Chemisys Australia - Innovative Chemical Solutions

Timber Restoration

Chemisys manufactures three products that are designed for the restoration of old weathered timber and timber structures that have been previously coated with systems that are now failing, or left uncoated and are going black and grey. It is important when a project to rejuvenate these timbers is undertaken that the correct product is selected according to the specific restoration circumstances. The following information outlines the application and uses of each of these products so that correct method and product selection can be made. A product selection summary is provided at the end of this document.

CD77 Stripper

Basic Use

CD77 Stripper is a water soluble gel designed to remove multiple layers of latex paints, stains, varnishes, linseed oils and other film forming coatings that hide the original color and texture of wood. CD77 Stripper allows you to start over from the beginning, by restoring previously coated or greyed wood to a similar condition to new timber before application of non-film forming Cutek® Wood Preservative. CD77 Stripper is designed to restore timber without damaging the cell structure or interfering with future coatings on the newly stripped surface. CD77 Stripper also removes finishes from all types of surfaces, including masonry and metal.

Technical Data

Colour
Semi Transparent Gel
Coverage
0.5 - 1.5 sq metres/litre
Packaging
20 litre containers

Preparation

It is important to properly prepare the surface to be restored to allow for the proper action of CD77 Stripper, and to protect the environment. If dirt or a heavy chalk film exists on the surface, rinse thoroughly with water first and leave to dry before applying CD77 Stripper. CD77 Stripper is a toxic chemical, so when it is used consideration must be given to containment of dissolved residue so that vegetation is not destroyed or waterways contaminated. Accordingly, we recommend the use of impervious plastic drop sheets to collect the stripped residue.

CD77 Stripper will strip coatings off virtually any substrate including powder coated joinery, therefore it is recommended that any surface that is not being restored but is at risk of exposure to the product be masked off completely.

Because of the wide variety of coatings and film thicknesses that are encountered, a test area should always be stripped prior to commencement of the project to determine how much time the restoration procedure will take, and how much CD77 Stripper will be required. It is important for the user to determine the suitability of the product for its intended application.

Application

Using a synthetic brush, roller, or low-pressure high volume airless sprayer apply a thick coat of CD77 Stripper to the surface. Let CD77 Stripper remain on the surface until all of the old coating has softened uniformly across the coated surface. It is important to avoid premature rinsing. If CD77 Stripper has to remain on surface for 10 minutes or longer, it may dry prematurely. In this instance re-moisten dry areas with a further generous application of CD77 Stripper. A reapplication of the entire process may be necessary for overhangs, corners, windows and the like where CD77 Stripper tends to move downwards and away from the substrate therefore reducing product effectiveness.

Removal

Once the CD77 Stripper has dissolved the previous coating, 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 "mowing action" working with power water fan-jet 100mm from the face of the substrate. DO NOT use "turbojets" on timber. CAUTION must be used when cleaning soft timber to reduce the pressure and avoid scouring of sapwood. The longer that CD77 Stripper 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

CD77 Stripper is slippery when applied to surface so use caution when walking on horizontal surfaces. DO NOT walk on surfaces coated with CD77 Stripper. Water flush all equipment, vegetation, paths, concrete, asphalt, and other adjacent surfaces immediately upon contact. Leave job site free of any trace amounts of CD77 Stripper. Always remember that CD77 Stripper is a toxic chemical, and refer to the health and safety considerations listed in the MSDS sheet prior to commencing any project. Fully protect adjacent surfaces including vegetation and be aware of the potential for wind drift into areas with cars or pedestrian traffic when rinsing or applying. Never leave behind any containers or equipment, and appropriately label any containers of residue for disposal.

Recoating

Following the restoration of the timber with CD77 Stripper, 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.

WAO Stain Remover

Basic Use

WAO Stain Remover was developed because exterior woodsurfaces including structures, shingle roofs, decks, cladding etc. become discoloured from dirt and general weathering and greying. WAO Stain Remover counteracts the weathering process by eliminating years of discoloration and fungus from all species of timber. It cleans, brightens and restores wood surfaces back to the appearance of new timber. In addition it is exceptional at removing stubborn stains such as tannin stains, resin stains, fungal & algae stains, green CCA stains, oil and grease stains, surface greying and many other chemical stains that may destroy the natural beauty of wood.

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. WAO Stain Remover weathered wood restorer on the other hand is significantly safer, more effective, and biodegradable.

WAO Stain Remover may also be used to remove mill glaze from freshly sawn smooth timber.

Limitations

WAO Stain Remover is formulated for use on uncoated weathered timber surfaces or coated timber surfaces where the coating has eroded completely away. WAO Stain Remover will not remove any paint, stain or clear finish that is in sound condition. In these situations CD77 Stripper must be used. WAO Stain Remover may dull painted and metal surfaces if it is not rinsed off quickly.

Technical Data

Colour
Semi Transparent Viscous Liquid
Coverage
5 - 8 sq metres/litre
Packaging
4 and 10 litre containers

Preparation

Unlike bleach and detergents, WAO Stain Remover is not considered a strong defoliant, however, the use of drop cloths to protect delicate and/or adjacent vegetation is recommended.

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 WAO Stain Remover 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.

It is preferable to use WAO Stain Remover as supplied and it must always be mixed well before use. Sometimes however, the use of hot water rinsing combined with an easy to clean surface, means that WAO Stain Remover can be diluted with water. If a choice to dilute the product is made, always test to determine if the dilution being used is effective in cleaning. If the timber is proving easy to clean, it might be more cost effective to use SARA Clean instead of WAO Stain Remover on a large project.

Application

Apply WAO Stain Remover liberally to a pre-wetted timber substrate with brush, roller, or garden sprayer. Let WAO Stain Remover do most of the work by letting it dwell on the surface for 10 minutes — 8 hours, or such time as deemed to be necessary by the test procedure. It may be necessary to scrub stubborn stains moderately with a stiff fibre brush.

Removal

Once WAO Stain Remover 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 "mowing action" working with power water fan-jet 100mm from the face of the substrate. DO NOT use "turbojets" on timber. CAUTION must be used when cleaning soft timber to reduce the pressure and avoid scouring of sapwood. The longer that WAO Stain Remover 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.

If WAO Stain Remover is being used to remove mill glaze (a smooth glossy surface found on smooth newly sawn timber which is impervious to most coatings) use the same procedure as above.

Cleanup and Precautions

WAO Stain Remover is slippery when applied to surface so use caution when walking on horizontal surfaces. DO NOT walk on surfaces coated with WAO Stain Remover. Water flush all equipment, vegetation, paths, concrete, asphalt, and other adjacent surfaces immediately upon contact. Leave job site free of any trace amounts of WAO Stain Remover. Always remember that WAO Stain Remover is a hazardous chemical, and refer to the health and safety considerations listed in the MSDS sheet prior to commencing any project. Fully protect adjacent surfaces including vegetation and be aware of the potential for wind drift into areas with cars or pedestrian traffic when rinsing or applying. Never leave behind any containers or equipment, and appropriately label any containers of residue for disposal.

Recoating

Following the restoration of the timber with WAO Stain Remover, 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.

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 "mowing action" working with power water fan-jet 100mm from the face of the substrate. DO NOT use "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.

Restoration Product Selection Chart

Situation
Product
Timbers coated four years previously with Cutek® Wood Preservative have faded and need a recoat
Timber structure coated with mostly failed anti-graffiti coating, needs to be restored and coated with Cutek® Wood Preservative
Uncoated, weathered grey cladding on house or timber structure needs restoration and coating with Cutek® Wood Preservative
Natural timber garage door has graphite stains in the timber
Acid splashes from exposed aggregate drive have damaged natural timber cladding or garage door
Exterior paintwork on structure is dirty and mouldy and needs water blast cleaning
Natural timber cladding previously coated with linseed oil coating has gone black
Timbers previously coated with clear or semi clear varnish that has failed and is peeling
Timbers previously coated with "penetrating stain" are peeling
Hardwood decking has gone black with lifting butt joins
Water or tannin stains on natural timber cladding

If you require further assistance with restoration issues please contact Chemisys.

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