I hear a lot about Waterlox. After sufficient curing time, is it possible to “rub out” Waterlox with progressively finer grits of abrasives to achieve a desired sheen; be it satin or high gloss? If so, how many coats should be applied?
Discussion Forum
Get It All!
UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month.
Start Your Free TrialCategories
Discussion Forum
Digital Plans Library
Member exclusive! – Plans for everyone – from beginners to experts – right at your fingertips.
Highlights
-
Shape Your Skills
when you sign up for our emails
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. -
Shop Talk Live Podcast
-
Our favorite articles and videos
-
E-Learning Courses from Fine Woodworking
-
-
Replies
I rub out Waterlox with 0000 steel wool and then follow up with paste wax for a nice satin sheen. It depends on the absorptive properties of the wood, but I'd say you need a bare minimum of three coats, and up to five or six if you want to rub it out to a glossy finish.
-Steve
Tom,
Rubbing out a surface requires a sufficient coating.
Original Waterlox is a very close to the grain finish. After you apply the first coat, apply more by wet sanding it in with some 600 grit wetdry paper. It will create a silky smooth finish.
If you want to refine the surface, a scotch pad (grey) or some 0000 steel wool (Liberon is the best) and a little wax will give you a pleasing surface.
The gloss and satin Waterlox will give you a bit more of a surface build. I think you will still need to do 5-7 coats to build a sufficient mil thickness.
This will still be a relatively thin coating so be careful when you rub it back. I would suggest either 600 or 800 grit paper to ease the surface. You can then use a fine rubbing compound for a gloss or a grey scotch pad and medium cut compound for a satin look.
I urge you caution on two points;
First, let the final coat cure a minimum of 30 days and longer if you can. Use your nose to help tell you when it's ready.
Second, BE CAREFUL. When rubbing out a surface you are removing some of the finish. If it is inherently thin, it will only take a light touch to accomplish. Be careful with edges as this will be the first part you make a mistake on (and how do I know that?)
Good luck.
Peter
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled