The application process of NatureColor® Base Coat and Recoater will vary with your project needs. Please refer to the following guidelines.
Preparation
CLEAN YOUR WOOD SURFACE BEFORE STAINING – Refer to the General Preparation Guide for unfinished wood, new or weathered.
Temperature And Moisture Specifications
NatureColor® Base Coat and Recoater products must be applied onto a clean, dry, wood surface.
Temperature of surface and air must be between 50F and 90F.
- Do Not apply a finish if temperature is expected to drop below 50F within 4 hours of application.
- Do Not apply a finish in the direct sunlight, when surface is hot to the touch, or the temperature is above 85F.
Moisture must not be present in the air, on the surface or the interior of the wood.
- Do Not apply if the humidity level is high.
- Do Not apply if rain is present or expected to be within 24 hours before or after your application.
- Do Not apply when dew is present on the surface.
- Do Not apply if the wood moisture content is above 18%.
Application Tools
- A longhaired natural bristle brush is the preferred tool for applying NatureColor® Base Coat and Recoater.
- An airless sprayer can also be used. We recommend back brushing on all coats, to work the product into the wood and to even the pigmentation and film thickness. Spray Specifications:
- Tip Size .011 to .013 Keep the spray head no more than 12 inches from substrate.
- Pressure – 1000 to 1500 PSI
- A stir stick for frequent mixing.
For Best Performance
Do a Color Check. Before applying your color selection onto your wood siding, perform test brush-outs onto a sample board of your wood species or discreet area of your siding, to verify your color outcome.
Thoroughly Stir the Stain. Pigments settle to the bottom of the container so it’s pertinent to thoroughly stir the product well at the beginning of your project and frequently during your application. Stirring distributes pigments throughout the product and helps to maintain a color consistency throughout your application.
“Box” Stains. (Mix contents of a new, full can of stain into the can of stain you’re currently staining from.) When the container of stain you are using is down to about ¼ full, fill it back up by adding stain from the next container youopen (Basecoat with Basecoat, Recoater with Recoater). Thoroughly stir the newly opened container before combining into the ¼ full container. Then thoroughly stir the now combined stain and continue staining.
Apply Stain Liberally. Apply enough stain to saturate the wood pores, working it into the grain. Watch for dripping as you proceed. Brush drips into the finish.
Apply Stain in the Direction of the Grain. Apply stain to three or four boards at a time, working all the way across the house. Work from the bottom up on initial application so drips are falling onto stained surface and are easier to brush in. On additional finishes, work from the top of the house to the bottom, thereby always staining above the ladder.
Avoid Lap Marks. Brush product from the beginning of a board to the end of the board. Avoid lap marks by keeping your stop and start points wet and blended. Move your freshly dipped brush from the unstained section of wood, back into the existing wet stain to blend your stop and starting point.
Apply Caulking Where Necessary Before the Final Coat of Stain. Only Polyurethane or Latex caulks should be used with NatureColor® products. DO NOT use a silicone caulk.
Maintenance Application on “Stained” Exterior Wood
Wood Siding: Log & Timber, Board & Baton, Channel, Shiplap, Tongue & Groove, Shake Panel.
Wood Exterior Doors: Entry, Garage, and Service.
Wood Exterior Window Sashes, Jambs and Sills.
WITH EXISTING NatureColor® Basecoat & Recoater 3-coat finish system, in GOOD condition:
- Apply One Coat of NatureColor® Recoater.
(Basecoat should never be applied onto Recoater, as it will not adhere to the Recoater).
WITH EXISTING NatureColor® Basecoat & Recoater 3-coat finish system, in WORN condition:
If any area of your finished surface shows exposed wood, you will need to use Base Coat on those areas prior to applying Recoater.
- Remove loose wood or finish by lightly sanding with 80 grit sandpaper.
- Apply Base Coat to bare or almost bare area, feathering the edge to the surrounding finish.
- Allow to dry 24 hours.
- Apply additional coat of Base Coat, using feathering technique at edges.
- Allow to dry 24 hours.
- Apply One Coat of Recoater over entire surface.
Wood Shake Siding (individual shakes).
WITH EXISTING NatureColor® Basecoat 1-coat or 2-coat finish system, in GOOD condition:
- Apply One Coat of NatureColor® Basecoat.
- Allow to dry 24 hours.
- Apply One Coat of NatureColor® Basecoat.
WITH EXISTING NatureColor® Basecoat 1-coat or 2-coat finish system, in WORN condition:
- Apply Base Coat to bare or almost bare area, feathering the edge to the surrounding finish.
- Allow to dry 24 hours.
- Apply One Coat of Basecoat over entire surface.
- Allow to dry 24 hours.
- Apply One Coat of Basecoat over entire surface.
Wood Deck Boards, Railings, Spindles, and Outdoor Furniture.
WITH EXISTING NatureColor® Basecoat 1-coat or 2-coat finish system, in GOOD condition:
- Apply One Coat of NatureColor® Basecoat.
- Allow 24 hour dry-time before walking on deck boards.
- Allow 72 hours dry-time before placing furniture on deck boards
- Allow 72 hours dry-time before using/sitting on outdoor furniture.
(Recoater is not recommended for use on Deck Boards, Railings, Spindles, and Outdoor Furniture. The wood exposed ends, and perforations from nails and screws, provide opportunities for moisture to enter the wood which can produce the potential for peeling).
WITH EXISTING NatureColor® Basecoat 1-coat or 2-coat finish system, in WORN condition:
- Apply Base Coat to bare or almost bare area, feathering the edge to the surrounding finish.
- Allow to dry 24 hours.
- Apply One Coat of Basecoat over entire surface.
Helpful Tips
Apply a finish to a horizontal surface (decks, docks, steps, etc.) within 7 days of cleaning. Complete additional applications within 7 days of each other. If more than 7 days lapse between applications, you should reclean your surface, following the mild detergent cleaning guidelines.
Apply a finish to a vertical surface (siding, fencing, etc.) within 14 days of cleaning. Complete additional applications within 14 days of each other. If more than 14 days lapse between applications, you should reclean your surface, following the mild detergent cleaning guidelines.
Caulking around windows, doors, etc. before applying a maintenance coat will enhance the performance of the coating.
DO NOT apply Structures Wood Care NatureColor® Basecoat or Recoater products over an existing finish that is not NatureColor®, without first contacting Structures Wood Care for advice. 1-866-963-4680
Clean Up
Clean up spills and spatters immediately with mineral spirits.
Clean tools immediately after use with mineral spirits.
Dispose of empty can or unused finish in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Limited Warranty: The information and suggestions for preparation made herein are based on research and experience of Structures Wood Care, Inc., and are believed to be reliable. Application and surface conditions are beyond Structures Wood Care, Inc.’s control. Liability, if any, is limited to replacement of product or refund of its purchase price at Structures Wood Care’s option. Proof of purchase is required. Labor or cost of labor is excluded. Buyers must determine for themselves, by preliminary tests or otherwise, the suitability of the products for their purposes.