WOOD FINISH MATTE

What Epifanes Woodfinish Matte is and why choose it

Epifanes Woodfinish Matte is a one-component matte varnish with UV filter based on urethane alkyd resins. It is designed as a fast-drying, scratch-resistant finish that provides a beautiful transparent amber, matte appearance while protecting wood against alcohol and other household chemicals. The product can be used both in interior and exterior systems, either as the final matte coat in a new build-up or as a maintenance varnish over existing varnish layers.

As a finishing coat, Epifanes Woodfinish Matte combines the classic look of hand-rubbed wood with the durability of a modern oxidative-drying urethane alkyd system, making it suitable for a wide variety of wood articles.

Main features

• One-component matte varnish: ready-to-use, oxidative drying system based on urethane alkyd resin.
• Matte, transparent amber finish: creates a natural, low-sheen appearance while highlighting the wood grain.
• UV filter: designed to be used in systems that protect wood against UV influence; recommended over high-gloss varnish with UV filter on bare wood.
• Fast drying: dust dry from 45 minutes at 77 °F to 3 hours at 50 °F, depending on temperature.
• Scratch resistant and chemical resistant: provides protection against alcohol and other household chemicals.
• Interior and exterior use: suitable as part of interior or exterior varnish systems on wood articles.
• Excellent maintenance coat: can be applied over almost any existing varnish after proper cleaning and sanding.
• Good coverage: theoretical coverage of 150 ft² per liter at 1 mil dry film thickness.
• Easy application by brush or spray: best applied with a long-haired soft brush or by air spray.

Technical specifications

• Brand: Epifanes
• Product name: Epifanes Woodfinish Matte
• Type: Oxidative-drying one-component matte varnish with UV filter
• Base: Urethane alkyd resin
• Gloss level: Matte
• Colour: Transparent amber
• Density at 68 °F (20 °C): approx. 0.928 g/cm³
• Viscosity: 30–35 seconds ISO-cup 6 mm (kinematic viscosity at 20 °C: 35 s ISO 6 mm)
• Solids content: approx. 45 ± 2 vol. % (solids by weight approx. 49–52 % SC % 1h150 °C, depending on SDS version)
• VOC level (product information sheet): 473 g/l
• VOC content (SDS 2021): approx. 473 g/l (about 3.95 lb/gal), organic solvents about 51 %
• Recommended wet film thickness: 2.5 mil (≈ 1 mil dry film)
• Theoretical coverage: approx. 150 ft² per liter at 1 mil dry film thickness
• Recommended application methods: long-haired soft brush or air spray; roller application is not advised due to required wet film thickness.
• Thinner for brushing: Epifanes Brushthinner for Paint & Varnish or 100 % mineral spirits (not low VOC).
• Thinner for spraying: Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish or denatured alcohol.
• Thinning guideline: ratio depends on temperature of product and working area; avoid overthinning.
• Drying times at 1 mil dry film, 65 % RH:
  • 50 °F: dust dry 3 h; sandable 24 h; recoatable 24 h.
  • 59 °F: dust dry 2 h; sandable 18 h; recoatable 18 h.
  • 68 °F: dust dry 1 h; sandable 12 h; recoatable 12 h.
  • 77 °F: dust dry 45 min; sandable 10 h; recoatable 10 h.
• Application conditions:
  • Substrate and product temperature: minimum 47 °C, maximum 86 °C (as stated in technical sheet).
  • Relative humidity: minimum 50 %, maximum 85 %.
• Recommended system build-up for exterior use (example):
  • Step 1: 1 coat Epifanes Woodfinish Gloss, thinned 25–35 % (penetrating coat).
  • Step 2: 3–4 coats Epifanes Woodfinish Gloss, thinned 0–10 %.
  • Step 3: 1–2 final coats Epifanes Woodfinish Matte, thinned 0–5 %.
  • Drying time between coats at 68 °F: 24 h for gloss coats; 12 h for matte coats.
• Sanding between coats:
  • Build-up coats: generally dry 220 G by hand for the first gloss coat; subsequent gloss coats may not need sanding if recoated within 72 h, otherwise sand with 320 G or Scotch-Brite.
  • Matte final coats: lightly sand with 320 G or Scotch-Brite between coats for best finish, always along the wood grain.
• Packaging size: 1000 ml can
• Shelf life: approx. 3 years in unopened container stored dry between 41–86 °F

Applications and use cases

Field of use

• As a matte final coat in a new varnish system on wood.
• As a maintenance varnish over an existing varnish system.
• For wide use on wood articles in interior and exterior environments (AC11 wooden articles).
• Suitable for both professional users (SU22) and consumers (SU21) when applied by brush or roller (PROC10) or by air spray according to the technical data.

Substrates and systems

• Existing varnish systems: clean the surface, sand with 320 G, then apply 2 coats of Epifanes Woodfinish Matte. The first coat is lightly thinned so it can flow into the sanding scratches of the old varnish.
• New systems over high gloss varnish: clean the previously applied high gloss varnish, sand with 320 G, then apply 2 coats of Epifanes Woodfinish Matte as the matte finish layer.
• Bare wood (recommended approach): build up the system first with high gloss varnish with UV filter (e.g., Epifanes Woodfinish Gloss or other high-gloss alternatives mentioned) to protect the wood inside the grain. Finish with 1–2 coats of Woodfinish Matte for the desired low-sheen effect.

Application guidelines

• Use a long-haired soft brush or air spray for best flow and leveling.
• Do not apply by roller due to the required wet film thickness.
• Distribute the varnish evenly over the surface and tip off along the wood grain.
• Avoid retipping and avoid applying wet-on-wet.
• Do not apply excessively thick wet films; this can cause curtains and drying problems, especially on horizontal surfaces.
• Avoid varnishing in direct sunlight or strong wind to prevent too rapid solvent loss and reduced flow.
• Avoid large temperature differences between product, substrate, and working area.
• If the product “pulls” and is difficult to apply, up to 10 % thinner may be added.
• To restore or adjust wood colour, up to 10 % Epifanes Mahogany Stain or Epifanes Teak Stain may be mixed into the varnish.
• After drying, always sand by hand along the grain with 320 G or Scotch-Brite before applying the next coat.

FAQ – Epifanes Woodfinish Matte

1. Is Epifanes Woodfinish Matte suitable for both interior and exterior wood?

   Yes. The technical datasheet specifies that it can be used in an interior system or an exterior system and is suitable for wooden articles in both environments.

2. Can I use this product directly on bare wood?

   It can be applied on many varnishes, but for bare wood Epifanes recommends starting with build-up coats of high gloss varnish with UV filter (such as Epifanes Woodfinish Gloss). Woodfinish Matte is then used as the final matte finish.

3. How many coats of Woodfinish Matte are recommended?

   For new or existing systems, the datasheet recommends generally 2 coats of Woodfinish Matte as the final finish. In an exterior system build-up example, 1–2 final matte coats are advised over several gloss coats.

4. How long should I wait between coats?

   At 68 °F and 1 mil dry film thickness, the product is typically sandable and recoatable after about 12 hours. At lower temperatures, drying and recoating times increase.

5. What thinner should I use for brushing or spraying?

   For brushing, use Epifanes Brushthinner for Paint & Varnish or 100 % mineral spirits (not low VOC). For spray application, use Epifanes Spraythinner for Paint & Varnish or denatured alcohol, following the thinning ratios provided in the varnish system guidelines.

6. Can I combine Epifanes Woodfinish Matte with other Epifanes varnishes?

   Yes. The system build-up information references Epifanes Woodfinish Gloss as the build-up coat and Woodfinish Matte as the final finish. Other Epifanes varnishes, such as Epifanes Clear Varnish, Epifanes Rubbed Effect Varnish, Epifanes Aqua Marine Interior Varnish, and Epifanes Rapidcoat/Rapidclear, are mentioned as alternatives or complementary products.

7. How should I prepare an existing varnished surface before applying Woodfinish Matte?

   Clean the surface thoroughly, then sand with 320 G. Apply two coats of Woodfinish Matte, thinning the first coat lightly so it flows into sanding scratches.

8. What is the approximate coverage of this varnish?

   The theoretical coverage is approximately 150 ft² per liter at 1 mil dry film thickness. Practical coverage will depend on substrate condition, application technique, and working conditions.

9. Does the varnish change the colour of the wood?

   The varnish itself is a transparent amber and will impart that tone to the wood. If necessary, up to 10 % Epifanes Mahogany Stain or Epifanes Teak Stain can be added to adjust or retrieve the original wood colour.

10. How should I dispose of leftover product and contaminated materials?

    Leftover product and contaminated absorbent materials must not be disposed of with household garbage or poured into drains. They should be disposed of according to official local, regional, or national regulations as paint/varnish waste containing organic solvents or other hazardous substances.

Section 14 – Transport information

• UN number (ADR, IMDG, IATA, DOT): UN1263
• UN proper shipping name: Paint / PAINT (1263 PAINT in ADR; PAINT in IMDG and IATA; may be shipped as CONSUMER COMMODITY, ORM-D under certain US DOT conditions)
• Transport hazard class: Class 3 – Flammable liquids (ADR, IMDG, IATA, DOT)
• Classification code (ADR): 3 (F1) Flammable liquids
• Label: 3 (flammable liquid)
• Packing group: III
• Environmental hazards: Not classified as a marine pollutant according to IMDG (Marine pollutant: No)
• Hazard identification number (Kemler code): 30
• EMS number (IMDG): F-E, S-E
• Stowage category (IMDG): A
• ADR tunnel restriction code: D/E
• Limited quantities: 5 L (ADR and IMDG)
• Excepted quantities: Code E1; maximum 30 ml per inner packaging, 1000 ml per outer packaging.
• Special notes (ADR/IMDG): For ADR, viscous substances in packagings up to 450 L may be exempt under 2.2.3.1.5, as indicated in the SDS.
• General transport precaution: Classified as “Warning: Flammable liquids”; handle and store away from ignition sources and heat.

Section 8 – Individual protection measures

Exposure controls

• Ensure good general ventilation or local exhaust at the workplace. Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
• Avoid formation of aerosols and inhalation of vapours, mists, or sprays.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Respiratory protection

• With adequate ventilation, respiratory protection may not be necessary.
• When ventilation is insufficient, use an appropriate respirator for organic vapours, for example a half mask with AX or A1/A2 type filter as referenced in the safety data sheets.
• For intensive or prolonged exposure, use respiratory equipment independent of ambient air, as recommended in the European SDS.

Hand protection

• Wear protective gloves that are impermeable and resistant to the product and solvents.
• Examples of suitable glove materials mentioned in the safety data:
  • For permanent contact (up to approximately 15 minutes or longer, depending on SDS version): nitrile rubber gloves, recommended thickness > 0.45 mm, permeation time > 480 minutes according to EN 374; butyl rubber gloves are also indicated.
  • For protection against splashes: chloroprene gloves with thickness > 0.7 mm and breakthrough time > 60 minutes (EN 374); nitrile rubber gloves with thickness > 0.3 mm and breakthrough time > 60 minutes (EN 374).
• Because performance can vary by manufacturer, glove breakthrough times must be requested from and observed according to the glove supplier.
• Replace damaged or contaminated gloves immediately.

Eye and face protection

• Wear tightly sealed safety goggles to protect against splashes.

Skin and body protection

• Wear suitable protective clothing to prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact.
• Immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash skin with water.

General hygiene measures

• Keep away from food, beverages, and animal feed.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling and before breaks or at end of work.
• Avoid repeated exposure that may cause skin dryness or cracking (EUH066).

Relevant hazard information from safety data sheets

• Classification: Flammable liquid, category 3 (H226: Flammable liquid and vapour / Líquidos y vapores inflamables).
• Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure, category 3 (H336: May cause drowsiness or dizziness / Puede provocar somnolencia o vértigo).
• Safety advice includes keeping away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames, and other ignition sources, and not smoking during use.