General Directions:
- Surfaces must be clean, dry and free of dirt, grease, grime, mildew and previous coatings.
- Treat mildew with a 50/50 bleach/water solution. Scrub solution on to surface and allow to stand for 10-15 minutes; rinse thoroughly.
- After cleaning and/or stripping, allow wood to dry 2-3 good drying days or until it has reached a moisture content of 18% or less before applying finish.
- OWATROL®-ATG can only be applied to bare wood surfaces or weathered surfaces previously finished with OWATROL®-ATG. ALL other finishes MUST be completely and thoroughly removed.
- After preparing new or stripped wood surfaces, test wood for absorbency by sprinkling water on the dry surface. If water is absorbed rapidly, the surface is ready for finishing, if not repeat preparation process.
New wood surfaces:
- New planed, smooth wood has a hard shiny surface called mill glaze that prevents maximum penetration and bonding of any finish; this should be removed prior to application in order to ensure proper performance of the finish.
- Treat with DEEP CLEANER*, neutralise with DECK CLEANER*, alternatively mechanically or manually abrade surface with 80 grit paper (max). Clean off all loose wood particles.
Untreated weathered woods:
- Untreated wood surfaces that have weathered longer than 12 months should be thoroughly cleaned with undiluted DECK CLEANER* to ensure that all loose wood fibres, dirt and other surface contaminants are removed. For severely contaminated surfaces clean with DEEP CLEANER, neutralise with DECK CLEANER*.
Previously coated surfaces (oiled, paint, stain, varnish...):
- All previous coatings must be completely and thoroughly removed.
- Oils and sealers: Strip with DEEP CLEANER, neutralise with DECK CLEANER.
- Oil/Alkyd based finishes: Strip with MARINE STRIP, neutralise with DECK CLEANER.
- Acrylic finishes: Contact us.
- Other finishes e.g. 2 pack Epoxies, Urethanes... Strip with DSP 800*.
Note: Hardwoods and woods rich in tannins e.g. Oak, Cedar, Teak, Ipe... may darken with DEEP CLEANER* AND MARINE STRIP*, neutralising with DECK CLEANER* immediately after rinsing will lighten and restore the woods colour.