Old Masters is recognized for its’ high-quality wood stains and finishes. These items can be found in hardware stores, specialty carpentry shops and paint stores. Old Masters products are suitable for woodworking enthusiasts and professional craftsmen.



Small Town Origins

Iowa is where Old Masters is from. The business has been manufacturing high-quality products since 1926. A Dutch immigrant started the business. Their simple beginnings started creating paint formulations in a garage. Eventually, they started selling products across a variety of industries. The company vision is simple, to supply a quality solution that surpasses client expectations. This heritage is behind the company’s success.

Old Masters Brand

The organization formulates its stains and finishes with traditional artisan craftsmanship. These solutions are meant to seal, protect and commemorate the skill and experience of master craftspeople.Create timeless woodworking pieces by protecting them with “Craftsman Quality Finishes.” The Old Masters tag line says it all.

Rely on Old Masters Topcoat

Applying a selected topcoat is the best way to generate long-lasting, durable protection for your precious woodwork. Using a clear topcoat finish should help keep your work safe from marring, chipping, surface abrasions and damage from water spots. UV protection is supplied in our exterior finishes. Protect against the sun and rain and exposure to wind, water and Mother Nature.

Make certain you choose the right topcoat as each clear finish is uniquely formulated. The Gel Polyurethane is recommended for finishing furniture and antiques but not a good choice for flooring finishes. Read each content label clearly to find out which item will work best with your project. Check out Old Masters’ clear finish collection guide to help decide on the perfect topcoat for your application.



Protect the integrity of your interior and exterior wood projects with suitable surface protection. Damage is a common theme with Mother Nature. It is recommended to re-apply outdoor exterior clear finishes every 2 years; although, products which are continuously in the sunshine may require an annual coating for the maximum protection.

Applying Topcoat for Ultimate Protection

The final step for the majority of wood finishing and staining projects is applying a protective, clear topcoat.


Always make sure the location is well ventilated. Take any dust away by washing the surface with a damp rag. Thoroughly blend the product before and throughout the application process but Do Not Shake. Items that require multiple containers need to be combined and mixed ahead of time to produce a uniform gloss. Test the finish on a hidden location to see if adequate adhesion is taking place. Do not implement in windy locations or sunshine. Avoid employing clear, water-based finishes with tack rags because you will get fuzz and debris in your finish.

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

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

2. Bubbles can spoil your pristine coating. Avoid them by carefully using the finish in light and even coats. Follow the direction of the grain with minimal brushing to prevent a sheer finish Avoid thick coats as this can lead to wrinkles and drips upon drying.

3. Let the finish completely dry before handling. View product labels for time frames because each product features its own drying times. Times will vary with regards to the clear finish.

4. Evenly sand with 220 grit sandpaper between coats. The light-weight sanding allows the finish to benefit from better adhesion and a cleaner result. Allow extensive drying time in the event the sandpaper gums up. Take sanding debris away for a crystal clear finish.

5. Recoating times and reapplication recommendations are on the product label. Most interior projects require a minimum of 2 coats. Three applications are best for exterior applications. Every product has unique 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. Note that it can take a week following the initial application for the object to become fully cured. Avoid significant traffic on floor applications. Wait a minimum of of 72 hours following the last coat to replenish furniture. Move the furniture with the aid of someone and lift it into position instead of dragging it. Wait at least one week before cleaning the floors or installing rugs.

Application Tips

Just before the finish dries, use a firm-bristle artist paint brush to take away any lint that may have affixed itself.

Clean your workspace first to guarantee it is dust-free before you start the finishing process to obtain a spot-free result. Only apply items in well-ventilated areas due to the variety of vapors that is a component of solvent-based products.