How To Use Cutek Wood Preservative
In order for Cutek Wood Preservative to function properly, it is essential that it is able to diffuse deeply into the timber. Correspondingly, any situations that would inhibit this free diffusion such as retained moisture, insufficient time between coats, or the presence of any surface sealant or barrier, must be avoided or satisfactorily remedied by correct procedure and product selection. Additionally, timbers to be coated with Cutek Wood Preservative should be clean and dry, with an equilibrium moisture content of no higher than 17%, and moisture gradient of less than 1%.
Cutek Wood Preservative On New Timbers Or Plywood
It is recommended that one coat of Cutek Wood Preservative be applied to all faces of the timber prior to fixing, and a second coat of Cutek Wood Preservative be applied a minimum of two weeks after application of the first coat. Always ensure that sufficient time is allowed for penetration of Cutek Wood Preservative into the substrate before re-application, as actual recoat time may vary according to factors such as substrate temperature, density, porosity or retained moisture content. Thicker timbers such as posts, beams and logs will require additional coats of Cutek Wood Preservative in order to obtain adequate protection, as Cutek Wood Preservative has a cumulative effective in the wood with each application.
When Cutek Wood Preservative is used on plywood or laminated timber, penetration beyond the glue line may be inhibited. Cutek Wood Preservative can be used on CCA and other treated timbers using the above coating format, however timbers pre-treated with invisible film-forming wax and polymer processes such as LOSP, or water-repellent dips may prevent or slow down the free diffusion of Cutek Wood Preservative.
Please contact Chemisys if you have any questions regarding the suitability of our products over other coatings or pre-treatments.
Cutek Wood Preservative On Old, Or Previously Coated Timbers
Old, dirty, or weathered grey timbers should be prepared by applying SARA Clean biodegradable surface-active restoration agent, and power rinsing with a home water blaster set to under 750 p.s.i. (50 bar), with a fan jet pattern to avoid damage to the wood fibres.
Tougher stains such as water marks, tannin stains, and grease stains may be removed from the timber by using the more powerful WAO Stain Remover and a similar process. When the substrate is thoroughly dry, the restoration of the timber may be completed by the application of two coats of Cutek Wood Preservative. It is important to note that the use of high-pressure water alone to clean timber will not eliminate biological growth from the timber and may create damage to the wood fibres as well as uneven start and stop marks. Additionally, 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 may damage the timber tissue. Using bleach to clean timber may produce a film forming reaction in the outer wood fibres that causes a subsequent coating failure.
Timbers previously coated with a film-forming product that is failing (e.g. conventional stains, linseed oil, paint, polyurethane, etc.), must first be restored to their original texture and colour by preparation with CD77 Stripper and/or WAO Stain Remover prior to the application of Cutek Wood Preservative. This process can be more complex depending on the individual circumstances, so consultation should be made with Chemisys prior to the commencement of this type of project. The results that can be achieved from such a restoration are both dramatic and rewarding as warped and cupped timbers can return to their original profile and flatness, and the original natural colour and beauty of the wood can be restored.
Additional information is available in the Timber Restoration section of this web site
How To Use Cutek Wood Preservative On Joinery And Glazing
The first application of Cutek Wood Preservative can be factory dipped, brushed or sprayed onto frames and sashes prior to site delivery. Joinery coated this way will require further on-site applications to complete timber protection.
If using wooden glazing beads we recommend either Bostik Seal n Flex, Sikaflex PRO 2HP, or 3M Scotchseal 5300, which will adhere directly to timber already protected with Cutek Wood Preservative. Any of these products will provide a flexible seal and adhesive cushion. If glazing with linseed oil putty or similar, wipe the glazing rebate with a dry cloth, then stripe with one or two coats of a waterbased polyurethane. When fully cured, glaze as normal. The use of other sealants may be successful, however we suggest you test alternatives for satisfactory adhesion to Cutek Wood Preservative coated timber prior to use.