Landmark Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey ® Introduced Just in Time for Winter Projects rofessional woodworkers and do-it-yourselfers alike are singing the praises of our new Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey, formulated to provide a beautiful, durable finish with application so easy it’s nearly failsafe. “What’s not to like,” exclaimed a long-time wood turner involved in the final testing and tweaking of the Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey formula. “You really can’t goof up putting it on, it lays out unbelievably and the finish looks and feels like it was hand rubbed. And you can apply wax over it.” We collaborated with Vermont crafters and furniture makers in developing what is described as the most durable, beautiful and easiest to apply furniture finish available. In addition to its use on furniture and cabinets, Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey can be used on countertops, butcher blocks and wooden bowls because it contains none of the toxins found in traditional finishes and has less then 30g/L VOCs. Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey delivers a rich, uniform finish and has unsurpassed leveling and flow. It can be applied with a lint-free cloth, quality synthetic or foam brush or a paintpad. Like all Vermont Natural Coatings, cleanup is with soap and water. Now even hobbyists can finish projects feeling like a pro! A Newsletter from Vermont Natural Coatings Winter 2013 / Vol. 2 Issue 1 IN THIS ISSUE: ∙ Landmark Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey Introduced ∙ PolyWhey A Hit in the Land of Misfit Furniture and Toys ∙ “Local Boy Makes Good,” Fine Furniture ∙ Tech Tips from Larry ∙ Case Study: Spider Lake Cottage ∙ Dealer Profile: GreenDepot P 32 fl. oz / 1 quart / 946mL Professional Wood Finish Made Green ™ Heirloom Wipe-On Meets Low VOC Standards in all 50 States and Canada. <30 g/L VOC Polyuréthane Interieur à base d’eau • Easy To Apply • Durable SATIN Vermont Natural Coatings Lab, Manufacturing & Shipping Are Movin’ Up 85 Whey in the Hardwick Industrial Park is the new home for Vermont Natural Coatings manufacturing, shipping and research and development. The new digs are just up the hill from our administrative offices and former manufacturing facility. We’ll have needed additional production capacity and space for development and testing of new products. Our mailing address and telephone numbers remain unchanged.
Transcript
Landmark Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey®
Introduced Just in Time for Winter Projects rofessional woodworkers and do-it-yourselfers alike are singing the praises of our new Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey, formulated to provide a beautiful,
durable finish with application so easy it’s nearly failsafe. “What’s not to like,” exclaimed a long-time wood turner involved in the final testing and tweaking of the Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey formula. “You really can’t goof up putting it on, it lays out unbelievably and the finish looks and feels like it was hand rubbed. And you can apply wax over it.” We collaborated with Vermont crafters and furniture makers in developing what is described as the most durable, beautiful and easiest to apply furniture finish available. In addition to its use on furniture and cabinets, Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey can be used on countertops, butcher blocks and wooden bowls because it contains none of the toxins found in traditional finishes and has less then 30g/L VOCs. Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey delivers a rich, uniform finish and has unsurpassed leveling and flow. It can be applied with a lint-free cloth, quality synthetic or foam brush or a paintpad. Like all Vermont Natural Coatings, cleanup is with soap and water. Now even hobbyists can finish projects feeling like a pro!
A Newsletter from Vermont Natural Coatings
Winter 2013 / Vol. 2 Issue 1
IN THIS ISSUE:
∙ Landmark Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey Introduced
∙ PolyWhey A Hit in the Land of Misfit Furniture and Toys
∙ “Local Boy Makes Good,” Fine Furniture
∙ Tech Tips from Larry
∙ Case Study: Spider Lake Cottage
∙ Dealer Profile: GreenDepot
P
About Vermont Natural Coatings: Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey®
was created through a collaboration of farmers, woodworkers and scientists at the University of Vermont to introduce a new generation of cutting edge, naturally derived finishes that establish the highest level of professional and environmental standards. Whey protein, a byproduct of cheese making, is the linchpin ingredient that gives PolyWhey its unique characteristics that outperform traditional coatings and finishes. PolyWhey is durable, safe and displaces toxic ingredients found in other finishes. We sold our first gallon of PolyWhey finish to a neighborhood general store. Today we’re the independent leader in the next generation of proprietary, innovative coatings technology.
Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey® Heirloom Wipe-On produces a durable, safe finish with the look and feel of traditional hand rubbed finishes.
RECOMMENDED USES: Use PolyWhey Heirloom Wipe-On on furniture, cabinets, doors or wherever you wish to protect and enhance the beauty of wood. Can be used on new wood or to restore previously finished wood. Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey Characteristics: • Durable • Rich, uniform finish • Extraordinarily easy to apply with a clean, lint free cloth, paint pad, quality synthetic or foam brush • Transparent, non-yellowing • Neutral odor • Clean up with soap & water • Less than 30g/L VOC APPLICATION: 1) Swirl prior to use. 2) Be sure wood surface is thoroughly clean and dry. 3) Apply with the grain using a clean, lint free cloth, paint pad, or quality synthetic or foam brush. 4) Allow product to dry for 2 hours between coats. After the second coat sand lightly using 400 grit sandpaper. 5) Up to six coats recommended. PRECAUTIONS: Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey products have low VOC levels but should still be used with adequate ventilation. When sanding a dried film, use a dust/mist respirator approved by NIOSH/MSHA. Wear protective gloves & splash goggles, or safety glasses with side shields. Keep out of reach of children. Conserver hors de la portée des enfants! Ne premez pas internellement! Do not take internally! Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged contact with skin. This product is not flammable. WARNING: If you scrape, sand or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. Lead is toxic. Exposure to lead dust can cause serious illness, such as brain damage, especially in children. Pregnant women should also avoid exposure. GUARANTEE: We guarantee your satisfaction with our products. If proper pre-application and application techniques have been followed and you are not satisfied with the results, please contact us. We welcome your feedback and will provide you with replacement product, credit, or a cash refund. LIMITED LIABILITY: Liability, whether expressed or implied, is limited to replacement of product or refund of purchase price and cannot include liability for labor costs or consequential damages. It is the user’s responsibility to determine the suitability and safety of the product for any particular application. This limited warranty may not be modified or extended by manufacturer’s representatives, distributors, or dealers of Vermont Natural Coatings products. CONTACT: For questions or comments, please call toll-free 1-888-NEW-WHEY (639-9439) Mon-Fri 9:00-5:00 EST. For more information visit our website at vermontnaturalcoatings.com
Vermont Natural Coatings Lab, Manufacturing & Shipping Are Movin’ Up
85 Whey in the Hardwick Industrial Park is the new home for Vermont Natural Coatings manufacturing, shipping and research and development. The new digs are just up the hill from our administrative offices and former manufacturing facility. We’ll have needed additional production capacity and space for development and testing of new products. Our mailing address and telephone numbers remain unchanged.
Vermont Natural Coatings PAGE 2
TFrom the President
Happy 2013!
We’re tremendously excited about our new Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey.® Not because it’s the first and only product of its kind, but because of what it means to hobbyists and professional furniture makers, alike. That’s the driving force behind all our research and product development; how can we provide high performance finishes that are also environmentally safe. For furniture makers and refinishers, a lustrous, luxurious finish is the crowning glory of any project. In the past, many relied on solvent-based finishes that were hand-rubbed to a magnificent sheen and an absolutely flawless hand. The problem is, those finishes contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to the craftsperson and to the people who are exposed to the off-gassing while the finish cures over time. Often, alternatives lacked either an acceptably brilliant finish, the fine hand or were difficult to apply. So when we convened a group of professional woodworkers and asked what would make the ideal finish they described the need for a finish that delivers both beauty and strength. We tweaked and tweaked our Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey formula dozens of times in response to their suggestions. That’s what collaboration is all about. And that’s how we’ve approached every product we’ve brought to market. I hope you give it a try on your next furniture product. I’m sure you’ll agree with our furniture makers; it’s just the ticket to Finish Like A Pro.™ – Andrew B. Meyer Founder & President
PolyWhey A Hit in the Land of Misfit Furniture and Toys
he holidays have come and gone for another year, but the Land of Misfit Furniture and Toys lives on. In New Jersey. Really. The phrase is how
toymaker Paul Greve describes his business and is featured prominently on the website homepage of his company, Lomft. It wasn’t the arrival of a couple of misfit toys that provided the impetus for starting his business, it was his twin daughters. “It’s kind of funny how I started making pull toys,” he recalls. “You see my twin girls who were a year and a half at the time really liked this pull-toy turtle and would fight over it and I kept fixing it. So I bought some wooden wheels and axles and make a simple car out of some left over maple stair nosing. Attached a simple bracket and string and thought that now they each have a pull toy the fighting would turn to negotiation and sharing of the two toys. Smart parenting huh? Nope. The word ‘mine’ was learned that instant. I had to return to the shop and make another car. I didn’t have enough wood for a top, and that’s how the first pickup came to be.” Paul says one thing led to another and he fabricated three different designs; a truck, sportscar and vintage racer. Now, his products are sold at retail and by order. In addition to the toys, which are finished with Vermont Natural Coatings, Paul crafts custom furniture and other interesting wood products. Information on the Land of Misfit Furniture and Toys can be found at lomft.com.
Now This Really Is Music To Our Earsuitar maker extraordinaire Michael Collins sources woods for his instruments from around the world. He sources clear finishes
from Vermont Natural Coatings. “I’ve wiped and brushed it on all sorts of woods,” he told us in a recent e-mail. “No bluing at all. I’ve put it on bare woods and woods sealed with shellac. No problems at all, plus it self levels (very important) and looks great! Thanks and Happy New Year.” Michael Collins Custom Guitars specializes in making classical, flamenco and small steel string guitars as well as the repair and restoration of fine instruments. He’s restored guitars made all the way back in 1798 as well as historic guitars for museums. To see Michael’s work, visit collinsguitars.com.
PolyWhey® Pro Tips from Larry Duane Vermont Natural Coatings Technical Advisor
www.vermontnaturalcoatings.com or 888.639.9439
“Local Boy Makes Good,” (REALLY GOOD) Fine Furniture
Our new Heirloom Wipe-On PolyWhey is the perfect choice for finishing or refinishing furniture. It’s very easy to apply and produces a beautiful, lasting finish in the tradition of hand-rubbed finishes. Here are 12 steps to Finish Like a Pro:™
1. Wood species: Heirloom works on any species, but softer woods will absorb more than hardwoods, which means you’ll need more coats.2. Sanding: We recommend Norton sandpaper, up to 180 grit, before coating.3. After sanding, clean with a lightly moistened lint-free cloth.4. Traditional tack cloths are not advisable as they contain oil and may leave surface residue. Steel wool should be avoided; steel wood fiber may be left on the surface and cause rust spots. 5. Applicator: Foam brush, lint-free cloth or paint pad.6. Coating previously finished surfaces: Clean surface with Vermont Natural Coatings Wood Cleaner to remove any oil or wax residue. A light sanding also is advisable. Test on an inconspicuous spot.7. Temperature: If you’re comfortable, temperature should be fine for finishing.8. Dry time: Allow an hour between coats.9. Number of coats: Three-to-five.10. Between coats: After first coat, sand with Norton 220-321 grit; after second coat sand with Norton 320-400 grit.11. Wax: Natural wax finish can be applied over Heirloom. 12. Time into service: Furniture piece should be ready for use the day after finishing. Full cure takes seven days.
aster Furniture Maker Brian Brace is back home in the mountains. Not the Green Mountains of
his native Vermont, but Black Mountain, NC, where he creates one-of-a-kind pieces that are found in the home and in the gallery. Brian’s work, after all, definitely is art. “It’s decorative yet functional. It’s art, yet you use it every day. Fine furniture should be crafted to endure over multiple lifetimes,” says Brian, “to be passed on to future generations. Acting on that belief, each piece I make goes through an extensive series of time honored processes to achieve the highest quality standards. From thoroughly
selecting the finest lumber, to applying hand rubbed finishes, every step is carefully executed to ensure the finished
piece is spectacular. I consider it decorative yet functional.”
Those hand rubbed finishes include Vermont Natural Coatings, which Brian touted in a feature article in the Black Mountain News. Using PolyWhey finishes is a homecoming of sorts, as Brian grew up in Vermont and spent six years apprenticing and working for renowned Vermont cabinetmaker William Laberge. Before settling in North Carolina, Brian plied his craft for eight years in Naples, FL. Each piece takes weeks to complete. Some are crafted to fill custom orders while others are created for and sold through galleries. Either way, says Brian, the pieces will be enjoyed for many, many years. Each piece is signed, dated and presented for lasting enjoyment. Brian’s website is finefurnituremaker.net
We would love to hear about your special VNC projects and experiences! Contact us on Facebook.
Toll free: (888) 639-9439 / (802) 472-8700 or [email protected] MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 512, Hardwick, VT 05843
VNC Dealer Profile:
http://www.facebook.com/VermontNaturalCoatings
This
new
slet
ter
is p
rint
ed o
n 10
0% r
ecyc
led
pape
r.
reen Depot is one of the country’s leading suppliers of environmentally friendly building and lifestyle products with a mission “to make green building products readily accessible to homeowners and builders so that sustainable practices can
be easily adopted into standard construction operations. The company employs a “Green Filter” that is designed to identify high-performance products that are truly green, not just “greenwashed.” The company evaluates product performance and quality, whether they’re safe for the planet and whether ingredients are safe for human health and the environment and whether they are combustible or otherwise dangerous. Once a product meets these and other qualifications, it may be assigned a Green Depot CLEAR icon. “Our Green Depot Icon System is designed to show at a glance why we call a particular item green” the company explains. “First, we decided that for us a ‘green’ product offers among five basic environmental benefits:”
• Itimprovesindoorairquality• Protectsaquaticecosystemsthroughsaferchemistry• Conservesresources• Stimulateslocaleconomy • Savesenergyandismanufacturedresponsibly The company then awards icons based on whether the products meet or exceed Green Depot standards in the five categories of CLEAR; Conservation, Local, Energy, Air Quality and Responsibility. Green Depot has stores and distribution centers throughout the United States. Locations and information on Green Depot can be found at greendepot.com
G
DVNC Case Study
uring more than 50 years of summering on Spider Lake near Traverse City, Michigan, one extended family was growing, and as it did, so did the need for more space.
To help update the family’s small cottage and add new space, the Lankford Design Group teamed with Jay Merchant Builders to create a summer cottage that complements the surrounding lake environment and provides a beautiful new home for many more years of making family memories. Vermont Natural Coatings was used on all the cottage’s wood surfaces and is extraordinarily pleased to be part of the experience called “Howie’s Cottage.” Howie’s Cottage was profiled in the June/July 2012 Northern Home & Cottage magazine and Traverse, Northern Michigan’s magazine.
Location
Spider Lake, Michigan
Description
“Howie’s Cottage”
Product
PolyWhey® Furniture
Finish
Project Lankford Design Group, Inc.
Jay Merchant Builders, Inc.
“PolyWhey was the perfect fit for our family cottage.” – Sarah Wright, family member
Photo by Jacqueline Southby
If you would like to see VNC products made available near
