How To's (Alpha Order)

Selecting the proper remover can be a confusing decision. Weather you are an antique dealer searching for the right chemical to remove paint from a delicate antique, or the purchasing agent for a state highway department trying to find a remover to strip the reflective coating from thousands of highway signs, the problem can be perplexing. The solution can be easy once a basic understanding of the chemistry of paint removers is understood.

Each of our Kwick Kleen removers can be grouped by the method of application, method of removing the remover and finish residue, chemical base (pH), thickness, and hazard classification. The method of application depends on what resources you have. Removers can be applied by brush, spray , soak tank or our Flow-Over system. The method of removing the remover can be a simple wipe down for a reamalgamter to a solvent rinse or water wash. The pH of a remover can be neutral, acid, or alkaline. Its thickness can vary from liquid to a paste. The hazard classification will tell if the remover is a flammable, combustible, or corrosive material. A paint remover formula will have one aspect from each group, except for the method of application, where it can be used by one or all methods. An example could be a formula that is applied by soak tank or Flow-Over, rinsed with water, has alkaline pH, is water thin, and is a flammable liquid. This flexibility with formulations allows for the selection of the best remover for your need.

Still need help? Just give us a call, we will be glad to assist with your remover selection. 888-222-9767

Kwick Kleen Wood "Ager" is a two-step liquid procedure that can be applied to new or raw wood to darken and give the appearance of aged wood. Some woods will require a pretreatment to get the desired results. Woods such as pine and polar will require both pretreatment and ager. Woods like oak, walnut and mahogany will require only the ager. Tests have shown that the two-step method gives more realistic colors than single step formulas. Use in an area with good ventilation. Pretest prior to using.

• Read directions and Safety precautions on labels. Eye protection should always be worn.
• Supplies needed:
  • Kwick Ager Pretreatment
  • Kwick Ager
  • Poly Brushes and/or pump sprayer
  • Rags
  • Water
• Pretreatment. Apply a liberal coat of pretreatment by brush or spray. Allow to dry.
• Wood Ager. Apply liberal coat of ager by brush or s pry. This solution will give a brown/gray tone. The intensity of the color can be controlled by the dwell time. A short dwell time causes only slight aging while longer dwell time causes a greater change in the wood's color. It is helpful to wipe a same area with a towel to check the development of the color. When the desired color has been reached rinse with water to stop the reaction. Allow the wood to dry then apply finish using standard finishing methods.

Products that pertain to this article are listed below. You may click on the item to view it in our online catalog.

There are two elements that affect an exterior wood finish: sun and water. The control of, or lack of control, of these two elements affects the success of a finish. The ultra-violet (UV) rays of the sun can destroy the bond that a finish has with the wood resulting in the lifting of the finish. Water that penetrates into the wood and under the finish causes the wood to expand. Allowed to dry, and the wood contracts. After numerous cycles, the finish will crack allowing for the penetration of additional moisture. Moisture under the finish will soon provide an excellent environment for the growth of fungi, which will devour the wood resulting in dry rot. The goal to successful exterior wood finishing is to first block the UV rays and then control the penetration and absorption of water. Control the UV, stop the water, and the finish will hold. The Kwick Kleen Extreme Finishing method addresses each reason for exterior finish failure with a method and product to prevent each.

For centuries, mankind has tried to successfully apply a clear finish to wood for exterior applications. Most fail within a year or two, some within months. These finishes fall into two categories; those that build in layers using an adhesive bond to hold to the wood or previous coat, and those that are sacrificial. The bond-builders peel while the sacrificials wear away. The Kwick Kleen method uses three unique finishing materials along with Kwick Kolor Wood Stains. The first is an application of Sun Block, a sunscreen for wood. This is applied to the raw wood prior to staining. The second is the use of an exterior, water-proof epoxy, Wood Welder, to size the wood and fill the pores. To protect the epoxy, an elastic durable coating that melts into the epoxy is applied – Kwick Kleen’s Exterior Fast-Drying Polyurethane. This finish does not peel and will not wear away. When these three products are applied as directed, by blocking UV and the prevention of moisture into the wood, a finish can be applied that will last for years. If the system fails, it fails due to incorrect application.

Exterior door exposure can be grouped into three levels of exposure. Intermittent Exposure applies to items or doors that are protected by a porch allowing limited exposure to sunlight and occasional contact with moisture. Partial Exposure would be a door that is exposed to rain and a half day of sunlight. Exposed applies to doors that get full moisture contact and dawn to dusk sunlight exposure.

Kwick Kleen’s Extreme Finishing procedure addresses each exposure group with a method for each. Procedures in the following suggested methods can be varied to meet individual needs. It is assumed that all items have been stripped, dried, and/or are new items that are ready to finish with all hardware removed. New doors should be fitted to the opening and have all hardware openings, hinge recesses and screw holes made in the door prior to finishing.

This finishing method involves the use of Sun Block on the exterior surfaces, Kwick Kolor Stain and Exterior Fast-Drying Polyurethane on all surfaces. Three to five coats of Fast-Dry are applied, with the interior limited to one if it is to be painted.

• Round any sharp edges of item to 1/16" to 3/32" radius. The finish will build on round edges easier than sharp ones.
• Place door on flat surface.
• Prepare the wood surface using no finer than 220 grit abrasive. Dust surface.
• Plug or mask any through holes or openings in door.
• Spray liberal, even application of Sun Block on all surfaces or exposed surfaces. Allow to dry 20 to 30 minutes.
• Apply Kwick Kolor Wood Stain on surfaces to be stained. Allow to dry 30 to 45 minutes. Blow dry surface on open-grain woods.
• Mask face of interior side of door.
• Apply sealer coat of Fast-Dry Poly. Thin 2/1 or 3/1 depending upon spray equipment. Document start time. Apply thick or double shoot end grain on top and bottom of door. Apply to all surfaces. Allow to dry.
• Lightly scuff sand surface with #320 silicone carbide paper. Dust surface.
• Using Kwick-It adhesive, glue panels in place and fill any joints or seams. Remove excess prior to 60-second cure time. Work small areas at a time to allow for easy removal. Fill all voids that could accept moisture. Where will the water go? Prevent it from getting there and the finish will hold.
• In 20 to 30 minute intervals, apply successive wet coats of Fast-Dry Poly to all edges and door surface. Three to five coats are recommended. Level with #320 grit silicone carbide abrasive prior to last coat. NOTE: All applications must be applied within a 6-hour drying window at 72º F. Four to five hours at temperatures above 80º and 3 hours at temperatures in the 90ºs. Do not finish in direct sunlight.
• Brush Fast-Dry into screw holes, lock mortises, or other openings using Q- Tips, pipe cleaners or brushes coating all exposed wood surfaces.
• Apply topcoat.
• Allow exterior side of door to dry overnight. Pad work surface with cardboard or other smooth padding to protect the finished side prior to turning the door over.
• Mask the finished edge of the door with easy-to-release masking tape and paper. Do not use plastic sheet masking. (Dried over-spray can blow off during application and get into wet finish film.)
• Repeat on opposite side of door. If interior side of door is to be painted, apply one coat of Fast-Dry. Allow to dry, scuff sand and paint accordingly.
• The door can be installed 12 - 24 hours after finishing, if door is protected and does not receive direct sun light. If the door receives direct sun light and/or outdoor temperatures fall below freezing allow five days before installation.

The greatest source of finish failure is due to moisture penetration into the exposed end grain on the top or bottom of doors. For additional protection, these areas can be capped with Kwick Kleen Wood Welder prior to finishing. Place the door on one end or the other, leveling as much as possible. Mask 360° around the door edge leaving a “well” to hold the epoxy. Mix and pour epoxy onto edge. Repeat, if needed. The objective is to build a 1/32” to 1/16” Wood Welder cap on the top and bottom of the door. Scrape or remove any Wood Welder that weeps from the grain of the wood. Allow to cure. Repeat procedure on opposite end. Wood Welder that weeps from the wood grain or under the masking and cures can be removed from the raw wood with Kwick Kleen Slow-Dry Finish Reducer. Wet the area to allow softening of Wood Welder. Scrub with cloth or abrasive pad. A wire brush can be used to pull epoxy from wood grain. Allow to dry. Sand surface.

This finishing method involves the use of Sun Block on the exterior surfaces, Kwick Kolor Stain, Exterior Wood Welder on the exterior surface and door edges and the Exterior Fast-Dry Poly on all surfaces. Five to seven coats of Fast-Dry are applied to the exterior surface and edges, with three to five coats being applied to the interior.

• Round any sharp edges to 1/16" to 3/32" radius. The finish will build on round edges easier than sharp ones.
• Place door on flat surface.
• Prepare the wood surface using no finer than 220 grit abrasive. Dust surface.
• Plug or mask any through holes or openings in door.
• Spray liberal, even application of Sun Block on all surfaces or exposed surfaces. Allow to dry 20 to 30 minutes.
• Apply Kwick Kolor Wood Stain on surfaces to be stained. Allow to dry 30 to 45 minutes. Blow dry surface on open grain woods.
• To prevent moisture from entering the end grain, on the bottom of door apply a "cap" of Wood Welder. With the door on end, mask around bottom edge of door. Mix and pour epoxy into the edge. Repeat, if needed. The objective is to totally fill the end grain or build up to a 1/32" Wood Welder cap on the bottom of the door. Scrape or remove any Wood Welder that weeps from the open grain of the door surface. Allow to cure.
• Using abrasive files, level caps to desired thickness. Work from 40, 80, 150 to 220 grit.
• Mask face of interior side of door to prevent drips or runs from getting on thatsurface.
• Mix epoxy. 4 – Wood Welder Resin to 1 – Exterior Hardener.
  • Pre-measuring the resin and hardener and storing in condiment cups with lids can aid in application
  • Mix in small amounts no more than can be spread in 10 minutes
• Pour epoxy onto wood surface and spread with brush or trowel. Apply a thick application working into areas that fill. When working large items, spread from one end to the other. Use the following sequence when finishing panel doors.
  • First, pour a thin bead of Wood Welder along edge of panels and moldings to allow for penetration into joints and seams
  • With a stiff brush spread and work Wood Welder into end grain of raised panels.
  • Once the panel cavities have been treated, pour and spread Wood Welder onto other surfaces of the door. Apply a wet, thick coat. Periodically, re-work into molding or panel seams and up into raised panel end grain.
• Brush edges taking care to work Wood Welder into exposed end grain.
  • Brush Wood Welder into holes, lock mortises, or other openings using Q-Tips, pipe cleaners or brushes making sure to coat all exposed wood surfaces.
  • Allow to penetrate 30 minutes.
• Remove excess taking care to clean hinge recesses.
• Allow to penetrate 45 minutes.
  • Starting at the area of first application, remove excess from flat surfaces with sharp plastic scraper.
  • Using a medium to fine grit abrasive pad remove excess from route lines, trim, carvings and other similar areas
  • Work at a speed that allows you to remove the excess within 60 minutes or the working window of the Wood Welder.
  • Wipe or remove excess drips from under side of door edge.
  • The object is to level the Wood Welder with the wood surface.
• Allow to cure 6 to 8 hours.
• Old or antique doors that are extremely weathered may require a second application of Wood Welder.
• Sand surface with 120 to 220 grit silicone carbide abrasive.
  • Dust.
  • If areas have been sanded through to raw wood, re-stain with Kwick Kolor. Apply stain to rub-throughs only and allow to dry. Using a "padding" technique and a stain-soaked pad, re-stain surface removing excessive stain in rub-throughs
• In 20 to 30 minute intervals, apply successive wet coats of Fast-Dry Poly to both door edges and surface. Five to seven coats are recommended. Level with #320 grit silicone carbide abrasive prior to last coat. NOTE: All applications must be on within a 6-hour drying window at 72º F. Four to five hours at temperatures above 80º and 3 hours at temperatures in the 90ºs. Do not finish in direct sunlight.
• Apply topcoat.
• Allow exterior side of door to dry overnight. Pad work surface with cardboard or other smooth padding to protect the finished side prior to turning over the door.
• Interior side of door.
  • Mask the finished edge of the door with easy-to-release masking tape and paper. Do not use plastic sheet masking. (Dried over- spray can blow off during application and get into wet finish film.)
• Apply Kwick Kolor Wood Stain on surfaces to be stained. Allow to dry 30 to 45 minutes. Blow dry surface on open-grain woods.
• Apply sealer coat of Fast-Dry Poly, thinning 2/1 or 3/1 depending upon spray equipment. Document start time.
• Lightly scuff sand surface with #320 silicone carbide paper. Dust surface
• Using Kwick-It adhesive, glue panels in place and fill any joints or seams. Remove excess prior to 60-second cure. Work small areas at a time to allow for easy removal. Fill all voids that could accept moisture. Where will the water go? Prevent it from getting there and the finish will hold.
• In 20 to 30 minute intervals, apply successive wet coats of Fast-Dry Poly. Three to five coats are recommended. Level with #320 grit silicone carbide abrasive prior to last coat. NOTE: All applications must be on within a 6- hour drying window at 72º F. Four to five hours at temperatures above 80º and 3 hours at temperatures in the 90ºs.
• If interior side of door is to be painted, apply 2 to 3 coats of Fast-Dry. Allow to dry, scuff sand and paint accordingly.
• Touch-up any holes or through finish areas that are made during installation with Kwick-It adhesives. At this point, all wood surfaces should have a protective coating.
• The door should be allowed to cure at least five days prior to installation.

This finishing method involves the use of Sun Block on the exterior surfaces, Kwick Kolor Stain, Exterior Wood Welder on both exterior and interior surfaces and edges,and Fast-Dry Poly on all surfaces. Seven to ten coats of Exterior Fast-Dry are applied to the exterior surface and edges, with three to five coats being applied to the interior.

• Round any sharp edges to 1/16" to3/32" radius on each side of the door. The finish will build on round edges easier than sharp ones.
• Place door on flat surface.
• Prepare the wood surface using no finer than 220 grit abrasive. Dust surface.
• Plug or mask any through holes or openings in door.
• Spray liberal, even application of Sun Block on all surfaces or exposed surfaces. Allow to dry 20 to 30 minutes.
• Apply Kwick Kolor Wood Stain on surfaces to be stained. Allow to dry 30 to 45 minutes. Blow dry surface on open grain woods.
• To prevent moisture from entering the end grain, on the bottom of door apply, a "cap" of Wood Welder. With the door on end, mask around bottom edge of door. Mix and pour epoxy into the edge. Repeat, if needed. The objective is to totally fill the end grain or build up to a 1/32” Wood Welder cap on the bottom of the door. Scrape or remove any Wood Welder that weeps from the open grain of the door surface. Allow to cure.
• Using abrasive files, level cap to desired thickness. Work from 40, 80, 150 to 220 grit.
• Turn door on end and apply top cap as described in step 7 & 8.
• Mask face of interior side of door to prevent drips or runs from getting on that surface.
• Mix epoxy. 4 – Wood Welder Resin to 1 – Exterior Hardener
  • Pre-measuring the resin and hardener and storing in condiment cups with lids can aid in application.
  • Mix in small amounts no more than can be spread in 10 minutes.
  • Once the panel cavities have been treated, pour and spread Wood Welder onto other surfaces of the door. Apply a wet, thick coat. Periodically, re-work into molding or panel seams and up into raised panel.
• Pour epoxy onto wood surface and spread with brush or trowel. Apply a thick application working into areas that fill. When working large items, spread from one end to the other. Use the following sequence when finishing panel doors.
  • First, pour a thin bead of Wood Welder along edge of panels and moldings to allow for penetration into joints and seams.
  • With a stiff brush spread and work Wood Welder into end grain of raised panels
• Brush edges taking care to work epoxy into exposed end grain.
• Allow to penetrate 45 minutes
  • Starting at the area of first application, remove excess from flat surfaces with sharp plastic scraper
  • Using a medium to fine grit abrasive pad remove excess from route lines, trim, carvings and other similar areas.
  • Work at a speed that allows you to remove the excess within 60 minutes or the working window of the Wood Welder.
  • Wipe or remove excess drips from under-side of door edge.
  • The object is to level the Wood Welder with the wood surface.
• Brush Wood Welder into holes, lock mortises or other openings using Q- Tips, pipe cleaners or brushes coating all exposed wood surfaces.
  • Allow to penetrate 30 minutes.
  • Remove excess.
• Allow to cure 6 to 8 hours.
• Sand surface with 120 to 220 grit silicone carbide abrasive.
  • Dust
  • If areas have been sanded through to raw wood, re-stain with Kwick "padding" technique and a stain soaked pad, re-stain surface removing excessive stain in rub-throughs.
• In 20 to 30 minute intervals, apply successive wet coats of Fast-Dry Poly to both door edges and surface. Seven to ten coats are recommended. Level with #320 grit silicone carbide abrasive prior to last coat. NOTE: All applications must be on within a 6-hour drying window at 72º F. Four to five hours at temperatures above 80º and 3 hours at temperatures in the 90ºs.
• Apply topcoat.
• Allow exterior side of door to dry overnight. Pad work surface with cardboard or other smooth padding to protect the finished side prior to turning over the door.
• Mask the finished edge of the door with easy-to-release masking tape and paper. Do not use plastic sheet masking. (Dried over-spray can blow off during application and get into wet finish film.)
• Apply Kwick Kolor Wood Stain on surfaces to be stained. Allow to dry 30 to 45 minutes. Blow dry surface on open-grain woods.
• Repeat step 10 – 19 on interior side of door, apply only 3 to 5 coats of Fast- Dry.
• If interior side of door is to be painted, apply Wood Welder followed with 2 coats of Fast Dry. Allow to dry, scuff sand and paint accordingly.
• Touch up any holes or through-finish areas that are made during installation with Kwick-It adhesives. At this point, all wood surfaces should have a protective coating.
• The door should be allowed to cure at least five days prior to installation.

This finishing procedure is intended for the professional finisher or serious hobbyist.Practice each step to familiarize yourself with the procedures prior to working on the item.

Kwick Kleen / Restorco
P.O. Box 807
Vincennes, IN 47591
1-888-222-9767 www.kwickkleen.com

The furniture refinishing and restoration industry is in a state of continual evolution. This evolution is the result of changes in furniture design, materials, manufacturing methods and finishing techniques. American furniture manufactured from colonial days up until late 1940's was finished using simple finishing methods that are easily duplicated. Oils, varnishes, lacquers and shellac were applied over oil, alcohol or spirit based stains in a three or four step finishing process. Furniture manufactured after the 40's saw a dramatic change in finishing methods that resulted from changes in furniture building materials and the quality of furniture grade lumber. Finishing methods were developed that would give a high quality, professional looking finish on less attractive woods.

Factory finished furniture from the 1940's, '50's and even the '60's has now evolved and become the "new" antiques. Refinishing or restoring these items requires duplicating the look of the original finish. The finishing method of many items will be set because of Formica tops that will need to be matched. To duplicate these finishes, today's refinisher must have an understanding of these methods and the products used.

To help you learn more about factory finishes and the Kwick Kleen products needed to duplicate them, we have put together this technical manual. We highly recommend that only Kwick Kleen products be used in this process to insure proper inter-coat adhesion.

• Read directions and Safety precautions on labels. Eye protection should always be worn.
• Supplies needed:
  • Kwick Kolor Stain
  • Kwick Kote Lacquer
  • Lacquer Thinner
  • Hobby pad (fine), 4/0 Steel Wool, 150 grit sandpaper, 220 grit sandpaper
  • Poly brush
  • Rags
  • 2" China bristle brush
• Apply Kwick Kolor Stain. New or stripped wood should be sanded with fine sandpaper, hobby pad or steel wool. Always sand wood with the grain and always wear a respirator or dust mask while sanding. Remove all sanding dust using a rag or tack cloth. Use a poly brush or rag to apply the stain. Wipe off any excess with a clean rag. Let dry thoroughly, approximately 45 minutes. Do not sand again until after first coat of finish has been applied.
• Apply Kwick Kote Lacquer. Kwick Kote is a water-clear finish available in stain and gloss sheens. It was specially formulated for use in the restoration of antique and collectible furniture. The satin finish will give the look and sheen of an old hand-rubbed finish. Stir thoroughly, do not thin. Apply a liberal coat using a good brush or spray equipment. Allow to dry 20-30 minutes. Rub down with hobby pad or steel wool until finish is dull. Dust off with soft cloth. Apply additional coats in the same manner until desired sheen or thickness is achieved. Do not sand last coat unless you wish to dull the sheen of the finish.

Products that pertain to this article are listed below. You may click on the item to view it in our online catalog.