How Do I Use Wood Elixir?

DR. WOODWELL WOOD ELIXIR DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Download the Wood Elixir "Simplicity in Restoration" User Guide in PDF format Adobe Acrobat is required to view PDF files. Click here to download Acrobat Reader for free. Removal of Paint Splatters & Smears Apply Wood Elixir following bottle directions. Wait for a few minutes to allow Wood Elixir to soften the paint spots. Remove paint spots with the edge of a credit card or fine steel wool. Wipe dry; wait; buff.   Restoring an Original Painted Surface A light application of Wood Elixir on a cloth is all that's required to remove oxidation and surface grime, while strengthening the finish and re-establishing the bond and brightening the color. This treatment is of greatest benefit to old finishes such as shellac, lacquer and alkyd paint. Wood Elixir also improves newer finishes including polyurethane varnish as well as water-based or oil-based gloss or semi-gloss paint on wood or metal.   How can Wood Elixir restore life to old paint when you also say that Wood Elixir removes paint splatters? A painted finish which was "intended" is different from an accidental paint smear. An "intended" paint finish will adhere or "stick" to the surface because the surface was "prepared" to accept and bind the paint to the surface. A paint splatter on an "unprepared" or pre-existing finish will not adhere very well. Wood Elixir takes advantage of this difference. Wood Elixir will enliven or soften the offending splatter and seep in between the original finish and the paint smear, alowing for easy removal with the edge of a credit card or fine steel wool. Then buff as usual.   Powerful Cleaner: Built-up Dirt and Rough Surface Treatment In extreme cases, heavily built-up wax and dirt can be smoothed away with Wood Elixir applied with 0000 steel wool. Take as much or as little as you like being careful not to remove the 'patina' or character of the original finish. For very rough surfaces such as "crazed" or an "alligator" finish, you may use 00 steel wool followed by 0000 steel wool to finish. Light pressure might be enough. Always test first. Wipe and buff as usual.   Powerful Cleaner: Synthetic Finish Although Dr. Woodwell Wood Elixir was specifically formulated to impart the maximum benefits to traditional, natural finishes on wood, the benefits to synthetic finishes are substantial. Finishes such as polyurethane, epoxy, Melamine, Arborite, Bakelite and acrylic will all be substantially imporved with the application of Wood Elixir. The benefits include cleaning, sealing, brightening and protecting.   Candle Wax Using the Edge Wedge from the One-Step Furniture Restoration Kit or the edge of a credit card, scrape as much wax as possible from the surface of the wood. Apply a small amount of Wood Elixir using a cloth or paper towel. Rub until all wax is removed. Buff with a clean cloth.   Mold & Mildew Since this is a living organism, it will continue to grow and produce it's characteristic must odor until it is killed and removed. This can be done in one step with Wood Elixir. Simply wipe on and wipe off. Use a brush to apply Wood Elixir to detail area or carving. Buff with a clean cloth.   Scratches and Surface Wear Surface scratches and scuffs will be substantially reduced if not eliminated with a single application of Wood Elixir. As well, the surface will receive added protection to prevent further damage. Apply Wood Elixir to a clean cloth. Wipe surface with the wood grain in both directions. Keep cloth moving during application. Buff with a clean cloth.   White Water Marks Apply Wood Elixir generously to the area to be treated ... wait ... do not rub. Let Dr. Woodwell do the work. Wipe lightly with a lint-free cloth. Wait at least 15 minutes before buffing. If a second treatment is required, repeat as above. Only the most severe white water damage will require the use of steel wool. Use 0000 steel and rub lightly with Wood Elixir.   Wood Elixir is Furniture Medicine As with any medicine, the correct dose is very important in gaining the maximum benefit. More medicine is not necessarily better medicine. Always Test First Some problems are easily solved with a few drop of Wood Elixir applied with a clean cloth. In order to judge your requirements, always treat a small, inconspicuous area first. Remember, every job is different. Wood Elixir is a professional product ... amateur friendly. Don't overdose your furniture finish. Just because Wood Elixir is user friendly doesn't mean it isn't strong medicine. It is better to do two light treatments than one heavy treatment. This way you are in total control of the final result. Using too much product is not only wasteful but could possibly harm the finish. "My furniture finish problem isn't listed above!" Every day, customers are finding new uses for Wood Elixir. Questions posted on The Furniture Clinic forum often have a simple solution using Wood Elixir. Click below to visit The Furniture Clinic, or use the search box below to find messages related to your furniture finish problem.

Examples of results obtained following the simple, do-it-yourself directions for
Wood Elixir can be seen by visiting any of the links below:

• Chapter 1: What is Wood Elixir?
• Chapter 2: What problems can Wood Elixir solve?
• Chapter 3: What kind of results can I expect?
• Chapter 4: How do I use Wood Elixir?
• Chapter 5: How can I order Wood Elixir?
• Introduction
• Dr. Woodwell Home Page