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Exterior Clear Protective Finishes

Minwax® Clear Shield

Clear Shield

Minwax® Clear Shield™ weather resistant coating for wood is a clear protective topcoat specially formulated with enhanced ultraviolet absorbers to help protect wood from weather damage. Clear Shield™ provides a durable finish that helps wood withstand rain and moisture. Special ultraviolet absorbers help protect wood from the graying and fading effects of the sun. Clear Shield™ also contains special oils to help the finish expand and contract with the wood as the seasons and the temperature change.


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Product Details

Sheens: Semi-Gloss and Satin
Application tool: high-quality natural bristle brush
Recoat: after 6 hours
Dry time: 24 hours
Cleanup: mineral spirits or paint thinner
Coverage: 100 sq. ft. per quart
Coats: 3
Recommended uses: doors, windowsills, outdoor furniture

FAQ

Q. How is Clear Shield™ Protective Finish different from Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane?

Minwax® Clear Shield™ is an oil-based spar urethane that dries to a tough, abrasion-resistant surface. Unlike Minwax® Fast-Drying Polyurethane, Minwax® Clear Shield™ is a flexible finish that expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. It contains ultraviolet absorbers to help protect wood from the graying and fading effects of the sun.

Q. Should Clear Shield™ Protective Finish be applied to exterior furniture?

Yes, but no clear exterior finish will permanently protect wood against direct sun, snow, ice and rain. Be sure to check the finish annually to determine if it needs to be recoated. If the finish warrants, apply an additional coat of Clear Shield™ according to the label directions.

Q. Is Clear Shield™ suitable for decks and fences?

No. Decks and fences have special requirements for protection against the elements. Use an exterior waterproofing product such as Thompson's® WaterSeal® Clear Wood Protector.

Directions

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.

  1. Surface must be dry and free of old finishes in poor condition, paint, wax, grease, polish, dirt or other foreign matter. It is extremely important that all existing loose, flaking or peeling finishes be removed, otherwise Clear Shield™ may not adhere to the surface.
  2. Sand to obtain a smooth, uniform surface. Remove all dust with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits. Badly weathered wood must be sanded down to fresh wood prior to application.
  3. Stir Clear Shield™ well before and during use to rotate the product from the bottom to the top of the can. DO NOT SHAKE.
  4. Apply a thin coat of Clear Shield™ using a high quality natural bristle brush. On unfinished wood, apply sufficient Clear Shield™ to seal open joints, edges and end grain.
  5. Let dry at least six hours, then sand entire surface lightly with fine sandpaper (220 grit) to ensure an even finish and proper adhesion. Remove all dust.
  6. Apply a second and a third coat, repeating the steps above for each coat. Three coats are recommended.
  7. After final coat, allow 24 hours before normal use.

CLEANUP: For easy cleanup, use mineral spirits.

COVERAGE: Approximate 100 sq. ft. per quart.

NOTE: Dry times are based on good ventilation, temperature of 77°F and 50% relative humidity. Lower temperature, higher humidity, lack of ventilation or application of thick coats will extend dry time. Always test surface for tackiness between coats. Do not recoat if surface is still tacky. Exterior surfaces coated with Minwax® Clear Shield™ should be maintained by lightly sanding and adding additional coats as required. Minwax® Clear Shield™ is not recommended for large surfaces where maintenance would be difficult, such as decks and siding. Slight ambering may be experienced when Minwax® Clear Shield™ is applied over light colored stains or wood surfaces. Always spot test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure satisfactory results.