Old Masters is known for its wood surface finishes and stain products. These products are available for sale among individual hardware, paint and specialty woodworking places. The business encourages both DIY’ers and skilled woodworkers.



Small Town Origins

Situated in the midst of rural America, Iowa houses Old Masters. The business has been creating high-quality products since 1926. A Dutch immigrant initiated the business. Their early beginnings started creating paint formulations in a garage. With time, they started selling products across an assortment of industries. Going beyond client expectations with high-quality solutions is what this company is founded on. This standard is behind the company’s success.

Old Masters Brand

The organization formulates its stains and finishes with old-fashioned artisan craftsmanship. These solutions are meant to seal, protect and celebrate the skill and ability of master craftspeople.Create beautiful woodworking pieces by safeguarding them with “Craftsman Quality Finishes.” The Old Masters tag line says everything.

Rely on Old Masters Topcoat

Wood must be finished with a dependable topcoat to create a enduring, protected product. Don’t allow water or alcohol damage, surface abrasions or chipping, or marring to wreak havoc on your wood project. Utilize a clear topcoat finish to keep items protected from every day wear and tear. Old Masters external finishes feature UV security. Protect against the weather and exposure to wind, water and Mother Nature.

Proper topcoat options are vital since each clear finish is engineered uniquely to benefit certain applications. The Gel Polyurethane is a great option for antique items and furniture finishes; however, this product would perform poorly as a flooring solution. Read each content label clearly to find out which item will work best with your project. The Old Masters’ clear finish selection guide may help you choose the right product for your particular job.



You can make your exterior and interior surfaces last for a long time by protecting them properly. Corrosion is a common concept with Mother Nature. It is recommended to reapply outdoor exterior clear finishes every 24 months; although, items that are continuously in the sunshine may require an annual coating for the ultimate protection.

Protect With a Topcoat

The final step for almost all wood finishing and staining projects is employing a protective, clear topcoat.


Always be certain the location is well ventilated. Clear away any dust or debris from the object by using a clean rag. Delicately stir the product carefully before using but don’t shake it or you'll produce air bubbles. More substantial projects requiring additional stain containers ought to be mixed beforehand to ensure the products are uniform before applying. Try the coating on a undetectable surface location beforehand to check for adequate adhesion. Don’t use the product in direct sun or in windy places. Don’t rely on tack rags if you are applying water-based, clear finishes.

Follow these steps when applying a regular clear finish to correctly prepared wood:

1. Invest in a 2” or 2.5” China bristle paint brush to administer your clear finish.

2. Light, even coats just might help you avoid having bubbles as part of your finish. Always follow the grain direction and use marginal brush strokes to establish a smooth finish. Thin layers are necessary as any thick coats of finish can cause dripping or wrinkling once dried.

3. Let the finish totally dry before handling. View product labels for time frames considering that each product features its own drying times. The time ranges depending on the type of finish you use.

4. Use 220 grit sandpaper to delicately sand between coats. The light sanding allows the finish to experience better adhesion and a crisper result. Allow prolonged drying time in the event the sandpaper gums up. Take sanding particles away for a clean finish.

5. Read the packaging to determine how much product to reapply and how long to wait between coats. A two-coat minimum is typically suggested for interior finishing. Outdoor projects typically use three coats of finish for the maximum protection. Every product has particular details on the label so read them carefully.



6. Before using your freshly finished items, enable them to rest for at least 24 hours to give the product proper curing time. Note that it can take a week following the initial application for the product to become completely cured. Avoid significant traffic on floor applications. After working with your last finish coat, wait a few days or a minimum of 72 hours ahead of placing the furniture back. Never slide the furniture when moving it. Allow the flooring to cure for no less than one week before installing rugs or cleaning them.

Tips For the Best Application

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

Clean up your workspace first to guarantee it is dust-free before you start the finishing process to achieve a spot-free result. Avoid using solvent-based coatings in areas that don’t have sufficient ventilation as they are full of harmful vapours.