Prepare Trim Surface for Application

What happens here

Before applying any tinted lacquer, it is essential to ensure the wood trim is perfectly clean. The recommended cleaning agents are a deglosser or denatured alcohol, applied with a clean cloth. A critical warning is issued against sanding the trim, especially if it's an older home. Sanding can heat up and spread any hidden contaminants (like waxes, oils, or silicone) present on the surface, pushing them deeper into the existing lacquer finish. This action can exacerbate problems such as 'fish eyes' (small craters or dimples in the new finish) later on, making them harder to rectify.

Goal: This step details the crucial process of cleaning the wood trim before applying the tinted lacquer, emphasizing specific cleaning agents and cautioning against sanding.