TotalBoat Wood Sealer

TotalBoat Wood Sealer fills and seals the grain of bare wood to create an ideal foundation for 1-part varnish finishes. Apply 2-3 coats of Wood Sealer for consistent finishes that won't crack or peel. It dries quickly and does not require sanding between coats. This UV-stable coating is suitable for use on all woods, including oily hardwoods and plywood, for interior and exterior use.

Key Features

• Fills the grain to seal and smooth wood
• UV stable, ideal foundation for 1-part varnish
• Fast dry time
• No sanding between coats

Cleaners and Solvents

Cleaner/Surface Preparation Solvents

• TotalBoat Dewaxer & Surface Prep
• TotalBoat Special Brushing Thinner 100
• TotalBoat Spray Thinner 101
• Denatured alcohol (bare substrates only)
• Acetone (bare substrates only, but specifically recommended for use on oily hardwoods or bare white oak substrates)

Cleanup Solvents

• TotalBoat Dewaxer & Surface Prep
• TotalBoat Special Brushing Thinner 100
• TotalBoat Spray Thinner 101

Thinner/Reducer Solvents

• TotalBoat Special Brushing Thinner 100, for brushing and rolling applications
• TotalBoat Spray Thinner 101, for spraying and cool weather brushing/rolling applications

Paint Strainer

• Fine paint strainer

Acceptable Substrates

• Wood, previously varnished wood in good condition, or properly prepared epoxy surfaces

Surface Preparation

Bare Wood

• Wood should be in good condition and free of any grease, oils, tar, dust, or other potential contaminants prior to sanding.
• The ideal wood moisture content to varnish is 6-8%, but being less than 10% usually yields good results. Varnishing wood with a higher moisture content is not recommended.
• Sand the wood smooth, in the direction of the grain, with 220-grit sandpaper, until it is even and smooth.
• Vacuum away any sanding dust.
• If desired, a tack cloth can be used to help remove any residual dust, then follow with a clean, lint-free cotton rag wetted with one of the specified cleaner/surface preparation solvents.
• Allow the surface to dry completely before applying Wood Sealer.

Previously Varnished Surfaces

• Previously varnished surfaces in poor condition should be stripped back to the bare substrates. Only apply Wood Sealer to varnished substrates in good, sound condition that do not show signs of delamination, cracking, or peeling.
• Wash the surface with a mild soap and water, and rinse thoroughly.
• Once dry, wipe the surface with one of the specified cleaner/surface preparation solvents using a clean, lint-free cotton rag.
• Allow any solvents to evaporate.
• Sand the surface, in the direction of the grain, with 220-grit or 320-grit sandpaper, until it is smooth.
• Remove any sanding residue by wiping the surface clean with a clean, lint-free cotton rag wetted with one of the specified cleaner/surface preparation solvents.
• Allow the surface to dry completely before applying Wood Sealer, as directed.

Teak

• Bare teak wood in good condition has a warm, golden tone. Teak that has been exposed to the elements and that has sat for a while may take on a gray appearance.
• If the teak wood has a gray appearance, it should be cleaned with TotalBoat Teak Cleaner to restore it to its original warm, golden color. Use Part A and Part B as specified on the instructions, and allow ample time for the wood to dry after. Varnish or other coatings applied to damp wood may blister up or delaminate from the wood if it has not had sufficient time to dry.
• Once the teak has been cleaned and thoroughly dried, follow the surface preparation instructions for BARE WOOD.

Epoxy Surfaces

• Epoxy substrates need to be fully cured for at least 5-7 days prior to any surface preparation or applying Wood Sealer.
• Once cured, the epoxy must be washed with a mild soap and warm water, then rinsed well to remove any possible amine blush, whether noticeable or not. This must be performed, even if the epoxy is considered non-blushing, or does not appear to have an amine blush on the surface.
• Dry the surface completely.
• Sand the surface with 220-grit or 320-grit sandpaper. A DA (dual action) sander can help to reduce a sense of grain, or sanding marks that show a sense of sanding direction.
• Remove any sanding residue by wiping the surface clean with a clean, lint-free cotton rag wetted with one of the specified cleaner/surface preparation solvents.
• Allow the surface to dry completely before applying Wood Sealer.

Application

Very Important – Read Before Varnishing!

• Stir or shake Wood Sealer very thoroughly before use. This is extremely important to promote the most consistent finish and dry times.
• The minimum overcoat time for Wood Sealer is 1 hour @ 80°F, 3 hours @ 65°F, or 8 hours @ 50°F (3 mils wet film thickness).
• Applying Wood Sealer thicker than 3 mils wet film thickness will extend dry times dramatically, and could trap solvents, making the Wood Sealer squishy and soft, even if the surface has become tack-free.
• Wood Sealer can be reapplied when the previous coat has become tack-free.
• During the first coat of Wood Sealer on bare wood, bubbles may appear on the surface as the Wood Sealer displaces the air in the wood grain, regardless of application method. Tipping the first coat with a brush 1-2 minutes after applying will prevent the bubbles from curing in place.
• Very porous wood pieces may experience this on the second coat as well.
• Sanding is not required between coats if Wood Sealer is overcoated within 48 hours.
• Do not attempt to sand Wood Sealer unless the most recent coat has dried for a minimum of 24 hours.
• If 2-3 coats have been applied in one day, allow 48 hours drying time prior to sanding.
• Lightly scuff-sand with 320-grit sandpaper, hazing the surface, and reducing any high points or bumps in the varnish. Do not sand heavily, or remove more than is required. Sandpaper that is coarser is not necessary, and will only add deeper scratches that may print through once all varnish layers have cured. Remove any sanding residue before reapplying.
• Do not use any solvent wipes within 48 hours of applying Wood Sealer, as it may affect the previous layers, even if it seems hard and cured. A clean, dry cotton rag or compressed air (with an oil and water separator) is usually sufficient for removing sanding residue. TotalBoat Special Brushing Thinner 100 is the preferred solvent wipe for sanding residue cleanup.
• If a tack rag is used to remove sanding residue, it is imperative to then wipe the surface with a clean, cotton rag dampened with Special Brushing Thinner 100 prior to applying the next coat of Wood Sealer.
• There is no required minimum number of coats of Wood Sealer, however applying 2-3 coats of Wood Sealer can help to fill the grain of bare wood much faster than traditional varnishes.
• When Wood Sealer is applied as a stand-alone product, more coats will add greater distinctness of image and greater UV resistance.

Application Conditions

• Best results are achieved when the substrate, air, and Wood Sealer temperatures are between 60-85°F.
• Do not attempt to apply Wood Sealer when the air, substrate, or Wood Sealer temperatures are below 45°F, or above 105°F.
• If possible, avoid applying or curing the material in direct sunlight.
• Do not apply during times of high humidity, when rain, dew, or fog may affect the drying or finish of Wood Sealer.

Application Methods

Brushing Instructions

• TotalBoat Wood Sealer is designed to be ready to use, and should not require thinning, for most applications.
• Adding 5-10% TotalBoat Special Brushing Thinner 100 promotes the best flow, self-leveling, and working time for Wood Sealer, when thinning is required.
• TotalBoat Spray Thinner 101 can also be used as a brushing thinner for applications under 60°F, to help promote a quicker tack-free time, without compromising proper flow or working time.
• Do not over-thin Wood Sealer, as it will extend dry times, and will reduce the overall gloss level of the finish.
• Only use high-quality, solvent-safe paint brushes and roller covers with Wood Sealer.
• Foam brushes can be used very successfully with Wood Sealer for the first 1-2 coats, but the preferred method to achieve the best finish is to use a high-quality natural bristle brush.
• 1/8" foam or mohair roller covers can be used, nap or other hair rollers may leave hair or fine particles behind.

Spraying Instructions

• TotalBoat Wood Sealer may not require thinning for all spray applications, however, 10-25% TotalBoat Spray Thinner 101 can be added to promote better application properties.
• Always use the minimum amount of spray thinner possible to achieve the highest gloss finish and promote the fastest dry times.
• Adding too much thinner will also lead to undesirable drips and sags.
• Actual percentage of reduction will depend on the equipment being used, and environmental conditions.
• Airless Spray: The pressure should be roughly 170 bar/2500 psi, with a .33-.41 mm (11-16 thousandths) tip size.
• Pressure Pot: The pressure should be 3.44-4.47 bar/50-65 psi (gun pressure), and 8-10 psi (pot pressure), while the tip size should be .89-1.4 mm (35-50 thousandths).
• Siphon Cup: The pressure should be roughly 3.44-4.47 bar/50-65 psi (gun pressure), with a 1.5-1.8 mm (60-70 thousandths) tip size.

Yearly Maintenance

• TotalBoat Wood Sealer can be cleaned with an all-purpose boat soap, such as TotalBoat Boat Soap, and water.
• When Wood Sealer is used as a stand-alone product, apply 1-2 maintenance coats, as needed, for exterior applications.
• When applying a maintenance coat, wash the surface with a mild soap and warm water, dry the surface completely, sand the surface with 320-grit sandpaper in the direction of the grain, and remove any sanding residue before applying.

Application Data

Physical Data

Safety Information

Warning!

RAGS, STEEL WOOL, OR WASTE SOAKED WITH THIS PRODUCT MAY SPONTANEOUSLY CATCH FIRE IF DISCARDED IMPROPERLY. IMMEDIATELY AFTER USE, PLACE RAGS, STEEL WOOL, OR WASTE IN A SEALED, WATER-FILLED METAL CONTAINER.

Personal Safety

Always use proper Personal Protective Equipment when handling this product. Refer to the TotalBoat Wood Sealer Safety Data Sheet for more info. Only dispense or apply Wood Sealer with adequate ventilation.