Preparation and Application

PREPARATION:

• Log and Timber Frame Homes: When purchasing a log or timber frame home package, the quality and condition of the wood may vary when delivered to the job site. With untreated new wood, the surface needs to be cleaned by using your choice of cleaning agents. However, cleaning agents containing bleach or other such ingredients may permanently discolor the surface tone and damage the wood cells. The use of a 3,000 psi power washer and/or light sand blasting equipment may be more desirable. Regardless of cleaning procedures, all wood must be covered and protected from the elements and kept clean prior to application. In addition, the surface must be dry, with the moisture content of the wood kept as low as possible.
  
  
• Siding, Roofing, Decking, Fencing, etc.: It is important for the wood to be totally covered and protected from any exposure to sun, wind, rain, etc. Clean and/or remove any blemishes on the wood that has been exposed to the above elements prior to application. Any blemishes, grading marks, stains or dirt may permanently alter the quality and color of the finish if not removed. The problem is especially acute with smooth finished wood. It is important that all surfaces be kept clean and dry prior to application, with the moisture content of the wood kept as low as possible.
  
  
• Component Wood: When used on the component parts for finished products (hot tubs, spas, furniture, wood windows, gazebos, etc.) clean and/or remove any blemishes on the wood that has been exposed to sun, wind , rain, etc. Any blemishes, grading marks, stains or dirt appearing on the surface may permanently alter the quality and color of the finish if not removed. The problem is especially acute with smooth finished wood. It is important that all surfaces be kept clean and dry prior to application, with the moisture content of the wood kept as low as possible.

APPLICATION:

• Temperature: Do not apply in temperatures above 80 deg. F (26.7 deg. C) or in direct sunlight unless a varnished appearance is desired, for this may cause a surface film. In temperatures above 70 deg. F (21.1 deg. C) or when working in direct sunlight, it may be necessary to lightly mist with water to help cool the surface temperature. When applying the product, periodically touch the surface to make sure it is not becoming warm or sticky. If this occurs, be sure to apply water to the surface prior to any further applications.
• Spraying or Dipping: All wood surfaces may have product applied by pre-dipping or spraying, with multiple applications providing greater protection. Uniformly coat each section of log or piece of wood as quickly as possible, and remove all excess product which has not penetrated within a few minutes or less. This can be accomplished by using rotating brushes, fans, air rings, etc. When dipping shingles or shakes, the product must penetrate the entire bundle and/or each shingle or shake. High temperature, hot air or heated chambers should only be used for drying purposes when all product has either penetrated or been removed from the surface unless a varnished appearance is desired.
• Storage: After each application on logs or sections of wood, and all excess product is removed, stack finished wood in a dry covered location. To shorten the drying time, use stickers on the unexposed side of the wood which are of a dissimilar product such as plastic, vinyl, etc. If wood stickers are used they must be pre-dipped with the same product and dried to prevent sticker marks.

PROBLEMS OF FIELD APPLICATIONS:

• Wood that has been unprotected and exposed to the elements often creates a loss factor of up to 20% of the original inventory which must be factored into the overall construction costs.
• Labor costs are increased as a result of having to pick and choose the usable portion of each log or piece of wood due to damaged and weathered wood.
• The preparation and application costs are greater due to the additional preparation time required to protect the surrounding project and time spent on clean up.
• By this method only one side has any level of protection which leads to a quicker deterioration of the exterior surface and often creates higher maintenance costs.