Old Masters is known for its’ high-quality wood stains and finishes. These products are located in hardware stores, specialty carpentry shops and paint stores. The company stands behind professionals and carpentry enthusiasts alike. Offering exceptional protection for enduring craftsmanship.



Small Town Origins

Situated in the midst of rural America, Iowa is home to Old Masters. The business has been creating high-quality products since 1926. Old Masters was established by a Dutch immigrant. The business started making paint formulations in a garage and afterward grew to selling products to many sectors. The company objective is simple, to supply a quality solution that is much greater than client expectations. This was the initial company mission that holds today.

Old Masters Brand

Old Masters produces its finishes and stains in a traditional artisan manner. The wood-finishing items are designed for celebrating the talent and skill of a master craftsperson.The corporate tagline, “Craftsman Quality Finishes,” covers this doctrine nicely. Old Masters items are meant to help clients protect all aspects of their cherished woodcraft.

Rely on Old Masters Topcoat

Applying a specific topcoat is the best way to produce long-lasting, durable protection for your adored woodwork. Protect your project from surface abrasions, deterioration from alcohol or water, chipping and marring by employing a clear topcoat finish. Old Masters exterior finishes feature UV security. These kinds of finishes help keep your items safe from water, Nature Herself, the wind and all of the elements.

Ensure you choose the right topcoat as each clear finish is uniquely formulated. The Gel Polyurethane is a great option for antique items and furniture finishes; however, this product would perform poorly as a flooring product. Research and read the product labels to ensure you choose the proper finish. There is a clear finish selection guide that can help you determine which top coat will best fit your needs.



Protect the integrity of your interior and exterior wood projects with suitable surface protection. Mother Nature is continually offering damage. The usual recommendation is to reapply outdoor exterior clear coats every second year; however, items including fences or furniture which are continually in the sunshine might need to be recoated every year.

Applying Topcoat for Ultimate Protection

A protective, clear topcoat is crucial for keeping your wood staining and finishing items secure.


Ensure you are operating in an area with exceptional ventilation. Get rid of any dust or debris from the object using a clean rag. Thoroughly stir the product before and during the application process but Do Not Shake. Projects that demand more than one container are suggested to combine containers and mix to establish a uniform gloss before application. Test the finish on a obscured location to see if adequate adhesion is happening. Do not implement in windy locations or sunlight. Avoid using tack rags when working with clear, water-based finishes.

Take these steps into account when applying a clear finish to properly prepared wood:

1. Apply with 2-inch to a 2-and-a-half-inch China bristle paint brush.

2. Bubbles can wreck your pristine finish. Avoid them by carefully applying the finish in light and even coats. Always continue with the grain direction and use minimum brush strokes to produce a smooth finish. Avoid thick layers as this can result in wrinkles and drips upon drying.

3. Allow the finish to dry extensively. Every product is different so check the packaging for drying times. The time varies depending on the type of finish you are using.

4. Lightly sand with 220 grit sandpaper in between coats. This can help the finish adhere better and produces a nicer result. Allow extended drying time in the event the sandpaper gums up. Clear away any sanding dust between coats to guarantee a clear finish.

5. Reapply product and study label instructions with regards to recoating times. A minimum of 2 coats is recommended for interior applications. Exterior projects generally use three coats of finish for the ideal protection. There is precise information distinct to each product on the instruction label.



6. Before using your freshly finished items, enable them to rest for at least 24 hours to give the product proper curing time. Take additional care the first week after applying to allow the product to cure to its hardest ability. If you are treating floors, avoid heavy traffic. After applying your last finish coat, wait a few days or a the least 72 hours before placing the furniture back. Move the furniture with the help of someone and lift it into place instead of dragging it. Let the floors cure for at least a week before cleaning them or putting rugs down.

Tips For the Best Application

If any lint catches into your finish, use a firm-bristle artists’ brush to take it off before the product completely dries.

Ensure your work area is free from dust previous to finishing to help keep the finish spot-free. There are lots of vapours in solvent-based finishes so exclusively use in well-ventilated settings.