Wood Trim Finishing

WARNING

You MUST remove the wood trim from the unit for staining or finishing to prevent permanent damage to the inner liner of the unit. Allow stain or finish to dry thoroughly (at least 24 hours for each coat) following the product manufacturer’s instructions before reinstallation. Not following this warning may cause the inner liner of the unit to have a permanent odor, which the warranty will not cover.

U-Line products featuring wine storage include wood-trimmed wine racks.

Models with wood colored wood trim come factory coated with a clear vinyl sealer without a finish coat applied, which will sufficiently protect the wood in normal use. You may coat the trim on the racks with stain or a final finish following these guidelines. If using custom wood trim also follow these guidelines.

If staining the trim, stain before applying any final finish. Review the following staining and final finish application and final finish-only application guidelines when staining or sealing the wood to ensure proper adhesion and durability of the finish.

NOTE: On glass door models the stain may look darker with the door closed looking through the glass.

Staining and final finish application:

IMPORTANT

DO NOT use oil-based stains on wood trim. Vapors from oil-based stains will permanently penetrate the liner and will not dissipate over time.

1.Remove all screws securing wood trim to interior parts, and remove the trim from the cabinet interior.

2.Lightly sand and clean wood.

3.Apply Minwax® Water-Based Wood Stain to wood with a synthetic bristle brush or a foam applicator. Allow stain to penetrate about three minutes. Before the stain is dry, take a stain dampened rag and remove any excess stain remaining. Wipe towards the grain with medium pressure to achieve the desired stain color.

4.After two hours, repeat step 2. This will even out the color of the wood.

5.Allow stain to dry for a minimum of three hours before applying the final finish.

6.If desired, sand the wood with very fine sandpaper to smooth the surface after staining.

7.Remove all dust from the wood, and apply one coat of Minwax® Polycrylic® Protective Finish using a synthetic bristle brush to the wood. Apply this finish in a thin coat following towards the grain. Apply the finish to the back and sides of the wood first, and allow it to dry for two hours. Apply the finish to the front side of the wood next, and allow it to dry for two hours. Sand with very fine 220 grit sandpaper. Apply two morel coats of finish in the same manner, but do not sand the trim after applying the final third coat.

8.Allow the final coat to dry for 24 hours before reinstalling the trim to the cabinet interior parts.

Final finish-only application:

1.Remove all screws securing wood trim to interior parts, and remove the trim.

2.Lightly scuff sand the wood trim with 280 or finer grit sandpaper.

3.Remove sanding dust with a clean, dry cloth.

4.The factory-applied seal is compatible with almost all finishes. A low odor, water clean up, quick-drying finish such as Minwax® Polycrylic® Protective Finish is recommended (Minwax® Polycrylic® is an ultra fast-drying water-based finish). Apply a thin coat of a clear, protective finish, following the container label directions.

5.Lightly sand and reapply if desired.

Allow the final coat to dry for 24 hours before reinstalling the trim to the cabinet interior parts.

U-Line Wine Guide