DIRECTIONS

(Bare Wood): Whether preparing new or stripped wood, start with blemish-free, even-colored surfaces for that professional look. Bleaching may be indicated to eliminate dark water stains. Epoxy resin may be used to fill slack joints, preventing further cracking and water staining. Coarse sand with 80-100 grit and scrub with detergent and water, using soft bristle brush, to remove all chemicals and coarse sanding dust. Allow to dry and finish sand, parallel to the grain, with 120-150 grit. Apply filler stain, if desired, and allow to dry overnight before varnishing.

(Existing Varnish): DETCO'S CRYSTAL is compatible with all varnishes, which  need only be sanded for recoating. Feather out any bare spots with 150 grit to eliminate flaking, crazed or cracked margins and immediately touch up with several coats, the first thinned about 25% with Detco #1 or #2 thinner, allowing 2 hours or so between coats. Following overnight drying, sand entire surface with 220 grit, feathering out touched up areas. Avoid breaking through corners and radii.

(Bare Wood): Thoroughly wipe with clean cloth, lightly saturated with Detco #1 or #2 thinner, to remove dust in grain and any contaminants on surface. Allow to dry. Early on a dry morning, apply first coat, thinned 25-30% with #1 or #2 thinner. Immediate saturation will be noted. When dry to the touch (2 hours or so at 70°F) apply second coat, thinned 10-20 percent. Allow to dry overnight and, working early in the day, apply 2 more coats unthinned, with several hours' dry time in between. Sanding between coats up to this point is not necessary. Now that the wood is saturated and protected, normal finishing procedures may be used to build the surface to that crystal mirror image with 6-8 more coats as soon as possible. Follow continuing instructions below.

(Existing Varnish): After finish sanding, it is always best to wash surfaces to be varnished with a light detergent and water to thoroughly remove sanding dust. Wipe dry and give surfaces a final wipe with clean rag, lightly saturated with Detco #1 or #2 thinner. Use varnish tack rag for final dust removal as coating is applied.

Use good quality, natural bristle brush for best results. Foam brushes do not produce adequate film build, particularly on sharp corners and radii. Conventional, HVLP or airless equipment may be used for spray. Do not apply in hot, direct sun, in late afternoon nor if fog, dew or rain is expected within 4 hours.  A dry, overcast morning is ideal.

Pour off desired quantity through fine strainer into clean paper bucket and recap can to prevent spoilage.  Never pour used or thinned varnish back into original can.  After seal coats, apply DETCO'S CRYSTAL unthinned.  Work in as small an area as needed to maintain wet edge and to avoid lap marks.  Warmer weather always dictates faster brushing in smaller areas.  Lay on varnish for complete wet coverage, lightly cross tip to assure elimination of holidays and final tip quickly, parallel to the grain.  CRYSTAL will take care of the flow from there.  Sand lightly between coats with 220 grit, taking care to pass very lightly over corners and radii.

THINNING/CLEAN-UP:

Thin only on bare wood as instructed, for brushing, with Detco #1 or #2.  For spray, thin 10% or more with Detco #3.

Clean brushes and equipment with Detco #1 thinner.

#1 Thinner: cooler weather brushing and clean-up

#2 Thinner: warmer weather brushing and clean-up

#3 Thinner: Spray and clean-up

COVERAGE:  About 400 square feet per gallon by brush; 200 by spray.

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