room that could potentially hold dust, including doors, walls,

mantles, windowsills and lights.

It is Carlisle’s recommendation to read the manufacturer’s label for all appropriate application methods. The

complete finish system (optional stain, primer, and top coats) should always be tested on additional “attic stock”

or in an inconspicuous area of the room prior to beginning any application to ensure satisfactory results.

It is recommended to thoroughly stir each product before use, and also throughout the application process,

to ensure a consistent finish.

Proper air cross ventilation in the room is critical for both air quality and satisfactory aesthetic results. One fan should be pulling air into the room and another fan should be pushing the air out, while remaining

cognizant of dust particles and debris. A ceiling fan is a great option to encourage air circulation but does

not always provide enough air flow. Required site conditions are on average between 60 to 80 degrees

Fahrenheit and 35% to 55% humidity levels. Dry time should always err on the side of caution, as attempts

to expedite the finishing process before the application coats have properly cured can result in lap marks,

bubbling, or other abnormalities in the appearance.

For safety, it is recommended to use rubber gloves, goggles and a safety mask. While a damp paper towel

may be enough to wipe up spills, the use of mineral spirits, turpentine, or paint thinner will come in handy

in any areas requiring minor clean up.

FLOOR FINISHING GUIDELINES

Before beginning your floor finishing please contact your Wide Plank Specialist for specific recommendations for your particular floor. These guidelines are just a guide. Unique conditions present within your home and/or with your specific flooring may alter the finishing process tips shown in the guidelines below. It is always advisable to sample the proposed finishing process on a sample area of the floor; one that is out of the way, that can act as a trial for both the finishing process as well as to confirm it will result in the desired appearance. Better to work out the potential “kinks” in a closet or on leftover wood vs. the main entry of the house.

STAIN [OPTIONAL]

Our stains have been custom-formulated in a new water-based technology that allows for minimal raised grain in the wood as well as enough open time to apply and wipe off excess stain. They are highly pigmented which requires the stain to “set up” for a few minutes before it can be wiped off. Due to the pigmentation, it is also important to constantly stir the stain so the pigments do not settle to the bottom of the stain can. Custom colors requiring a stain recipe or formula should be used as a starting point and may require on-site adjusting as needed to reach the desired look.

APPLICATION PRODUCT

Step One Stain

Step Two

Step Three # COATS

1 DRY TIME TIPS/TRICKS

Apply the stain with an 8-12" lambswool applicator block and pad, wait 1-2 minutes before you begin wiping excess stain off with a circular buffing motion.

Once most of the excess stain is removed, do a final wipe down the length of the board, moving in line with grain.

12-24 Hours Minimum air dry time and will depend on the humidity, cross ventilation, and overall environment

CLEAR POLYURETHANE APPLICATION

APPLICATION PRODUCT # COATS DRY TIME TIPS/TRICKS

Step One *EasyPrime 1 6-8 Hours Stir well. Apply using a 3/8" nap roller, Microfaser 100-200 Roller, T-bar or White Paint Pad. This will “seal” the stain onto the boards, before any finish is applied. This step helps reduce the appearance of lap marks and encourages the bonding tendency of the finish to the wood floor. It is recommended to allow a dry time of 6-8 hours before applying your first coat of finish.

*Optional in some applications; Invisible Protect may be substituted in place of EasyPrime in some applications as well.

Step Two Polyurethane 1 6-8 Hours Apply using a 3/8" nap roller, Microfaser 100-120 Roller, T-bar or White Paint Pad. You can apply 2nd coat after 6-8 hours or once dry. Do not have to do intermediate sanding if next coat applied within the first 24 hours.

If more than 24 hours of dry time elapses between any of the coats applied, you MUST lightly abrade the floor with a screen, pad or in some cases light sand paper before applying next coat to ensure adhesion.

Step Three Polyurethane 1 6-8 Hours Repeat Step Two. Upon applying the final coat, the floors may be subject to light use (such as foot traffic in white cotton socks) after 24 hours but will not be ready for full use for up to 5 days. Felt pads or some other means of protection should be used under furniture legs.

AMBER [TUNG OIL + POLYURETHANE] APPLICATION

Although Tung Oil is a natural product the odor can be somewhat strong. It is important that the areas where Tung Oil will be used are well ventilated.

APPLICATION PRODUCT # COATS DRY TIME TIPS/TRICKS

Step One Waterlox Original Sealer & Finish (Product # TB 5284)

Step Two Waterlox Original Sealer & Finish 1 24 Hours Using a lambswool applicator, apply generously. Coverage is 500/SF per gallon. Draw the oil the direction of the planks with very little pressure. Tung Oil has a natural ability to flow, level and absorb into the wood. Do not need to scrub or mop into the floor. Lightly sand or buff between 1st and 2nd coats to knock off high spots or roughness. Carefully clean off the dust and sanding before applying next coats.

1 24 Hours Repeat Step One. Poor ventilation, high humidity or cool temperatures may increase dry times. Softer woods such as Pines will require up to four coats.

Step Three Polyurethane 1 6-8 Hours Apply using a 3/8” nap roller, Microfaser 100-120 Roller, T-bar or White Paint Pad. You can apply 2nd coat after 6-8 hours or once dry. Do not have to do intermediate sanding if next coat applied within the first 24 hours.

If more than 24 hours of dry time elapses between any of the coats applied, you MUST lightly abrade the floor with a screen, pad or in some cases light sand paper before applying next coat to ensure adhesion.

Step Four Polyurethane 1 6-8 Hours Repeat Step Three.

TUNG OIL APPLICATION

Although Tung Oil is a natural product the odor can be strong. It is important that the areas where Tung Oil will be used are well ventilated If you cannot ventilate the area, you may want to choose another product.

APPLICATION PRODUCT # COATS DRY TIME TIPS/TRICKS

Step One Waterlox Original Sealer & Finish 1 24 Hours Using a lambswool applicator, apply generously. Coverage is 500/SF per gallon. Draw the oil the direction of the planks with very little pressure. Tung Oil has a natural ability to flow, level and absorb into the wood. Do not need to scrub or mop into the floor. Lightly sand or buff between 1st and 2nd coats to knock off high spots or roughness. Carefully clean off the dust and sanding before applying next coats.

Step Two Waterlox Original Sealer & Finish 1 24 Hours Repeat Step One. Poor ventilation, high humidity or cool temperatures may increase dry times. Softer woods such as Pines will require up to four coats.

We recommend buffing in between 2nd and 3rd coats to knock down any bumps or debris trapped in finish.

Step Three Waterlox Original Sealer & Finish or Waterlox Original Satin

Step Four Waterlox Original Sealer & Finish or Waterlox Original Satin 1 24 Hours Repeat Step One. Do not need to lightly sand or buff the last two coats.

1 24 Hours Repeat Step One. Do not need to lightly sand or buff the last two coats. The Original Sealer & Finish will fully cure to a sheen level of 50-55° while the Original Satin Finish will fully cure to a sheen level between 20-25°. The Original Satin Finish can only be used as a FINISH coat after the original Sealer & Finish has been applied. Talk with your Wide Plank Specialist to determine which steps will require Satin Finish to obtain the look you want.