🪵 Pro Tips for Applying Lovitt’s Coatings for Maximum Penetration

When it comes to wood protection, how you apply your coating matters just as much as what you apply. Lovitt’s premium penetrating oils are engineered to protect, preserve, and highlight the natural beauty of your wood — but proper application ensures you get every ounce of performance they’re designed for.

Whether you’re coating a deck, fence, log home, or wood siding, these professional tips will help you achieve deep penetration, long-lasting protection, and an even, beautiful finish.

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1️⃣ Start With a Clean, Dry Surface

The first and most important step is surface preparation.

• Use Lovitt’s Cleaner & Brightener System to remove dirt, mold, graying, and any previous failed finishes.

• Allow the surface to dry at least 24–48 hours after cleaning.

• Check moisture content if possible — it should be under 18% for optimal absorption.

💡 Pro Tip: The cleaner the wood, the deeper the oil penetrates — ensuring the coating bonds with the wood fibers instead of sitting on top.

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2️⃣ Stir, Don’t Shake Your Coating

Before applying Lovitt’s Natural Oil Coating or Deck Coating, stir thoroughly. Shaking introduces air bubbles, which can cause uneven coverage.
Mix the product well throughout application to keep pigments and natural oils evenly distributed.

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3️⃣ Apply in the Right Weather Conditions

Ideal temperature range: 50°F–85°F (10°C–30°C)
Avoid applying in direct sunlight or when rain is expected within 24 hours.

Warm, dry conditions help the oil penetrate deeper and cure properly. Applying in hot sun can cause premature drying before the coating soaks in, reducing effectiveness.

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4️⃣ Use the “Saturate and Wipe” Method

Lovitt’s Coatings are designed to soak into the wood, not form a film.
Here’s the professional approach:

1. Apply a generous coat using a brush, stain pad, or sprayer.

2. Allow it to soak in for 15–30 minutes.

3. Wipe off or back-brush any excess oil that hasn’t absorbed.

This ensures a consistent, matte finish that won’t peel or flake — just rich, natural color and long-lasting protection.

💡 Pro Tip: Apply from the top down on vertical surfaces to prevent runs or drips.

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5️⃣ Pay Extra Attention to End Cuts and Grain

The ends of boards and open grain areas are the most absorbent and vulnerable to moisture.

• Apply an extra coat on these sections.

• Work the oil into cracks, joints, and checks.

Sealing these areas prevents water intrusion — the biggest cause of rot and premature wood failure.

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6️⃣ Let It Breathe and Cure Naturally

Lovitt’s oils are designed to penetrate and breathe, allowing the wood to move with temperature and humidity changes.
Avoid film-forming products or topcoats that trap moisture beneath the surface — that’s where peeling and failure begin.

Let the coating cure for at least 48 hours before heavy use or exposure to standing water.

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7️⃣ Maintain with Simple Seasonal Care

Once your wood is properly treated, maintenance is easy.
Each fall or spring, simply clean the surface and reapply a light maintenance coat if water no longer beads up. There’s no sanding, no stripping — just refresh and protect.

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✅ Get Professional-Grade Results Every Time

Lovitt’s Coatings are made for serious wood care — penetrating deep, protecting against UV, and preserving the natural beauty of your wood for years to come.

Ready to get started?
Explore our full line of Cleaners, Brighteners, and Natural Oil Coatings at LovittsCoatings.com and experience the difference true wood penetration makes.