Prep Before Applying Penofin

NEW LUMBER (Less Than 6 Months Old & Untreated)

• New lumber can be prepped one of two ways, sanding followed by the Pro-Tech Brightener, or by simply using the Penofin First Step Prep.
• Sanding – If you choose to sand the new wood prior to applying the Penofin it is extremely important to use the appropriate grit sandpaper. For Hardwoods we recommend using 60-80 grit sandpaper, and for softwoods we recommend 100-120 grit sandpaper and for. Using anything finer/higher than 80 on hardwoods, and 120 on softwoods, will close/restrict the pores and result in either blotchiness or premature fading within weeks to months due to the product’s inability to absorb into the wood. After sanding it is recommended to use the Pro-Tech Wood Brightener #3 to open and flush the pores of any sawdust to ensure maximum and even absorption.
• First Step Prep – The First Step Prep eliminates the need for sanding. This product will remove the lightly clean wood, remove the Mill Glaze, and open the pores to ensure even and maximum absorption of the Penofin stain. Allow the wood to dry for 24-48 hours (48 hours for best results). *If the Penofin First Step Prep is not readily available, you can use the Penofin Pro-Tech Brightener #3 in its place to remove the Mill Glaze and open the pores.*

AGED LUMBER (6 Months & Older)

• Prep for wood 6 months and older will vary depending on whether the wood is bare, previously treated with Penofin, or previously treated with another brand of product.
• Bare Lumber – Use the Penofin Pro-Tech Cleaner #2 to remove any surface dirt and kill any mold or mildew spores that may be living on the wood. Followed by the Penofin Pro-Tech Brightener #3 to neutralize any natural weathering and/or Extractive Tannin Bleed staining and open the pores of the wood to ensure maximum and even absorption of the stain into the wood.
• Treated Lumber (Penofin Product) – When getting ready to prep Penofin treated wood for reapplication all you need at the very least is the Penofin Pro-Tech Cleaner #2. The Cleaner will remove any residual surface oils from the previous application, as well as any dirt/dust buildup. Follow the Cleaner with our Penofin Pro-Tech Brightener #3 to neutralize any weathering/greying and any staining caused by Extractive Tannin Bleed. Allow the wood to dry for 24-48 hours (48 hours for best results) before reapplying the Penofin stain of your choice.
• Treated Lumber (Non-Penofin Product) – When the wood has been previously treated with a brand other than Penofin, the wood will need to be stripped of the old product before switching to any of the Penofin stains. While the Penofin Pro-Tech Stripper #1 can remove most oil-based paints/stains, it is recommended to use a stripper from the same brand or use either a general wood or acrylic stripper. Next apply the Penofin Pro-Tech Cleaner #2 to remove mold, mildew, surface dirt, and to neutralize any remnants of the Pro-Tech Stripper. Finally, restore the wood back to its original mill-bright color and natural pH balance by using the Penofin Pro-Tech Brightener #3. This easy-to-use wood brightener removes the gray appearance caused by U.V. exposure and extractive tannin bleed. There is no wait time between these three steps. All can be done consecutively, and within the same day. Allow the wood to dry for 24-48 hours (48 hours for best results) before applying the Penofin stain of your choice

INTERIOR WOOD PREPARATION

• Wood must be dry and free of old finishes, paint, wax, grease, polish, and dirt.
• Repair any cracks or defects.
• For best results, prepare the wood by sanding with the grain using the appropriate grit sandpaper (60-80 for hardwoods, 100-120 grit for softwoods), and wipe clean.
• Get a FREE Penofin color sample (see the paint counter or call 1-800-PENOFIN).
• Buy your favorite Penofin Finish and you’re ready to apply.

HOW TO APPLY PENOFIN 1ST STEP PREP

• Mix your solution - 1 cup of powder to 1 gallon of warm/hot water in a plastic garden pump sprayer. You can increase the strength of the solution by adding up to 2 cups of powder to the water.
• Thoroughly wet the wood with a standard garden hose.
• Apply the solution to the wet wood & let set for 20 minutes, misting occasionally to keep the solution from drying. DO NOT AGITATE.
• For best results mist the wood with any remaining solution, otherwise use a very light mist from the garden hose.
• Thoroughly rinse with a standard garden hose.
• You can repeat this process if any spots are missed during the initial treatment.

HOW TO APPLY PENOFIN PRO-TECH STRIPPER #1

• Wet the wood with a standard garden hose.
• Apply the Stripper solution to the wood with a garden pump sprayer.
• Allow solution to set for 15-30 minutes (Keep wood wet by periodically spraying the wood with more solution or with a light mist from the garden hose.).
• After 15-30 minutes lightly agitate/scrub the wood with a bristle brush, push broom, or deck brush.
• Rinse the wood thoroughly with the garden hose.

HOW TO APPLY PENOFIN PRO-TECH CLEANER #2

• Mix your solution - 1 cup of powder to 1 gallon of warm/hot water in a plastic garden pump sprayer. You can increase the strength of the solution by adding up to 2 cups of powder to the water.
• Thoroughly wet the wood with a standard garden hose.
• Apply the solution to the wet wood & let set for 15 minutes, misting occasionally to keep the solution from drying. For best results mist the wood with any remaining solution, otherwise use a very light mist from the garden hose.
• After letting the solution set for 15 minutes, lightly agitate the wood with a bristle brush or push broom.
• Thoroughly rinse with a standard garden hose.
• You can repeat this process if any spots are missed during the initial treatment.

HOW TO APPLY PENOFIN PRO-TECH BRIGHTENER #3

• Mix your solution - 1 cup of powder to 1 gallon of warm/hot water in a plastic garden pump sprayer. You can increase the strength of the solution by adding up to 2 cups of powder to the water.
• Thoroughly wet the wood with a standard garden hose.
• Apply the solution to the wet wood & let set for 20 minutes, misting occasionally to keep the solution from drying. DO NOT AGITATE.
• For best results mist the wood with any remaining solution, otherwise use a very light mist from the garden hose.
• Thoroughly rinse with a standard garden hose.
• You can repeat this process if any spots are missed during the initial treatment.