Product Use Guide
Quick and Easy General Application of KingsFleet Oils and Waxes:
(*See recommended application for Oils and Waxes Below):
Step 1: Clean Surface
Step 2: Apply Oil
Step 3: Buff/Rub Oil into the surface
Step 4: Let Dry
Step 5: Repeat as necessary
Step 6: Apply Wax / Finish
Step 7: Buff / Rub Finish into surface
Step 8: Let Dry
Step 9: Enjoy
KingsFleet™ Oil and Wax: Perfecting Your Finish
Oil Application Guidelines when re-finishing or finishing
Step 1 - Raise the Grain and Clean Surface: For hard, less-porous wood like Ash or Maple it is recommended to use a warm/damp cloth to clean and prepare your working surface. This will help to raise the grain and provide a superior bonding surface for your oil. Regardless of the type of surface you are preparing, ensure it is clean.
Step 2 - Drying: Let your project stand to dry.
Step 3 - Apply Oil: Apply a thin layer of oil to coat the surface sufficiently and evenly. Use a cloth/rag/applicator pad to work the oil in.
Step 4 - Wait and Buff: Wait until the oil has absorbed into the surface and buff excess with a cotton cloth or applicator.
Step 5 - Lightly Sand: (This step is optional) Use a fine grit sandpaper to lightly sand the surface between oil applications. This helps to prevent blotchy or uneven oil as it penetrates and cures.
Step 6 - Wipe: Clean surface with damp cloth. Alternatively, you can use a mineral spirit or other solvent to remove debris and clean the surface.
Step 7 - Let Dry: Drying times vary depending on oil, surface, environmental factors (such as humidity), etc. *See Notes on Drying Time below.
Step 8 - Repeat as necessary.
General Recommendation (Oil Calculator): Two coats for cutting board oil applications. For all other oils our rule of thumb is four coats for hardwood and six coats for softwood. For stone or metal applications we recommend one to two coats (Exception: Some porous stone such as concretes or cements will require additional applications of oil)
Notes on Drying Time: The drying time of oil varies by type, surface type, humidity, heat, etc. Once a surface has dried you may begin to use the product, however polymerizing oils, such as our in Wood Care Solutions line; Linseed and Tung will take much longer to fully set up/cure. They may be dry in an hour but it may take another 24 hours or even a week to cure.
Optional Cleaning with Mineral Spirits: Apply a thin layer of mineral spirits and wipe with dry cloth to remove debris (e.g. sawdust from sanding) for a clean surface.
*Wood, metal, stone, must be dry before applying oil or wax! Excess moisture can cause uneven finishes.
Top Coat: Wax & Finish - Application Guidelines
Applying Waxes: Whether for a new build or existing piece, it is generally recommended to apply oil finishes before wax, as per the guidelines above.
Step 1 - Apply: Spread a thin layer of Wax to cover the complete area of the surface.
Step 2 - Buff: Buff Wax into surface with a nonabrasive pad or cotton cloth to apply a conservative amount of wax. This will help wax absorb into the surface of the material and create a consistent and even application. The heat caused by a bit of friction in the buffing process allows the wax to heat up and cover the area uniformly, avoiding ponding/splotching.
Step 3 - Let Dry: Wait until the surface is dry to the touch. Most waxes will be dry to the touch within 24 hours.
Step 4 - Enjoy!: Enjoy the protection of KingsFleet™ waxes and your protected surface!
*KingsFleet™ Cutting Board Wax is 100% food safe, you may use your cutting board surface for food prep right away. We do, however, suggest letting the wax dry first for improved board surface protection.
FAQS:
- Follow the Right Sequence: Always clean the surface before applying product. Next, apply oil-based finishes before wax finishes.
- Apply Multiple Coats: For new constructions, apply at least two coats of oil-based finishes for the best results. We recommend our handy Oil Calculator for estimate quantities!
- Consider Grit Levels: Apply finishes to sanded surfaces between 220 - 800 grit, increasing grit as you build coats.
- Smooth Surfaces Shine: Higher sanding grits result in a smoother, shinier surface, with finishes ranging from matte to semi-gloss.
- Use Non Abrasive Pads or Cotton Cloths for Waxes when buffing oils and waxes.
- Allow Proper Cure Time: As a general guideline, you should wait 12 - 24 hours between coats and after the final coat; For new, unfinished items, wait 1 - 2 days; For furniture, allow 2 - 4 weeks for proper polymerization. Note that these wait times vary depending on factors such as your choice of finishing product, the material you’re using, even the environment and ambient temperature/humidity. (See our article: Battling Mildew On Wood)