Application Directions

• Preparation Warning
  Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or contact your local health authority.
• PREPARATION
  • Surface must be dry and free of paint, wax, grease, polish, old finishes in poor condition or any foreign matter.
  • Sand to obtain a smooth, uniform surface. Remove all dust with a damp cloth.
  • If desired, apply stain, such as Minwax® Wood Finish™ Stain to unfinished interior wood surfaces. Follow directions for application instructions and dry times.
  • Stir well before and occasionally during use.
• APPLICATION
  • Apply a thin coat of Water Based Helmsman® using a high-quality synthetic bristle brush. On unfinished wood, apply sufficient material to seal open joints, edges and end-grain.
  • Let dry at least 2 hours, then sand entire surface lightly with very fine sandpaper (220 grit) to ensure an even finish and proper adhesion of additional coats.
  • Apply second coat. Water Based Helmsman® reuires a third coat-repeat Step 6 before application. Note: For exterior surfaces or for previously unfinished wood, 4 coats are recommended.
  • After final coat, allow 24 hours before normal use. If applied to countertops, allow 72 hours before normal use.
• CAUTIONS
  CAUTIONS: CONTAINS 1-METHYL-2-PYRROLIDONE. CONTAINS MATERIAL THAT MAY CAUSE ADVERSE REPRODUCTIVE EFFECTS AND MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE DEVELOPING FETUS BASED ON ANIMAL DATA. Use only with adequate ventilation. To avoid overexposure, open windows and doors or use other means to ensure fresh air entry during application and drying. If you experience eye watering, headaches, or dizziness, increase fresh air, or wear respiratory protection (NIOSH approved) or leave the area. Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Wash hands after using. Keep container closed when not in use. Do not transfer contents to other containers for storage. FIRST AID: In case of eye contact, flush thoroughly with large amounts of water for 15 minutes and get medical attention. For skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. In case of respiratory difficulty, provide fresh air and call physician. If swallowed, call Poison Control Center, hospital emergency room, or physician immediately. WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.

• Minwax® Product Warranty
  SATISFACTION GUARANTEE LIMITED WARRANTY. This warranty is made to you, the product purchaser who owns the property where the product is applied. This warranty is not transferable except that if a contractor purchased and applied the product to the property for you, then the warranty is transferable to you. If this product, when applied and maintained according to product application and maintenance instructions to a properly prepared surface, fails to perform to your complete satisfaction, Minwax shall, upon presentation of proof of purchase, either replace an equivalent quantity of product free of charge or refund the original purchase price. For a replacement or refund please contact customer service at 1-800-523-9299. This warranty shall not apply to any defect, damage, or product failure resulting from improper surface preparation, structural defects, environmental damage, failure of a previous product, deterioration or defect in the underlying substrate, or improper application or maintenance of the product. Your exclusive remedy, and Minwax's sole liability, under this warranty is the replacement of product or refund and does not include labor or costs associated with the application or removal of any product. IN NO EVENT SHALL MINWAX BE LIABLE FOR ANY TYPE OF INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, PUNITIVE, OR INDIRECT DAMAGES WHETHER OR NOT PURCHASER IS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL HAVE THE SAME DURATION AS THE ABOVE EXPRESS WARRANTY. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or limitations on incidental or consequential damages, so portions of the limitations above might not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state.