In the video titled “You’ve never seen a wood finish like this! (Cures in 2-Minutes!)”, Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton) introduces an innovative wood finish called Clean Armor. This revolutionary product is changing the way woodworkers approach finishing their projects, especially in light of increasing restrictions on traditional oil-based finishes.
Woodworkers face a growing challenge as many regions are moving to restrict or outright ban oil-based finishes due to their VOC content. This trend has spread beyond places like California to states like Michigan and Ohio, and even across Canada. As a result, alternatives that are low or no VOC have become essential. James has been on the hunt for a product that meets these criteria—and he believes he has found it in Clean Armor.
What is Clean Armor?
Clean Armor is a wood finish invented by Matthew Springer from Georgia and is sold through a small Canadian business called My Woodcutters. James emphasizes his support for small businesses and is thrilled to share his positive experiences with this product.
What makes Clean Armor stand out? For starters, it cures in just two minutes! Not only does it dry to the touch quickly, but it also provides robust protection in that short time frame. James highlights that this finish is not just a gimmick; it truly has the potential to change the game for wood finishing.
Benefits of Clean Armor
- Zero VOCs: Clean Armor contains no dangerous VOCs and has virtually no smell, making it safe to use indoors without a mask or respirator.
- Self-Adhering: It adheres to itself, meaning repairs can be made without the need for stripping or sanding.
- Durability: James considers it one of the most durable finishes available, comparing it to high-quality polyurethane.
The Application Process
Applying Clean Armor is straightforward. James demonstrates using a cloth to wipe the finish onto the wood, emphasizing that it’s foolproof and easy to use. He notes that it can also be brushed on or sprayed, although he recommends wearing a respirator when spraying.
Depending on the wood type, the first coat may soak in a bit. To optimize coverage, using a thinner sealer first can help. However, James opts for the full-strength finish in his demonstration, applying a heavier first coat and wiping off the excess after a couple of minutes.
One critical aspect of Clean Armor is that it cures under direct UV light. James uses a handheld UV light, which can be purchased from the same source as the finish. After applying the finish under regular lighting, he turns on the UV light to cure it, which maintains the sheen and appearance of the finish as it cures.
Fast Drying Time
Unlike traditional finishes that require long drying periods, Clean Armor allows for quick recoats. Jmaes points out that this drastically reduces the time needed for finishing projects, as dust has less time to settle on wet surfaces. This is a significant advantage, especially for larger projects.
Sanding and Coverage
James mentions that while he didn’t pre-raise the grain, a light sanding with 400 grit after the first coat can help in some cases. Importantly, many users might not need to sand between coats at all, which is a huge time-saver.
As for coverage, Clean Armor is 100% solids, meaning everything in the bottle stays on the surface, unlike traditional polyurethanes that can contain up to 75% solvents. This efficiency means a quart of Clean Armor can cover as much as three times the area of a quart of polyurethane.
Durability Tests
James shares some impressive durability tests conducted by Stefan at My Woodcutters. They tested Clean Armor against acetone, lacquer thinner, and alcohol, all of which are known to damage most finishes. Remarkably, after several minutes, none of the surfaces showed any damage, even with the fresh finish.
Versions of Clean Armor
There are different versions of Clean Armor available for various applications. The 757 tabletop finish is ideal for surfaces that see a lot of use. The 710 sealer can be used as an initial coat, while the 705 is designed for outdoor projects. Additionally, they offer a green filler that can be tinted for undercoating.
Is Clean Armor for Everyone?
While Clean Armor may be pricier than traditional finishes, James believes the benefits justify the cost. He encourages woodworkers to consider the value of their time and the ease of use that Clean Armor offers. For those who share their workspace with drying finishes, this product can be a game changer.
In conclusion, James invites woodworkers to try Clean Armor. With its quick curing time, low VOC content, and impressive durability, Clean Armor is poised to revolutionize wood finishing.