Colorfast Pre-Stain Base Coat

Exterior Application Instructions
Proper substrate preparation and product application mean greater longevity, a better color, and better long-term performance.

1. Make sure it sticks: Colorfast will adhere to almost any surface that is properly prepped. Any product already on the wood, and especially those that contains waxes, non-drying oils, or silicones, will interfere with the adhesion and penetration of Colorfast and must be removed before the product is applied.
2. Clean the surface: Media blast, power wash, or sand wood surfaces using an Osborn brush or 60 to 80 grit sandpaper to remove all previous stains and loose, unsound gray or yellow wood fibers, along with mill glaze, pollen, and other surface contaminants. This creates the best surface for Colorfast penetration and stain longevity. If mold or algae is present, apply Sashco’s CPR in the brightener strength according to the directions or apply fresh bleach in a 4 parts water to 1 part bleach solution. Allow it to sit no more than 20 minutes, then thoroughly rinse. If necessary, use a chemical remover.
3. Remove fuzz: For best appearance, remove felting (wood fuzz) with Osborn brushes, Sashco’s Buffy Pad system or 60 to 80 grit sandpaper once the wood is dry. Remove all sawdust with a broom, compressed air, or a leaf blower, or rinse with water.
4. Apply preservatives: Apply Tim-bor according to directions for protection against wood rot and wood-ingesting insects BEFORE Colorfast is applied. Allow wood to dry 1–3 days, until wood is at or below 19% moisture content level.
5. Timing matters: UV rays from the sun can damage the wood you just worked so hard to prep in as little as 1 week; therefore, Colorfast should be applied as soon as possible after wood prep is complete. If cold or rainy weather threaten or delay your staining project, you may apply Colorfast and wait up to 8 weeks to apply stain. The mildewcide, algaecide, and lignin stabilizers in Colorfast will keep your wood protected during that time. Be sure to clean off surface contaminants before staining. If any further sanding prep is needed, remember to reapply Colorfast to freshly sanded areas before staining for a consistent finish.
6. Air and surface temperatures matter: Plan to apply Colorfast when air and surface temps are between 40°– 90°F (4°– 32°C). Use an infrared thermometer to check surface temps. Temps that are too hot dry Colorfast too quickly, preventing proper penetration.Temps that are too cold will freeze Colorfast, preventing both proper penetration and proper curing.
7. Don’t get caught out in the rain: While Colorfast can be stained over as soon as it’s dry to the touch (usually in 2 hours or less). Full cure takes longer. A heavy rain could wash off both Colorfast and any stains applied over top, requiring extensive prep to remove the mess and reapplication of the product. Avoid rain both on the day of application and for a full 24 hours afterwards. You may also plan to cover surfaces if rain is expected.
8. Wood must be dry: Use a moisture meter to make sure wood is at or below 19% moisture content level before applying Colorfast. Damp wood can prevent Colorfast from penetrating properly and also increases the risk of water stains, rot, and peeling stain.
9. Mix it up: Thoroughly mix Colorfast with a drill-driven, squirrel-cage type mixer. Scrape any settled material off the bottom of the pail and thoroughly mix it in. Stir Colorfast every 15–20 minutes throughout application to ensure all ingredients are always mixed in.
10. Spray it on: Using a large (515+) spray tip on an airless sprayer, apply on one heavy coat of Colorfast, covering all the wood and inside cracks and checks. If only a brush is used, be sure to drench-apply Colorfast to ensure adequate coverage. Don’t skimp. Colorfast goes on milky white, but don’t worry: it dries clear.
11. Lightly back-brush: Using a block brush on a pole, lightly brush out Colorfast to make sure all the bare wood gets covered, to catch drips, and to coat the insides of every crack and check. Colorfast will soak into the wood completely, so don’t worry about foaming. Any areas that remain wet (white) after 10 minutes should be brushed into drier areas.
12. Dry time: Allow Colorfast to dry until clear before applying the final stain over it. Often, this is within 2 hours, but check cracks and checks where it may take longer.
13. Apply stain: Once dry, apply two coats of Sashco’s Capture , Transformation Log & Timber, or Transformation Siding & Trim. No matter which stain you use, the first coat will go further, will not penetrate as much, will not require vigorous back-brushing, and will be lighter in color than normal.

Interior Application Instructions:

• Surfaces must still be clean and free of contaminants and loose wood fibers, but media blasting and power washing are not required except in extraordinary circumstances (like the home was flooded or was in a fire). A general rule of thumb on interior wood is to prep the wood the way you want it to feel when finished. On the interior, smoother wood is best and usually desired.
• Spray it: Apply Colorfast the same way you would on exterior wood. Be aware that Colorfast will go further on smooth, less porous interior wood.
• Stain it: Cover Colorfast with 1–2 coats of Sashco’s Symphony Interior clear coat for easier cleaning, to maintain the original bright wood color, and add a beautiful satin or gloss sheen. Colorfast is formulated to prevent interior wood from yellowing. If a color is desired, apply 1 coat of Sashco’s Capture,or Transformation Siding & Trim in the color of your choice, followed by 1–2 coats of Symphony.
• Clean, sound, warm, dry, and textured wood are the five characteristics of a well-prepped surface.The second most important factor affecting the longevity of stain is the quantity of stain applied to the wood. Light mist coats will fail quickly, even with the best stains out there. Applying as much Colorfast as the wood will accept, while back-brushing and forcing it into the wood, results in dramatically improved performance and longevity of both Colorfast and the Sashco stain applied over top. This includes filling any cracks or checks in the wood with stain! The first coat is the only time Colorfast can penetrate into the wood.