Penofin® 1st Step Prep for Hardwood Quart FSTEPQT

Penofin First Step Prep for Hardwoods is formulated to open the pores of the wood. It is the ideal way to ensure deep absorption of the Penofin’s amazing natural oil finish formulated for hardwoods.

First Step Prep cleans, brightens, and reduces the mill glaze found on all new lumber. Removing the mill glaze and opening the pores allows the Penofin oil finishes to absorb deeply into the dense wood species for ultimate protection and beauty.

• Removes mill glaze
• Formulated for Hardwoods, can be used on Softwoods
• Easy to apply
• Fast clean up
• Opens the wood’s pores to allow for maximum penetration

Application

• Use ProTech Stripper to remove any non-Penofin stain. If wood is gray use Pro-Tech Brightener to restore the wood’s original appearance.
• SHAKE WELL BEFORE USING. DO NOT add thinning or blending agents.
• Apply Penofin to a clean dry surface. Surface must be free of dirt and sawdust build-up. Do not apply when wood is hot to the touch. Minimum temperature is 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Brush on, use a stain pad, or spray on using a pump up sprayer equipped with plastic tip.
• To allow for maximum penetration wait 30 minutes, then use a nap-free shop cloth and wipe the entire surface, removing excess product.
• Surface will be dry to the touch in three hours, and ready for use in 12 hours.
• When using the one-coat formula, the application is now complete.
• Do not apply wet-on-wet.
• If using the two-coat formula, wait a minimum of three hours and apply a light second coat and again wipe any excess from the entire application area after 30 minutes.

Product Performance Warranty

PENOFIN® exterior finishes are warranted to perform when applied to wood surfaces according to label instructions. For Blue Label Penofin expect 2 - 5 years on vertical surfaces, 1 - 2 years on horizontal surfaces depending on use and weather exposure. We recommend preserving the beauty of your horizontal surfaces by staining every 9 - 24 months.

Color Test

Call 1-800-PENOFIN for samples. It is best to test PENOFIN on your wood to determine the desired color. The shade can be affected by the type of wood, the manner applied, the length of time the oil is left on, and by the number of coats. If the desired color is attained with one coat of a pigmented formula, the wet-sand process may be done with PENOFIN Natural.

Maintenance

• When you use Penofin, maintenance is a snap. Because Penofin is a low-solid product, there is no stripping or sanding necessary. Simply wash the surface with water and a mild detergent. Allow your wood surface to dry completely, approximately 48 hours before application.
• Follow the application methods listed on the previous page for a fresh and beautiful wood surface.

Coverage

Coverage depends on application method, texture, and moisture content of wood. Coverage is less on rough surfaces, more on smooth surfaces. Average coverage is 175-300 sq. ft. per gallon.

Cleanup

• Penofin is an oil-based product. Clean brushes and other application materials with mineral spirits or paint thinner.
• AVOID SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION of oily rags. Soak all used cloths in a covered metal bucket of water, ensuring the cloths are completely covered with water. Cover until they can be properly disposed at your local hazardous materials drop-off.

According to the Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001, "Spontaneous combustion is a phenomenon in which a substance unexpectedly bursts into flame without apparent cause. In ordinary combustion, a substance is deliberately heated to its ignition point to make it burn. Many substances undergo a slow oxidation that, like the rapid oxidation of burning, releases heat. If the heat so released cannot escape the substance, the temperature of the substance rises until ignition takes place. Spontaneous combustion often occurs in piles of oily rags, green hay, leaves, or coal; it can constitute a serious fire hazard."

Hardwood Application

Use a brush or sprayer. Brushing gives best results. Brush thoroughly and back brush Penofin into the wood leaving no excess. Wipe entire surface after 20-30 minutes with a nap-freee cloth. Do not allow film to develop on wood surface. Apply when there is no chance of rain during the process or during the twelve-hour drying time. If rain occurs spots may develop on wood surfaces. Do not apply in direct hot sun! A minimum air temperature of 45° is required during application and drying time.

Repeat this application within 3-6 months and again within 10-12 months. Over time the wood fibers will become fully protected and maintenance will become less frequent. Product should be applied more often to horizontal areas and also areas with high ultra-violet exposure or heavy traffic. Store all oily cloths in water in a metal bucket until properly disposed.

Coverage

400 square feet per gallon.

Maintenance

• When you use Penofin maintenance is a snap. Because Penofin is a low-solid product, there is no stripping or sanding necessary. Simply wash the surface with water and a mild detergent. Allow wood surface to dry completely, approximately 48 hours.
• Follow the application methods listed on the previous page for a fresh and beautiful wood surface

Trouble-Shooting A Sticky-Tacky Surface

Avoid overapplication by following the instructions we just covered. In the event of an overapplication, use the following methods to resolve.

To Remove Excess

• Allow Penofin to dry for seven days.
• Use Penofin Protech Cleaner and scrub the surface with a nylon or natural bristle brush. Do not use metal brushes.
• You may also use Penofin Wood Stripper for tough jobs.
• Allow the surface to dry for 48 hours before reapplying

CAUTION COMBUSTIBLE! Keep this product away from heat, open flame, and sparks. Avoid prolonged contact with skin and breathing vapor or spray mist. Use only with adequate ventilation. Do not take internally. Shelf life is limited once factory seal is broken; secure lid tightly after use. Avoid spontaneous combustion - make sure all rags and brushes are soaked in water, stored in an airtight container, or otherwise disposed of safely.