Directions for Using Wood Elixir

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Printable version of Wood Elixir Directions for Use

General Guidelines

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.

Use in a Well-Ventilated Area
Wood Elixir has a unique solvent odor during use. We recommend working with Wood Elixir in a well-ventilated area or even outdoors if possible. Once cured, there is not residual odor on your furniture.

Rinse Out Rags or Lay Flat to Dry
We recommend rinsing out rags and laying flat to dry (again, outside if possible) before disposal. When working with products containing oils, do not place wet rags in a sealed container or confined space.

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.

Safety Information
Please refer to the Directions for Use for important safety information.

"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 had a simple solution using Wood Elixir. Click here to visit The Furniture Clinic archive site, or use the search box below to find messages on DrWoodwell.com related to your furniture finish problem:

White Water Marks

1. Apply Wood Elixir generously to the area to be treated ... wait ... do not rub. Let Dr. Woodwell do the work.
2. Wipe lightly with a lint-free cloth.
3. Wait at least 15 minutes before buffing.
4. 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 (finishing grade) steel wool and rub lightly with Wood Elixir.

Built-up Dirt & Rough Surface Treatment

1. In extreme cases, heavily built-up wax and dirt can be smoothed away with Wood Elixir when applied gently 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.
2. 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.
3. Wipe and buff as usual.

Candle Wax

1. 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.
2. Apply a small amount of Wood Elixir using a cloth or paper towel. Rub until all wax is removed.
3. Buff with a clean cloth.

Mold & Mildew

1. Since this is a living organism, it will continue to grow and produce its characteristic musty odor until it is killed and removed. This can be done in one step with Wood Elixir. Simply wipe on and wipe off.
2. Use a brush to apply Wood Elixir to detail area or carving.
3. Buff with a clean cloth.

Scratches & Surface Wear

1. Apply Wood Elixir to a clean cloth. Wipe surface with the wood grain in both directions. Keep cloth moving during application.
2. Buff with a clean cloth.

Removal of Paint Splatters & Smears

1. Apply Wood Elixir following bottle directions.
2. Wait for a few minutes to allow Wood Elixir to soften the paint spots.
3. Remove paint spots with the edge of a credit card or fine steel wool.
4. 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.

• How can Wood Elixir restore life to old paint when you also say that Wood Elixir removes paint splatters?

Synthetic Finish