SARA Clean
Basic Use
SARA Clean is designed as a cost effective, biodegradable cleaner for the restoration of uncoated, dirty and weathered timber. Saraclean is less powerful than WAO Stain Remover, however it is non hazardous, and will not damage substrates or vegetation adjacent to the timber surface being restored, eliminating the need for containment or masking.
It is important to note that the use of high-pressure water alone to clean timber will create damage to the wood fibres as well as uneven start and stop marks. Water alone will not remove biological growth from the timber.
It is also important to understand that the use of commercial and household cleaning solutions that contain bleaching agents such as Sodium Hypochlorite should be avoided. These chemical cleaners will harm the environment and will damage the timber tissue. Additionally, using bleach to clean timber may produce a film forming reaction in the outer wood fibres that causes a subsequent coating failure. SARA Clean on the other hand effectively sterilises and cleans timber without these problems.
SARA Clean is excellent as a pre recoat wash for timber previously coated with Cutek® Wood Preservative that is due to be recoated, because it effectively removes accumulated dirt and loose pigmentation from the surface fibres of the timber.
SARA Clean can also be used for the cleaning of dirt, grime, oxidised paint, mould, fungi, moss and decayed material from wood, tiles, bricks, fibrolite, paths, driveways etc.
Limitations
SARA Clean is designed to be used as a cleaner and sterilizer on uncoated weathered timber surfaces, and other substrates. SARA Clean will not remove any paint, stain or clear finish that is in sound condition. In these situations CD77 Stripper must be used. When restoring a weathered timber structure with SARA Clean, it may be necessary to treat resistant areas with more powerful WAO Stain Remover as required.
Technical Data
Colour |
White Powder |
Coverage |
5 - 8 sq metres/litre |
Packaging |
100gm packets that make 10 litres |
Preparation
Unlike bleach and detergents, SARA Clean is biodegradable and will not damage vegetation or adjacent surfaces, so containment and masking is unnecessary.
Because of the wide variation in discoloration and timber species that are encountered, a test area should always be cleaned prior to commencement of the project to determine how much time the restoration procedure will require, and how much SARA Clean will be required. This enables an accurate application procedure to be determined and cost estimated. It is important for the user to determine the suitability of the product for its intended application.
SARA Clean must be prepared by mixing one packet of the powdered concentrate with 10L of clean water and stirring well until dissolved. If the made up solution is to be applied through a water blaster venturi system then ensure that the solution concentration is increased to compensate for water dilution through the machine.
Application
Apply Saraclean liberally to the timber substrate with brush, roller, garden sprayer, or water blaster venturi system. Let the SARA Clean solution dwell on the surface for 10 - 15 minutes, or such time as deemed to be necessary by the test procedure. It is important not to let the substrate dry out.
Removal
Once SARA Clean has cleaned the timber, it must be power water rinsed (hot water works best) off. For best results wash off with high-pressure water at 1000 — 1300 p.s.i. pressure. Clean from the lowest point and work upwards methodically. ALWAYS clean off with a water jet that produces a "putty knife" shaped fan that is 40 — 50mm wide about 100mm out from jet. Adopt a continuous quot;mowing action" working with power water fan-jet 100mm from the face of the substrate. DO NOT use quot;turbojets" on timber. CAUTION must be used when cleaning soft timber to reduce the pressure and avoid scouring of sapwood. The longer that WAO is left on the substrate, the greater the rinse time required.
Additionally, certain types of wood surfaces may leave a raised grain effect after stripping is completed. Sanding or poly pad scrubbing may be required to smooth out this condition.
Cleanup and Precautions
SARA Clean is slippery when applied to surface so use caution when walking on horizontal surfaces. DO NOT walk on surfaces coated with SARA Clean. Water flush all equipment, vegetation, paths, concrete, asphalt, and other adjacent surfaces immediately upon contact. Leave job site free of any trace amounts of Saraclean. Always remember that SARA Clean is a chemical, and refer to the health and safety considerations listed in the MSDS sheet prior to commencing any project. Never leave behind any containers or equipment, and appropriately label any containers of residue for disposal.
Recoating
Following the restoration of the timber with SARA Clean, it is important to complete the restoration process by coating the timber with Cutek® Wood Preservative. Application of Cutek® Wood Preservative eliminates the need for any future stripping because it will not form a film that will peel off like a varnish. Additionally, it has been specifically designed to maximise the dimensional stability and aesthetic qualities of natural timber, while providing protection against ultraviolet degradation, moisture and biological growth. Always remember that film-forming coatings can peel and may need to be sanded, stripped, or scraped when reapplication is necessary.
It is important that the restored timber is completely dry before the application of Cutek® Wood Preservative. Allow 3 - 4 days of hot, fine drying weather. If unsure, use a moisture meter to measure the residual moisture content of the restored timber to make sure that it is less than 18% before coating.
Failure to treat the wood after restoration will result in the weathering process occurring more rapidly than it took prior to restoration.