DESCRIPTION AND USES
Varathane Soft Touch Polyurethane is an acrylic polyurethane formulated to provide a soft, smooth feel to the coating surface. The matte finish protects against smudges and fingerprints. The specially designed water-based formula provides excellent scratch and stain resistance. It provides fast dry times as well as the convenience of easy soap and water clean-up. It is ideal for all interior wood surfaces including furniture, doors, trim, and more. Not recommended for outdoor surfaces or floors.
PRODUCT APPLICATION
SURFACE PREPARATION
PREVIOUSLY FINISHED SURFACES – To ensure proper adhesion, surfaces must be clean, dry, and free of wax, grease, oil, shellac, lacquer, mildew, and polishes. Remove wax with a wax stripper, shellac with a paint stripper, and mildew with a solution of 10% household bleach and water. Old finishes in poor condition should be removed. Sand using 120-220 grit sandpaper to obtain a smooth surface. Do not use steel wool as rust may develop after the finish has been applied. Remove all sanding dust using a vacuum, tack cloth, or a clean, lint-free cloth.
UNFINISHED SURFACES – Sand using 120-220 grit sandpaper and remove all sanding dust using a vacuum, tack cloth, or rag dampened with mineral spirits. If a filler or putty is used, make sure it does not contain wax allow enough time for it to dry thoroughly.
STAINED OR PAINTED WOOD – For best results, use Varathane® Premium Stains or Varathane® Premium Fast Dry Stains prior to using Varathane® Soft Touch Polyurethane. Follow the stain manufacturer’s recommendations before coating with Polyurethane. Apply Varathane® Soft Touch Polyurethane directly over thoroughly cured stain. Test a sample for product compatibility.
APPLICATION
Stir thoroughly before and during use. Varathane Interior Matte Polyurethane appears milky when wet but dries to a clear finish. Do not apply in direct sunlight. Use in an area with adequate ventilation such as an open garage. Apply only when air (ambient) temperature is between 60-90°F (16-32°C) and relative humidity is below 85%. Use full strength. Do not thin. To prevent bubbles in the finish, DO NOT SHAKE and do not over-brush, or apply with a roller.
Apply using a good quality synthetic bristle brush, foam brush, or applicator. Apply in the direction of the wood grain in a smooth uniform coat. Allow the finish to dry 2 hours before recoating. Lower temperatures and/or higher humidity may cause slower dry times. Re-coat only when previous coats have dried clear and feel hard. The coating should no longer feel tacky to the touch. Apply a second coat after 2 hours. Do not apply more than 2 coats in 24 hours. Sanding between coats is not required. A minimum of three coats is recommended. If wood grain raises, sand smooth before applying the final coat. Allow the finish to dry 48 hours before moderate use. Allow 7 days before subjecting the surface to normal usage.
CLEAN-UP
Clean application tools and equipment with soap and water.