For your wood's initial application of READY SEAL:

1. Prep

NEW, UNSTAINED WOOD AGED OR GRAY UNSTAINED WOOD STAINED OR PAINTED WOOD

NEW, UNSTAINED WOOD

Rough Cut Lumber
If your wood is rough-cut and has no other stain, varnish, or paint product on it, you're ready to use READY SEAL, so long as the wood is thoroughly dry (see step 2 below).

Smooth-milled Lumber
If your wood is smooth-milled and/or pressure-treated, you will have to address "mill glaze," the result of the milling process (sanding, blade heat) that cause the wood pores to tighten and resist the absorption of stain. Use READY SEAL READYbright™ Wood Brightener or other comparable product to open the pores of the wood, allowing it to receive stain. Apply READYbright according to the READYbright useage instructions, then rinse well with a garden hose or pressure washer (1000 PSI or less), being careful not to bruise the wood with water pressure.

To download a printable PDF of detailed Initial Application Instructions, CLICK HERE.

AGED OR GRAY UNSTAINED WOOD

First, clean the wood.
If your wood is aged, gray, dirty, or showing signs of cracks, clean the wood with READYclean™ Wood Cleaner or other comparable detergent solution to both clean the wood and remove stains caused by mold, mildew, or algae (see READYclean usagage instructions). Rinse thoroughly before using a brightener to neutralize the cleaning detergent.

Second, neutralize the wood.
After cleaning and rinsing, the wood may appear bleached or washed out. It is typical for an ashy, white appearance and/or wood tannins to emerge as a reaction to the cleaning process. The final step in prepping the wood is to neutralize the wood with READYbright™ Wood Brightener or other comparable product (see READYbright usage instructions). The wood does not have to be thoroughly dry before neutralizing with READYbright. Using READYbright will reveal the wood's natural hues and minimize the emergence of tannins, which can look like dirt leaching from the wood grain. Please contact us at [email protected] or call 1-972-434-2028 during busines hours Central Time for personalized project support, especially if your wood is a hardwood or other exotic species.

To download a printable PDF of detailed Initial Application Instructions, CLICK HERE.

STAINED OR PAINTED WOOD

Wood Already Stained with READY SEAL
If your wood has been previously stained with READY SEAL, there's no need to strip the wood as part of the preparation process, unless you intend to change colors. See our Maintenance Application Instructions to properly clean and prep the wood. If you intend on changing colors of READY SEAL, keep reading.

Wood with Other Stains, Paints, or Varnishes
If your wood has any paint, stain, or varnish on it, or if you wish to remove your current color of READY SEAL, you'll need to first remove that product with a chemical stripper like READYremove™ Wood Stripper or other comparable product. READY SEAL is not a paint or coating, and it will not absorb into the wood if there's another product other than READY SEAL on the wood. You'll first need to follow the READYremove Useage Instructions, and likely you'll need to follow up with a neutralizer like READYbright Wood Brightener before completing the preparation step before drying and applying stain.

To download a printable PDF of detailed Initial Application Instructions, CLICK HERE.

2. Dry

Be patient!
Make certain the wood is completely dry before applying READY SEAL, verified with a two-pronged moisture meter reading 12% or less (available at most any hardware store for about $25). Because READY SEAL is a proprietary, penetrating oil and NOT a linseed oil like other stains or coatings, READY SEAL naturally wants to absorb deeply into the wood pores and provide moisture protection. Depending on the wood's species, temperature, and other environmental conditions, wood can take days to fully dry after rain, cleaning, or prepping with other liquids. Always use a moisture meter and test knot holes, corners, and soft spots for consistent dryness.

Once READY SEAL is applied to completely dry wood, it can handle rain or moisture within minutes after application (one hour is recommended, if it can be controlled). One of the most common mistakes with any oil-based stain is its application to wood that is not appropriately dry before application. Don't let impatience get in the way of READY SEAL optimally protecting and penetrating your wood project!

To download a printable PDF of detailed Initial Application Instructions, CLICK HERE.

3. Apply

Prep the area.
Once your wood is properly prepped and completely dry, the application is as goof-proof™ as people say! You'll want to make sure you've protected all foliage and nearby surfaces with drop cloths or tarps, as READY SEAL can stain or damage unintended surfaces. If you're using a sprayer of any type, be cautious of wind and overspray, which can damage nearby vehicles, windows, siding, or other property. If there is overspray or spillage, it's best to address it immediately. READY SEAL will penetrate and stain any porous surface, including concrete, stone, and many wood/plastic composites.

Stir READY SEAL thoroughly.
You'll want to ensure that you're stirring and distributing all the pigment in the can, including any pigment that can settle at the bottom. If using a clean paint stir stick, make sure to reach the bottom of the can, and if any solid or pigment matter collects on the stick, you need to keep stirring and agitating the pigment. Many times, aggressive shaking of the can may not distribute pigment that has settled at the bottom during transport.

Mix and pour carefully.
Whether you're combining colors or combining contents of the same color from different cans, mix multiple containers together to ensure color consistency, especially if you're combining any leftover product with new product. READY SEAL colors can be mixed to customize an in-between tint of your preference, but maintaining consistent mix ratios is critical to getting desired results. If you're pouring from one of our 5-gal containers, be sure to pour with the spout at the 12-o'clock position to prevent to avoid sloshing and spilling.

Use the best application tool for the job.
Apply using a brush, roller (paint rollers with 3/8" nap is typical; consider a 1/4" nap for smooth decks), pump-up garden sprayer, or airless sprayer (40 - 60 PSI, 0.18 - 0.23 range and 211 or 213 spray tip recommended). If using any type of sprayer, be aware of breeze and wind that can unintentionally carry product to nearby structures. Overspray on the property next door may not be removable, which can make for angry neighbors!

Don't over-apply.
Many projects, especially on initial application, can take two coats. However, more is not always better. There are some projects in which the wood's pores may not receive more than one application, especially on dense, exotic woods or new woods where mill glaze may still have effect. READY SEAL is engineered not to crack, flake, or peel, but if too much stain is applied, the wood may not absorb it, which will leave excess stain on the surface that can leave an unwanted residue over time. If you're concerned that too much stain has been applied, you can always call our customer service team for personalized instruction at 1-972-434-2028.

It's ok to walk on.
One of the many goof-proof benefits of READY SEAL is that it can be walked on during and shortly after application with minimal tracking or footprints. However, it can take hours or days for the stain to completely settle into the wood pores and feel fully dry on the surface. Socks and shoes can absorb surface stain before it's completely dry and can be tracked indoors, so always check your feet before walking indoors or onto other porous surfaces. If there are footprints or tracking issues beyond normal drying time, likely the stain has been over-applied.

To download a printable PDF of detailed Initial Application Instructions, CLICK HERE.