{
  "how_to_apply_varnish_stain_wax_oil": {
    "title": "How to Apply Varnish, Stain, Wax & Oil",
    "img-link": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/varnish-cover-img",
    "img-alt": "Wood",
    "how-to-content": [
      {
        "title": "Planning & preparation",
        "list-items": [
          "Before adding a finish to any timber, the surface needs to be smooth and clean, so do follow the manufacturer's instructions on preparation",
          "As oil and wax cannot be applied to wood that has been previously stained or varnished, you’ll need to sand back to bare wood before starting to apply",
          "Most varnishes and stains will need to be stirred before use – check the manufacturer's instructions",
          "Before applying to a surface that is used for food preparation, check the selected finish is suitable for such use",
          "Before you start to apply a stain you can test the colour by applying a small amount to a hidden area, to check you’re happy with it"
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Do it right",
        "list-items": [
          "For exterior projects, the temperature needs to be above 10°C with no forecast of rain until the varnish or stain has had time to dry",
          "For an even finish and colour, try and avoid overlapping brush strokes as you go"
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Staying safe",
        "list-items": [
          "Always follow the manufacturer's safety recommendations and work in a well-ventilated area when applying varnish, stain, wax or oil",
          "Wear a dust mask and safety goggles when sanding",
          "If you get any varnish or stain on your skin, wash it off immediately in warm, soapy water",
          "Stains, varnishes, waxes and oils are flammable, so carefully dispose of any cloth that has been used and clean brushes, as directed by the manufacturer's instructions",
          "Varnishes, stains and oil should not be emptied into drains. Speak to your local authority for disposal advice"
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Aftercare",
        "list-items": [
          "Varnishes and stains need little maintenance, but waxes and oils will need to be re-applied regularly"
        ]
      }
    ],
    "aside-list2": [
      {
        "title": "What you'll need"
      },
      {
        "title": "Tools",
        "item-list": [
          {
            "text": "Filling Knife",
            "url": "/c/1000564?q=%3AtopSellers%3AType%3AFilling+Tools&text=#"
          },
          {
            "text": "Sandpaper",
            "url": "/c/1000565"
          },
          {
            "text": "Paintbrush",
            "url": "/c/1007001"
          },
          {
            "text": "Lint-Free Cloth",
            "url": "/p/170642"
          },
          {
            "text": "Steel Wool (for Wax)",
            "url": "/c/1000565?q=%3AtopSellers%3AType%3ASteel+Wool&text=#"
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Materials",
        "item-list": [
          {
            "text": "White Spirit",
            "url": "/search?text=white+spirit"
          },
          {
            "text": "Varnish",
            "url": "/c/1000567"
          },
          {
            "text": "Stain",
            "url": "/c/1000569"
          },
          {
            "text": "Wax (missing link)",
            "url": "#"
          },
          {
            "text": "Wood Oil",
            "url": "/search?text=danish+oil"
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Safety",
        "item-list": [
          {
            "text": "Dust Mask (missing link)",
            "url": "#"
          },
          {
            "text": "Rubber Coated Safety Gloves",
            "url": "/c/1000440"
          },
          {
            "text": "Safety Goggles",
            "url": "/c/1000437?q=%3AtopSellers%3AType%3AGoggles&text=#"
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "title": "Useful links",
        "item-list": [
          {
            "$ref": "links/data_main-page-data.json#/page_links/how_to_paint_exterior_surfaces"
          },
          {
            "$ref": "links/data_main-page-data.json#/page_links/how_to_prepare_interior_woodwork_for_painting"
          },
          {
            "$ref": "links/data_main-page-data.json#/page_links/how_to_fit_skirting_board"
          },
          {
            "$ref": "links/data_main-page-data.json#/page_links/how_to_fit_architrave"
          },
          {
            "$ref": "links/data_main-page-data.json#/page_links/how_to_put_up_a_shelf"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "accordions": [
      {
        "section-title": "Varnish",
        "title": "Step 1",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Varnish-Step-1?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "Using a wood filler that is suitable for varnish, fill any holes and level with a filling knife. Then, allow the filler to dry as per manufacturer’s instructions. Sand the surface with medium grade sandpaper. Then, wipe with a cloth and white spirit before allowing the surface to dry."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 2",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Varnish-Step-2?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "Lightly load the brush with varnish and apply evenly, working in the direction of the wood grain. Brush out any drip marks as you go."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 3",
        "src": "https://media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Varnish-Step-3?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "Varnish, particularly water-based types, tends to lift the grain of the wood, so it’s best to sand again after the first coat has dried."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 4",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Varnish-Step-4?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "Wipe down the surface with a soft cloth that has been dampened with white spirit."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 5",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Varnish-Step-5?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "Apply a second coat, again working in the direction of the grain of the wood. Once dry, add a third coat if advised by the manufacturer."
      },
      {
        "section-title": "Stain",
        "title": "Step 1",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Stain-Step-1?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "Apply a wood filler that is suitable for the stain to any holes in the surface, then level with a filling knife. Following the manufacturer's advice, allow the filler to dry. Then, sand the surface with medium grade sandpaper. Wipe with a cloth and white spirit before allowing the surface to dry."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 2",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Stain-Step-2?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "Most stains need to be well stirred before use; check the packaging for advice. Being careful not to overload the brush, so you don’t make drip marks, smoothly apply the stain in the direction of the grain."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 3",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Stain-Step-3?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop&extend=0,1700,0,0",
        "text": "When applying stain to different sections of wood, make sure your brushstrokes are not overlapping."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 4",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Stain-Step-4?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "When the first coat has dried, lightly sand the surface with a fine grade sandpaper and then, using a soft cloth, wipe the area clean."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 5",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Stain-Step-5?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the number of coats required and if sanding between coats is needed. Bear in mind that the more stain added, the darker the finish will be."
      },
      {
        "section-title": "Wax",
        "title": "Step 1",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Wax-Step-1?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "Checking it is suitable for wax, use wood filler and a filling knife to fill any holes. Following the manufacturer's advice, allow the filler to dry. Then, sand the surface with medium or fine grade sandpaper and wipe with a cloth to remove any dust."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 2",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Wax-Step-3?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "It’s best to check the manufacturer’s recommended method of applying wax as this can differ. If you are using a brush, work the wax well into the surface, ensuring an even layer is applied."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 3",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Wax-Step-2?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "If applying wax with a cloth, simply rub it evenly into the surface, making sure the wax is absorbed, and any excess is wiped off, then allow to dry."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 4",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Wax-Step-4?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "Add further layers of wax if recommended by the manufacturer. Allow the wax to dry before buffing with a soft cloth."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 5",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Wax-Step-5?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "Some wax products can be finished using fine steel wool, but only undertake this technique if recommended by the manufacturer."
      },
      {
        "section-title": "Oil",
        "title": "Step 1",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Oil-Step-1?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "Using a wood filler that is suitable for oil, fill in any holes and then level with a filling knife. Following the manufacturer's advice, allow the filler to dry. Then, sand the surface with fine grade sandpaper before wiping with a cloth to remove dust."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 2",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Oil-Step-2?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "Oil can be applied by brush, roller, spray or lint-free cloth, so check the manufacturer's recommendations for application."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 3",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Oil-Step-3?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "Oil needs to be well absorbed, so apply it evenly, working in the direction of the grain. Allow it to soak in before wiping off any excess with a lint-free cloth."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 4",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Oil-Step-4?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "When the oil is completely dry, you can buff the surface for a greater sheen."
      },
      {
        "title": "Step 5",
        "src": "//media.wickes.co.uk/is/image/wickes/2018-Wickes-How-To-Oil-Step-5?wid=1110&hei=555&fit=crop",
        "text": "Following the manufacturer's recommendations, apply further coats as directed."
      }
    ]
  }
}