Old Masters is known for its’ high-quality wood stains and finishes. These products are available for retail among independent hardware, paint and specialty woodworking locations. The business supports both DIY’ers and expert woodworkers.



Small Town Origins

Situated in the midst of rural America, Iowa houses Old Masters. Since 1926, the company has been creating high-quality merchandise. A Dutch immigrant started the business. Their simple beginnings started out creating paint formulations in a garage. With time, they started selling products across several different industries. Outperforming client expectations with high-quality solutions is what the company is founded on. This was the initial company mission that stands today.

Old Masters Brand

Old Masters produces its finishes and stains in a old fashioned artisan manner. The wood-finishing products are designed for celebrating the expertise and skill of a master craftsperson.Create beautiful woodworking pieces by safeguarding them with “Craftsman Quality Finishes.” The Old Masters tagline says everything.

Rely on Old Masters Topcoat

Choosing and applying an adequate topcoat is a superb way to offer tough, long-lasting protection. Protect your project from surface abrasions, harm from alcohol or water, chipping and marring by using a clear topcoat finish. Old Masters exterior finishes feature UV security. Protect against the sun and rain and exposure to wind, water and Mother Nature.

Proper topcoat options are vital since each clear finish is engineered uniquely to benefit specific applications. The Gel Polyurethane is suggested for finishing furniture and antiques but not a good choice for flooring finishes. Examine and read the product labels to ensure you select the proper finish. Check out Old Masters’ clear finish series guide to help you decide on the perfect topcoat for your application.



You can make your interior and exterior surfaces last much longer by protecting them properly. Mother Nature will consistently challenge your exterior surface finishes. It is recommended to reapply outdoor exterior clear finishes every 24 months; although, products which are continuously in the sunshine may need an annual coating for the ultimate protection.

Obtain Superior Protection With a Topcoat

A protective, clear topcoat is essential for keeping your wood staining and finishing products secure.


Ensure you are functioning in an area with exceptional ventilation. Use a moist rag to clean the exterior and remove any dust. Lightly stir the product carefully before using but don’t shake it or else you will produce air bubbles. Bigger projects requiring additional stain containers really should be mixed beforehand to ensure the solutions are uniform before applying. Testing the finish on a hidden surface can help you see whether adequate adhesion is occurring. Do not implement in windy locations or direct sunlight. Avoid using tack rags when working with clear, water-based finishes.

We recommend taking the following steps when applying a clear finish to prepared wood:

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

2. Light, uniform coats can help you avoid having bubbles within your finish. Always continue with the grain direction and use minimum brush strokes to create a smooth finish. Avoid thick applications as this can result in wrinkles and drips upon drying.

3. Allow the finish to dry thoroughly. Every single product is different so check the packaging for drying times. Times will vary with regards to the clear finish.

4. Carefully sand your item with 220 grit sandpaper in between finish coats for correct adhesion. It will help the finish adhere better and creates a nicer result. Take extra drying time into consideration in the event your sandpaper gets gummed up. Remove any sanding debris with a clear rag to produce a clean finish.

5. Recoating durations and reapplication guidelines are on the product label. Most internal projects require a minimum of 2 coats. Outdoor projects generally use three coats of finish for the ultimate protection. Every product has particular details on the label so read them diligently.



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 application to allow the product to cure to its hardest ability. If you are treating floors, avoid heavy traffic. Provide at least three days or 72 hours following the last coat to set furniture back in place. Don’t slide the pieces of furniture as this will leave markings. Ask for help and gently lift it into the preferred location. Wait at least one week before cleaning the floors or putting in rugs.

Helpful, Handy Hints

Try using a firm-bristled artists’ brush to eliminate any lint prior to the finish drying.

Make sure you are working in a dust-free atmosphere to keep your finished product free from spots. There are numerous vapours in solvent-based finishes so exclusively use in well-ventilated locations.