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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Here you will find a list of the most frequently asked questions and general tips for troubleshooting. If you are not able to find an answer to the question you have and you have read through the tipsheet(s) of the product that you are working with, then please feel free to reach out to us via our contact page.

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Clear Topcoat can be diluted up to 10% but all dilutions will change the characteristics of the sealer. Meaning, the dry times, cure times, durability and sheen maybe different after dilution. If diluting, we recommend starting with a 5% dilution of water on a test sample.

Clear Topcoat Sealer can be sprayed. But requires a quality sprayer, fine mist nozzles, and sometimes a bit of dilution (but only if needed). Always be sure to test your spray pressure, your mist setting, and dilution before attempting on a piece.

Paint sprayer pressure: 1500-2500 psi
Paint sprayer nozzle: 0.013 - 0.017

Clear Finish cannot be diluted or sprayed. If a sprayed finish is desired, we recommend using Clear Topcoat.
For a basic application we do not recommend thinning Crackle Tex. However, for some applications (such as rolling on walls or over foil applications) a thinner medium may be desired. For thinning, we recommend no more than a 5% dilution of water. If using a diluted thinned concentration of Crackle Tex, additional coats of Crackle Tex most likely will be needed for full coverage. Allow each coat to dry before applying additional coats. We also recommend doing a sample piece using the diluted thinned concentration to know how many coats will be required to achieve the desired effect.
No. Crackle Tex is not a varnish product. Crackle Tex is a crackle medium that is sandwiched between a base layer and a topcoat layer of either plaster or paint. A topcoat of paint or plaster must be applied for cracks to appear.
Clear Topcoat sealer can also be used as a clear barrier layer BEFORE applying tinted and colored waxes. Apply 1 thin coat of Clear Topcoat Sealer BEFORE applying waxes. Allow sealer to dry for minimum of 48 hours before applying waxes.

We do not typically recommend applying Clear Topcoat OVER waxed finishes. With waxed surfaces there are a lot of variables – thickness of wax, type of wax, solvents used in wax formula, number of layers of wax, dry time between layers, how much the wax was buffed, and cure time of wax. All of these variables make layering another product over wax potentially problematic. For most wax products, an additional sealer is not required over the layer of wax. In most circumstances, if using wax to seal, wax should be the final layer to seal chalk painted surfaces.

Some painters like the additional layer of sealer for peace of mind OVER wax. Although we do not specifically recommend it, Clear Topcoat sealer can be used over some waxes. However, we cannot guarantee the results or performance of Clear Topcoat over wax due to variation in different wax formulas and application methods. If applying Clear Topcoat OVER wax, wax must be fully buffed and fully cured (per the wax manufacturer’s instructions) before applying Clear Topcoat. Only apply one thin layer of Clear Topcoat over wax. Allow a minimum full 72 hour – 1 week cure time before use of surface.

Clear Finish can not be used with wax.

Yes! If painting over surfaces stained with Nature’s Wood Stain™ we recommend allowing a full week cure time before painting over the stained surface.

Yes! Both Clear Topcoat and Clear Finish can be applied with a brush or a roller. The basic brush application can be found on the tip sheets for both Clear Topcoat and Clear Finish. If applying sealers with a roller, we recommend a high-density foam roller (often called “smooth”, “cabinet/door” or “varnish” roller). High-density foam rollers produce a smoother finish. High density foam rollers are less likely to leave lint, fibers, and texture in the final coat of varnish/sealer.

Yes! Transfer Gel can be used as a varnish. However, make sure to use a proper varnish brush when applying Transfer Gel as a varnish. Transfer Gel as a varnish is thicker than Clear Finish and Clear Topcoat making brushstrokes more visible and harder to control. Transfer Gel has a semi-gloss – glossy finish when used as a varnish. For a more consistent, even, or matte sheen - we recommend using Clear Topcoat or Clear Finish.

Clear Topcoat is our recommended sealer for outdoor applications. Before surface use outdoors, allow sealer to cure for 1 week before exposing to the elements. For best results, avoid excessive long-term exposure to moisture. Allow surfaces to dry out before repeat exposure to moisture.

Nature’s Wood Stain™ can be diluted up to 10% but all dilutions will change the characteristics of the stain. Meaning, the color saturation, dry times, cure times, durability and sheen may be different after dilution. If diluting, we recommend starting with a 5% dilution of water on a test sample.

If desired, additional sealers and wax can be applied to fully cured stained surfaces to increase sheen and smoothness of finish. Allow stained surface to dry for a minimum of 72 hours before applying sealers or wax. After 72 hours of dry-time, additional colored waxes can be layered over the stained surface. Follow wax manufacturer’s instructions for wax application and cure time.

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