Preparation Procedures

All joints, gaps, cracks and splits must be fully sealed (glued or caulked) to prevent moisture intrusion and lifting of the coating. Clean joints and caulk as required with 3M 5200. When applying tape, back the tape away from any joint by 1/32” or so, to insure that no wood is left bare.

New or Bare Wood: For teak, use a commercial teak cleaner to remove excess oil, stains or discoloration. For other wood types, use a mild wood cleaner. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and rinse thoroughly. Allow the wood to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.

Sand until completely smooth (80 grit, 150 grit, 220 grit). Remove dust and scrub down with acetone, saturating the wood liberally, using a clean cloth. Do not use mineral spirits or paint thinner. Lightly wipe with a tack rag to remove any remaining dust.

Previously Varnished Surfaces: New coatings should be allowed to cure fully to prevent the solvents in BRISTOL FINISH from lifting the underlying finish. Check compatibility on a small test area before coating large areas.

Wash to remove dirt and salt. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Sand by hand using 220 grit until uniformly smooth and dull. Use a red ScotchBrite™ pad for sharp corners and edges. Remove dust with acetone, then lightly wipe with a tack rag.