Application Tips When Using TWP (Total Wood Protectant)

Please follow these application tips for using TWP. We want you to feel comfortable with your decision to use this product, and by following these "guidelines" the enjoyment of your treated deck surface will be greatly enhanced...

Please wait 24 - 48 hours between washing and sealing the surface. This allows the wood to completely dry out prior to application of the product and optimizes its capability to bond appropriately with the wood. You should also wait until any dew dries from the surface before application of the product.

Do not attempt to use a pump type garden or "deck " sprayer to apply this product. The margin for error is too great and a brush/ roller combination or paint pad applicator/ roller combination will work better with this product. A 3/8ths inch medium nap roller is recommended.

"Airless" (compressor) sprayers can be used to apply TWP, but should only be used by those familiar with their operation. Remember to spray at a time that atomization factors will be the lowest and backrush or backroll tile surface to even out tile coating and reduce/ eliminate any puddling.

* *Do not thin this product. Thinning of the product (other than by our specific instructions to you) will result in an immediate void of any stated warranty. * *

Apply TWP to all upright surfaces (railings, outer band, supports) first, then apply to the floor. This way any material that may drip onto the floor will be worked into the surface, and not puddle in low or cupped areas of older deck surfaces.

Allow the wood to absorb as much material as it needs, but do not let it puddle on the wood's surface. Puddling results in uneven color and sticky spots that will attract dirt and pollutants. If puddling does occur (and it may on older cupped deck boards), lightly wipe down those areas with a rag moistened (not soaked) in mineral spirits, Greased Lightning (diluted) or Simple Green (undiluted). This will help to loosen arid remove excess finish.

The deck needs at least 12 hours dry time before it can be walked on, and we strongly recommend that you -wait 24 hours before use. We also recommend that you wait 24 hours before putting your furniture/ grill back on the deck surface.

Use mineral spirits, Clean Brite or Greased Lightning to clean up any mistakes or over spray. Be careful with any of these products on painted surfaces though, as they are designed to REMOVE things. Start with the weakest (Greased Lighting) and work your way up to the strongest (mineral spirits) if necessary.

Put an old door mat or rug down inside the door to your deck for the first few days after application. The wood will absorb the TWP at a different rate in different areas (grain patterns, knot holes), and this will prevent you from tracking any of the TWP back into your home. If you do accidentally track it back into your home, use Greased Lightning or dry cleaning fluid to blot it out of carpeting or upholstery.

Do not use bleach or bleach based solutions to clean any areas sealed with TWP. This will result in immediate fading of the deck surface, and will cause the finish to look blotchy and uneven.

Remember that TWP is a commercial grade sealant, and will take 4 to 8 weeks to achieve it's final color. Please do not be alarmed if it does not lighten immediately. We remind you as well that the lighter the pigment in the sealant, and the sunnier the site application, the sooner you will notice tile color fade out of the surface. High traffic areas will also experience more wear to the finish. The TWP will still be working in the lumbers substrate, and will provide dimensional flexibility and strength.

If you have any questions regarding any of these instructions, please feel free to call our office for advice.