DESCRIPTION AND USE
Varathane Outdoor Water Based Spar Urethane is designed to provide excellent protection for all your wood projects. Varathane Outdoor Water Based Spar Urethane is formulated to provide protection from UV light and weather. It is ideal for all types of outdoor projects, including outdoor furniture, doors, windows, fences, railings, house trim, and boats (above the water line). It is crystal clear, odorless and provides for easy water clean-up. It is not recommended for decks or high traffic areas, siding, or rough-sawn surfaces.
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 up to 10% household bleach and water. Old finishes in poor condition must be removed by sanding using 120-150 grit sandpaper. Sand to obtain a smooth surface. Do not use steel wool as rust may develop after the finish is applied. Remove all sanding dust using a vacuum or cloth dampened with mineral spirits.
UNFINISHED SURFACE PREPARATION - Sand smooth using 120–150 grit sandpaper and remove all sanding dust with a vacuum or cloth dampened with mineral spirits. If a filler or putty is used, make sure that it does not contain wax and allow enough time for it to dry thoroughly.
STAINED OR PAINTED WOOD - Follow manufacturer’s directions for application of stain or paint. Make certain the surface is thoroughly dry before applying Varathane Outdoor Water Based Spar Urethane. For best results, use Varathane Premium Wood Stains.
APPLICATION
Testing Color - Test Varathane Outdoor Water Based Spar Urethane in an inconspicuous area before beginning. Testing is particularly important when applying over paints or stains as the appearance of these products may change slightly when a water-based finish is applied.
Product appears milky when wet but dries to a crystal clear finish. Do not apply in direct sunlight. Use adequate ventilation at all times. Apply only when air (ambient) temperature is between 55-90°F (13-32°C) and the relative humidity is below 85%. Be careful when applying over white or pastel paints or stains as discoloration may occur. To prevent bubbles in the finish, DO NOT SHAKE, do not overbrush or apply with a roller.
Aerosol Application – Shake the can vigorously before and during use. Use a drop cloth or newspapers to protect surrounding areas from spray mist. Apply light mist coats, holding can 10-12” from the surface and spray in a steady back-and-forth motion, slightly overlapping each stroke. Several light coats provides for a better finish than one heavy coat. Dries to the touch in 30 minutes. Allow the finish to dry for one hour before recoating. To ensure a smooth finish, sand lightly between coats using 220 grit sandpaper. For maximum durability, a minimum of 4 coats are recommended. When finished spraying, clear spray valve by turning can upside down and pushing spray button for 5 seconds. Clean up wet stain with mineral spirits or paint thinner.
Brush Application – Stir thoroughly before and during use. DO NOT SHAKE. Shaking will create bubbles in the finish. Apply using a good quality, synthetic bristle brush, foam brush, or applicator. Allow the finish to dry a minimum of 2 hours before re-coating. Lower temperatures and/or higher humidity may cause slower dry times. Re-coat only when previous coats have dried clear and feel hard (no longer tacky to touch). A powder should develop when lightly sanded. If any coat has dried more than 12 hours, lightly sand before recoating to avoid brush marks. A minimum of 4 coats are recommended. Allow finish to dry 24 hours before light use. Wait 3 days before subjecting surface to normal usage. Clean application tools and equipment with soap and water. Dispose of properly. For disposal guidance of unused amounts, contact your local or state government environmental control agency.