Customer Support

For commonly asked questions, we have provided our customers with the following Q and A section. If you find that your questions or concerns are a bit more unique, please feel free to email us at AskDeft@DeftFinishes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why is the color uneven/blotchy when I stain pine or other soft woods?
  • How do I choose the correct stain color?
  • What are the optimum weather conditions for staining and top coating?
  • Why do I get bubbles in the top coat?
  • What happens if I get a run in my top coat?
  • What happens if I get dust/particles in my top coat?
  • Why do I need to shake an aerosol can?
  • Do you need to sand between coats of Clear Wood Finish Brushing Lacquer?
  • What are the benefits of using a Lacquer Sanding Sealer?
  • Can Clear Wood Finish Brushing Lacquer be touched up or repaired?
  • Can Clear Wood Finish Brushing Lacquer be applied over a water base or oil base polyurethane, varnish or paint?
  • What Deft product should I use on my exterior door?
  • What Deft product should I use on my hardwood floor?
  • Do I have to apply a top coat over Deftoil or Stain & Finish/Step Saver?
  • Do I need to wipe off Deftoil or Stain & Finish/Step Saver after initial application?

Answers

  • Why is the color uneven/blotchy when I stain pine or other soft woods?

  • Woods like pine and spruce have a tendency to absorb stain unevenly. The stain will penetrate more where the porosity is greater and the color will be uneven.

  • How do I choose the correct stain color?

  • Testing your stain is very important, because the ultimate color is dependent on the type of wood it is applied to. Before you start, try the stain on a sample piece of wood from your project or an inconspicuous area on your project so you can see the color you will achieve.

  • What are the optimum weather conditions for staining and top coating?

  • 72 degrees Fahrenheit and 50% relative humidity. Colder temperatures and higher humidity will slow down dry time. Higher temperatures will accelerate dry time.

  • Why do I get bubbles in the top coat?

  • There are a few explanations on how bubbles develop in a top coat. The product was shaken rather than stirred. The product was over worked, with excessive brushing or rolling. In the case of a lacquer based product, working in direct sunlight will cause solvent popping which forms bubbles in the top coat. To remove bubbles, sand lightly and apply an additional coat.

  • What happens if I get a run in my top coat?

  • Runs and drips can happen when the top coat is applied too thick. To avoid runs and drips and for best results, apply several thin coats. To remove a run or drip, sand smooth and apply an additional coat.

  • What happens if I get dust/particles in my top coat?

  • Sand lightly, remove all dust/particles and apply a new thin coat which will dry quicker and give dust/particles less time to settle in the wet film.

  • Why do I need to shake an aerosol can?

  • You shake an aerosol can to disperse the flattening agents in semi gloss, satin and low luster top coats. You will hear the marble doing its job as you shake the can. Since there is no flattening agent in gloss top coats, a marble is not added to the can.

  • Do you need to sand between coats of Clear Wood Finish Brushing Lacquer?

  • No, one of the great features of Clear Wood Finish is its ability to melt into the previous coat, forming a chemical bond. This speeds up finish time and makes repair and touch-up easier than oil and acrylic polyurethane and varnish.

  • What are the benefits of using a Lacquer Sanding Sealer?

  • Lacquer Sanding Sealer is designed as a quick dry, easy to sand first step before applying a lacquer top coat. It seals the woods pore which allows the top coat to build faster and go further.

  • Can Clear Wood Finish Brushing Lacquer be touched up or repaired?

  • Yes, one of the great features of Clear Wood Finish is it's ability to melt into the previous coat, forming a chemical bond. This makes repair and touch-up easier than oil and acrylic polyurethane and varnish.

  • Can Clear Wood Finish Brushing Lacquer be applied over a water base or oil base polyurethane, varnish or paint?

  • No, if you apply lacquer over a polyurethane, varnish, or paint the solvents in the lacquer will cause the previous finish to lift or winkle. If you are uncertain about the existing finish, test Clear Wood Finish in an inconspicuous area.

  • What Deft product should I use on my exterior door?

  • Defthane Interior/Exterior oil based polyurethane is excellent for most exterior wood surfaces, especially doors. Defthane contains ultra violet absorbers which help block out the sun's harmful rays.

  • What Deft product should I use on my hardwood floor?

  • Defthane Interior/Exterior oil based polyurethane is excellent for interior wood surfaces and is specially formulated to hold up in hard use areas like floors.

  • Do I have to apply a top coat over Deftoil or Stain & Finish/Step Saver?

  • No, both products contain a tung oil polyurethane resin which gives a low luster sheen. If a higher sheen or more protection is desired than apply one of Deft's many top coats.

  • Do I need to wipe off Deftoil or Stain & Finish/Step Saver after initial application?

  • Yes, both products are penetrating oils which need to be completely wiped off. If you do not wipe away the stain from the woods surface it will stay tacky.