Technical Info

The CUTEK® system is simple to understand and easy to use:

  • Step 1 > Prepare – clean and enhance your timber by preparing it for coating
  • Step 2 > Protect – powerfully protect your timber for the long-term

Need help? Our expert team is on-hand to provide technical support and clear, easy to understand, practical instruction and advice. Simply call 1300 1 CUTEK.

Have a question about CUTEK® products, timber, or just need some helpful advice on your project? Explore our resources here or contact us.

  • Potable Rainwater Collection

    Timber is a hygroscopic (water loving) material. When trees are growing, the timber structure absorbs moisture and minerals from the soil, distributing these throughout the tree. In the tree’s growth process, it naturally synthesises tannins for various reasons, including; defence against tree eating organisms, tree damage repair, UV protection etc. Some tannins are water soluble, that can leach out during the process of water absorption and desorption (rain). Some tannins including (phenolic compounds and alkaloids) can be harmful to humans when ingested.

    CUTEK® also contains various compounds that are not recommended for human consumption. Although the leaching of CUTEK® compounds is negligible because of its hydrophobic (water repelling) nature, there is a possibility that some components may leach out at a small rate. Because of this leaching, we recommend against using CUTEK® oils on potable water catchment substrates.

  • Fastenings

    CUTEK® products will not adversely affect hot dipped galvanised iron, silicon bronze, stainless steel or copper nails. Colourtoned CUTEK® oils may lightly stain lead flashing and other substrates contacted by leachate. Make sure you adequately protect fastenings prior to coating with colourtoned CUTEK® oils.

  • Timber pre-oiled or pre-coated with products containing natural/vegetable oils

    Timber that has been pre-oiled with products that contain natural/vegetable oils (e.g. linseed oil etc) generally cross-link to form a barrier which effects CUTEK® oil’s ability to penetrate into the timber substrate. These products can also promote or accelerate unsightly mould growth on timber.

    It is important that such natural/vegetable oil products are completely removed from your timber PRIOR to application of a CUTEK® oil.

    Refer to our STEP 1: Prepare products for more information on how to prepare your timber for coating with CUTEK® oils.

  • Very light-coloured timbers

    CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative contain a small amount of copper salts that may impart a faint green hue on some very light or white coloured timbers. This is more likely to occur in internal applications or in areas not exposed to UV light. Some commonly used light coloured timber species used internally where this may be an issue are Hoop Pine, Hemlock, Tasmanian Oak and Victorian Ash (list not exhaustive). We have a copper-free product called CUTEK® Euro (available by special order) which is extensively used as an alternative to CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative in these instances . For more information regarding this option, please contact our friendly technical support team who will be able to assist you with your project.

    To determine if CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Euro is appropriate for your timber,  or contact us for further advice.

  • Surface Contamination

    It is very important to ensure that timber surfaces to be coated with CUTEK® oils are free from chemical residues and are not exposed to environmental contaminants such as dusts while the applied CUTEK is drying.  It is possible that contact with highly alkaline contaminants such as cement/fertiliser/other dusts or poorly rinsed cleaners may lead to chemical staining.

  • Use of CUTEK® Colourtones in non-CUTEK® products

    It has come to our attention that representatives of other oil wood coatings are recommending the use of CUTEK® Colourtones in their own non-CUTEK® products. CUTEK® Colourtones are specially formulated for use in CUTEK® timber oils ONLY.

    CUTEK® does not permit or endorse the use of CUTEK® Colourtones in any other third-party products.

  • Acetylated Wood

    CUTEK® products are not suitable for use on acetylated wood.

  • Plywood

    Applying CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative to some decorative plywoods with extremely thin top veneers may cause underlying dark veneer glue lines to become visible due to the penetration of the CUTEK® oil rendering the top veneer semitransparent. For these applications, we recommend using CUTEK® Interior. It is also important to be aware that plywood designed for interior use with very thin top veneer is often used against design specification in exterior situations such as soffits.

    Order a free on our website or from your nearest reseller to make sure CUTEK® is right for your project.

  • Preservation

    CUTEK® has one licenced wood preservative product – CUTEK® Wood Preservative (APVMA Approval No: 83026/107340).

    CUTEK® Wood Preservative is an oil based wood stabiliser used for the pre-treatment and remedial treatment of exterior wood in industrial and domestic situations.

    CUTEK® Wood Preservative coated wood resists damagd caused by fungal decay, mould, termites and moisture, improving dimensional stability and minimising warping, cupping and splitting.

    NOTE: All other CUTEK® products are designed purely as surface coating or cleaning type products, and are in no way intended to replace licensed wood treatment processes.

     

     

  • Colourtone and Coloured Sample Testpot Variations

    While we make every effort to ensure consistency of CUTEK® coloured products, it is occasionally possible there may be a colour variation between made up product and test pots supplied. This may be due to a variety of variables including but not limited to: differences in testpot/colourtone storage times, transport and storage conditions, human error and/or variations in raw materials.

    It is the sole responsibility of the applicator to ensure the actual colour being applied is suitable for the intended purpose. CUTEK® does not accept any liability for the application of any incorrect colour to any substrate for any reason. If you discover a variation or have any doubts about the accuracy of a coloured product, please contact us for advice and assistance.

  • Knots

    When CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative is applied it diffuses deeply into the wood and displaces moisture. This reduction in moisture content may loosen some knots, particularly in very knotty woods.

  • Food Preparation Surfaces

    CUTEK® products are not suitable for use on food preparation surfaces.

  • Colour and Weathering

    The colour and grain of timber can vary significantly. Wood coated with clear and/or Colourtoned CUTEK® timber oil can fade and weather at different rates when exposed to the weather.

    CUTEK® is unable to offer any specific performance warranties in relation to colour retention for CUTEK® products because of many variables related to the weathering process including but not limited to: the age and porosity of the wood, species, situation, design and structure, aspect, differing exposure to the weather, method of application and adequacy of preparation.

    Specially formulated Colourtones are available to mix with clear CUTEK® oils. This will help keep a freshly oiled look for longer while delaying silvering and maintaining the natural character of the wood.

    To maintain the timber’s natural colour for longer, choose a CUTEK® Colourtone similar to the natural colour of the timber. Suggested CUTEK® Colourtones that match the natural hue of your timber can be found on our Colourtone page. Colourtones can also help alter your timber colour if required (e.g. make your timber look lighter or darker than its natural state).

    When selecting from the range of colourtones allow for the wood colour to naturally lighten during the first three to eight months after application, as natural weathering and leaching occurs.

    Order a free on our website or from you nearest reseller to make sure CUTEK® is right for your project.

    New wood is milled smooth and often has a mill glaze which will greatly restrict the initial colour build. Better results can be achieved preparing your wood for coating using CUTEK® Restore and removing with a high-pressure washer. This will clean your timber and open the grain for the CUTEK® Colourtone.

    Alternatively, greater colour intensity and durability can be achieved by mixing in double the recommended CUTEK® Colourtone for the can size (i.e., 2 CUTEK® Colourtones per 5 Litres). This will apply more pigment to the wood surface and increase the UV protection of your timber.

    Colour will last longer on rusticated, or band sawn timbers, and may be maximised by including the Colourtone in all subsequent applications of CUTEK® oils. If your  CUTEK® Colourtoned wood has faded over time, wash the timber with CUTEK® QuickClean or CUTEK® Restore and apply a single coat of Colourtoned CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative to restore the original look of the protected wood.

    Wood that has weathered and greyed can be easily bought back to its original appearance by using CUTEK® Restore.

  • Leaching

    CUTEK® timber oils do not stop wood from leaching but can significantly reduce it. Exterior painted or plastered surfaces below CUTEK® protected woods may become stained by leachate from above. If this inadvertently occurs, in most cases CUTEK® Restore can remove leach/tannin stains.

  • Cross Diffusion

    Where plasterboard, plaster, or any other absorbent material abuts wood coated with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative it is possible that cross diffusion into the porous substrate may occur. Order a free on our website or from your nearest reseller to make sure CUTEK® is right for your project.

  • Chemicals

    Wood surfaces coated with CUTEK® Step 2: Protect products may show splash or spilling marks if contacted by chemically staining products such as wine, cleaner contaminated water, or strong chemicals. At risk areas include kitchens, bathrooms and spa and pool areas. Order a free on our website or from your nearest reseller to make sure CUTEK® is right for your project.

  • Glazing

    CUTEK® products have been successfully used on wooden joinery for decades. It is important to note that many silicones and rubber-based sealants have poor oil and solvent resistance and may be incompatible with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative. We recommend polyurethane or flouro-silicone technology as a starting point for sealant evaluation for use with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative. At all times, careful testing of glues and sealants used in joinery manufacture should be undertaken to ensure compatibility with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative prior to use. It is important to note CUTEK® Extreme CD50 may be more compatible with silicon sealants than CUTEK® Wood Preservative.  Some manufacturers in the past have achieved good adhesion by pre striping a CUTEK® Oil coated surfaces with a polyurethane sealer prior to glazing with a silicon sealant. Glazing after the CUTEK® Oil has completely cured (dry and non-greasy) is the best practice. Please contact us for free and project advice.

  • Rubber & Butynol

    CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative will dissolve rubber-based glues and adhesives, and will affect Butynol and rubber surfaces if not wiped off soon after contact is made. It also may affect some silicones in a similar fashion.

    When CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative are applied to wooden shingles, they do not normally affect the Butynol underlay. Wood protected with CUTEK® exerior timber oils can become stained if it is in constant contact with bituminous type materials. Order a free on our website or from your nearest reseller to make sure CUTEK® oils are right for your project.

  • Garage Doors

    If the wood being coated is on a garage door and the glue holding the wood to the frame is a rubber-based adhesive (or you are uncertain), run a bead of glazing sealer along the back of the door where the wood meets the frame. This will ensure the wood remains intact if CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative comes in contact with the adhesive.

  • Surface Mould & Fungus

    Even clean looking wood may be contaminated with mould spores that are not readily identifiable with the naked eye. If wood in this condition is coated with CUTEK® exterior timber oil, it is possible that dark staining may occur. If this happens CUTEK® Restore may be able to rectify the situation.

  • Adjacent Surfaces

    While CUTEK® products are safe and easy to use, always remember they are all professional grade and strength, so care must be taken to protect adjacent surfaces from inadvertent contact.

    CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative may stain concrete, while CUTEK® Restore, CUTEK® Quickclean, and CUTEK® Wood Stripper may dull, damage, or remove adjacent paintwork or coatings.

  • Weather and Temperature

    Before wood applying CUTEK® external timber oils, it is important that your timber is clean, non-greasy and dry with a moisture content of less than 17% and a moisture gradient of less than 1%.

    Do not apply CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative to exterior timbers if it is likely to rain within 48 hours of applying.

    Cold temperatures may increase the viscosity of CUTEK® exterior timber oils which can slow down the rate of diffusion. Store containers in a warm place immediately prior to applying to help alleviate this problem.

    Because CUTEK® timber oils dry by diffusing into the wood substrate, applying a second coat too quickly after the first coat in cold weather will significantly delay the drying process. If this inadvertently occurs, remove excess oil from the surface with a rag. This will help the surface dry faster.

    You may delay the second coat of CUTEK® oil for up to three months with no detrimental effect to the efficacy of the coating.

  • General

    CUTEK® is the trusted choice of design and construction professionals to powerfully protect timber. While CUTEK® products are manufactured to the highest standard, we are unable to offer any specific performance warranties (including for colour retention) because of the wide variation of possible applications for CUTEK® products.

    These variables include but are not limited to:

    The age and porosity of the wood, species, situation, design and structure, aspect, differing exposure to the weather and adequacy of preparation. We always recommend testing our products prior to application.

    CUTEK® will not accept liability for:

    • the application of incorrect colour to any substrate for any reason
    • the application of CUTEK® to wood with a moisture content greater than 17%
    • the application of CUTEK® to any substrate with a pre-existing coating
    • the application of CUTEK® Interior in any exterior application
    • the application of CUTEK® to any surface exposed to chemical or environmental contamination

    Order a free from our website or your closest CUTEK® reseller to determine if CUTEK® is right for your project.

  • Wood Discolouration

    Based on their causal factors and nature, wood discolourations can be put into two major groups, microbial and non-microbial discolourations. In our experience, non-microbial discolourations are not as well understood as microbial ones despite their common occurrence.

    Microbial Colour Changes

    Microbial discolourations are caused by micro-organisms. Many wood discolouring fungi/bacteria such as blue stain fungi, mould fungi, and bacteria, may produce dark or coloured stains when exposed to the right conditions of nutrient, moisture and light.

    Non-microbial Colour Changes

    Non-microbial discolourations can be mechanical (e.g., burn marks, dirt), chemical, biochemical or photochemical but may also have both chemical and microbial involvement. Analysis of these stains can be complex as many factors may be involved such as exposure to light and oxygen, substrate/coating pH, species, external contaminants, presence of metal ions and moisture content.

    Discolouration and Extractives

    All timber contains “extractives” which are chemicals that are solvent and/or water-soluble compounds that can be highly reactive. Extractives are non-structural chemical components that are mostly produced during heartwood formation. Extractives are extremely varied in their chemical nature and embrace many different classes of organic compounds, including tannins and other phenolic compounds, resins, essential oils, fats, terpenes, flavanoids, quinones, carbohydrates, glycosides and alkaloids.  These extractives can be a major contributor to timber discolourations. For example, some common polyphenol extractives exposed to oxygen and light, oxidise to form quinones and other complex polymers. Generally speaking, dark timbers tend to lighten and light-coloured wood tends to go yellow. Specific changes are very dependent on specific environmental conditions and species of timber.

    Water Stain Discolouration

    Exposure of raw wood to water can mobilize and cause leaching of water-soluble extractives presenting as unsightly water stain rings when the timber is dry. Water stain can be quickly and easily removed with CUTEK® Restore.

    Natural Silvering of Wood

    Uncoated exterior timbers that are exposed to UV sunlight breaks down the lignin in the cellulose causing photochemical degradation. This is what causes timber that is bare or coated in clear CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative to lighten/silver over time. The specific shade of grey and rate of change is dependent on species, exposure aspect and coating format used. If you wish to slow the rate of “silvering off” of your exterior CUTEK® oil coated wood then it is vital to add a CUTEK® Colourtone to your CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative oil prior to application in all coats. Exterior timber that has “greyed off” may be quickly and easily restored to fresh looking wood by using CUTEK® Restore.

    Initial Colour Change Caused by the Application of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative to New Wood

    CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative applied to new timber can initially change the colour of the wood considerably, usually darkening the timber. This is due to the CUTEK® oil filling all the voids/pores in the timber and “wetting it out”. Typically, CUTEK® oil coated timbers will have a higher refractive value than air, hence the darker appearance upon initial coating. A quick and easy way to check what the colour of your freshly oiled CUTEK® wood will look like is to splash some water on the timber and observe the colour. Additionally, we can supply a to help you determine the suitability of colour for your own project.

    Discolouration caused by Alkaline Materials

    Alkaline substances and chemicals such as bleach and alkaline adhesives etc, can react with timbers high in polyphenolic tannins to produce stains. These resulting stains can often be distinguished from iron stain as they are usually brown in colour whereas iron stain typically has a black/blue appearance.

    Discolouration Caused by Iron Stain

    Iron stain is an unsightly blue–black or grey discoloration that is often incorrectly described as “mould” because of its frequently “spotty” appearance. Iron stain can occur on nearly all woods; however, some timbers are particularly prone to iron stain because they contain large amounts of tannin-like extractives. The discolouration is usually caused by a chemical reaction between extractives and iron content in steel products, such as nails, screws, and other fasteners. Steel used in contact with wood must be protected from corrosion by using stainless steel or processes such as hot dip galvanising. Problems with iron contamination can come from traces of iron left on wood from cutting, grinding or slicing; cleaning the surface with steel wool, wire brushes, or iron tools; using finishes stored in rusty containers; and using previous iron-containing or iron-contaminated finishes. Iron dust from metalworking and even plant fertilizers can be sources of iron along with removal of old rusted guttering, handrail construction and contact by steel capped boots. Merely striking wood with a hammer can cause iron stain on some timbers. Urine on wood floors will also hasten the reaction with iron and wood extractives, producing the typical iron stain discolouration. Unprotected timbers that get wet on or off site prior to fixing are particularly vulnerable as the water-soluble extractives are more readily mobilised to react with any iron contamination. Iron stain can be quickly and easily removed with CUTEK® Restore.

    Discolouration in Timber with High Leucoanthocyanin Levels

    Some timbers can contain high levels of naturally occurring tannins called leucoanthocyanins which normally appear colourless. In rare circumstances, the application of a higher acid value glue or coating (such as CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative) can cause the leucoanthocyanin tannin to chemically change into anthocyanins and other derivative compounds. These compounds can then appear in the visible region of the light spectrum, showing more commonly as an attractive red note enhancement of the underlying substrate, however more rarely purple, blue, bluish green through black hues may be visible in some areas. The actual colour of the stain is a function of overall pH and environmental factors such as heat, light levels, enzymes, and oxygen. Not all woods are susceptible.

    Natural features of timber like this show why it is important to choose suitable timbers for the intended environment, coating format and end use application. If you suspect that this may be a problem for your project, order a to help determine the suitability of our products for your project.

    Other Possible Discolourations of CUTEK® Exterior Oil Coated Timbers

    CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative contain a small amount of copper salts that may impart a faint green hue on some very light or white coloured timbers. This is more likely to occur in internal applications or in areas not exposed to UV light. Some commonly used light coloured timber species used internally where this may be an issue are Hoop Pine, Hemlock, Tasmanian Oak and Victorian Ash (list not exhaustive). We have a copper-free product called CUTEK® Euro (available by special order) which is extensively used as an alternative to CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative in these instances . For more information regarding this option, please contact our friendly technical support team who will be able to assist you with your project.

    To determine if CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Euro is appropriate for your timber,  or contact us for further advice.

    Remedial Treatments

    CUTEK® are experts in remedial treatment products and processes for many types of wood discolourations and stains. If you have a specific issue that you would like advice on, please contact us for further information.

  • Precoated Timber

    A significant amount of new timber is now sold with a pre-treatment or precoating already applied. Particular attention needs to be paid to ensure that your timber has not been pre-treated or precoated prior to applying CUTEK® exterior timber oils. If you believe that your timber has had a prior non-CUTEK® treatment/coating applied, you will need to adequately prepare your timber (See STEP 1: Prepare) prior to your application of  CUTEK® exterior oils. If you have any questions about this process, please contact one of our friendly technical advisers on 1300 1 CUTEK (1300 1 28835).

    NOTE: This warning does not apply to any timber that has been precoated in CUTEK® branded exterior oil products.

  • Very Light-Coloured Timbers

    CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative contain a small amount of copper salts that may impart a faint green hue on some very light or white coloured timbers. This is more likely to occur in internal applications or in areas not exposed to UV light. Some commonly used light coloured timber species used internally where this may be an issue are Hoop Pine, Hemlock, Tasmanian Oak and Victorian Ash (list not exhaustive). We have a copper-free product called CUTEK® Euro (available by special order) which is extensively used as an alternative to CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative in these instances . For more information regarding this option, please contact our friendly technical support team who will be able to assist you with your project.

    To determine if CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Euro is appropriate for your timber,  or contact us for further advice.

  • Stains and Leaching

    Stains On Wood Due to Natural Causes

    Wood is a natural material that contains a wide variety of compounds that are termed “extractives”. While they are not part of the essential wood structure, they contribute to natural colour, odour, durability and moisture absorbency of a particular species, and may comprise of polyphenols, terpenes, oils, fats, gums, resins and waxes.

    Extractives can leach to the surface of the wood and stain the wood.

    Stains On Processed Wood Arising from Damage To The Living Tree

    If the protective bark on a tree is ruptured the tree will respond by forming protective compounds. Any ruptures potentially expose the tree to invasion by a variety of organisms. If these compounds and organisms are exposed to oxygen and weather it may cause an unsightly stain on processed wood.

    Stains Due to Chemical Changes In Wood Extractives

    As wood grows streaks or blotches of different shades can occur. It’s these variations that add character to the wood and enhance its decorative value. However, when processed wood is placed in the environment and exposed to oxygen and light these natural colour variations can significantly change. Often blonde woods acquire a yellowish tint and red woods become browner.

    Stains And Leaching Due to Water

    If processed wood is exposed to moisture in the environment some of the extractive may leach to the surface, and dissolve, creating watermarks. If the extractive runoff the surface of the wood they can actually stain surrounding surfaces like concrete, tiles and pavers.

    Tannins (polyphenols) in particular are likely to react with alkaline surfaces such as concrete to form an unsightly red/brown stain.

    In Australia, eucalypts such as Stringybark and Blackbutt and tropical hardwoods such as Merbau are particularly prone to causing such staining. If left alone to weather, the level of extractive runoff will reduce and result in a significant reduction in ongoing staining over time. Chemical cleaning and removal of these stains is a simple and easy process with CUTEK® Restore.

    Stains Caused by Chemical Reaction with Iron

    Many wood species have a high tannin content. If the wood gets wet the tannins can react with iron to form black and insoluble iron stain.

    This can cause dark discolourations that can appear suddenly. These stains are often caused as a result of contact with a steel blade or tool during processing or fixing. The stains are limited to the surface and can be cleaned and removed easily.

    In Australia we have noticed Blackbutt is particularly susceptible to this issue. More information on iron stain is avaiable in tab labelled Iron Stain.

    Pre-Cleaning Susceptible Woods

    If you’re using wood with a high level of extractives and fixing it in a wet environment, we recommend a pre-clean using CUTEK® Restore prior to coating with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative.

    While we can’t offer a 100% guarantee due to the varied nature of wood, in our experience a pre-clean helps reduces the chance of stains and helps minimise any stains that do occur.

    Removing Stains and Leachate

    Easily remove iron tannates on wood and leachates on adjacent surfaces with CUTEK® Restore. Follow the procedures in the CUTEK® Restore factsheet for the best result.

  • Using CUTEK® exterior timber oils on Bamboo

    As a substitute for hardwood floors bamboo can be an attractive choice. It looks great and as a renewable resource is an environmentally friendly option. Engineered bamboo offers stability and good looks too.

    However, bamboo isn’t wood and behaves very differently. It needs a much higher level of care and a different approach to make sure it’s protected and stays looking its best for as long as possible.

    We recommend using CUTEK® Extreme CD50 on bamboo. Other CUTEK® oils are not suitable for bamboo.

    Bamboo is a grass, and doesn’t contain the extractives that give durability to many woods. It’s also very hygroscopic, meaning it takes up moisture rapidly and can also dry out very quickly, especially in direct sun. This makes engineered bamboo very susceptible to unsightly black staining moulds and significant surface erosion when exposed to rain and sun meaning that it will split/check and go grey/black rapidly if not properly protected.

    Additionally, because engineered bamboo absorbs and releases moisture very quickly, most traditional wood coatings, deck stains and oils don’t last very long on fully weather exposed material.

    We have observed that what may work reasonably well on wood for 6 to 12 months can often fail on bamboo material inside 12 weeks from time of application.

    In our many years of testing, observation and user feedback, we have found that some engineered bamboo products are just not suitable for full weather exposed applications, despite manufacturer’s claims.

    If you’re using CUTEK ® Extreme CD50 on bamboo we recommend following this process for best results.

    It’s important to be aware that there are many engineered bamboo products on the market, of widely varying quality. CUTEK® Extreme CD50 may or may not work on your chosen engineered bamboo product despite following our recommendations.

    • Inspect your bamboo surface on a regular basis after coating and clean with CUTEK® Restore or CUTEK® QuickClean at the first sign of mould or surface erosion/splitting, followed by a reapplication of a thin coat of CUTEK® Extreme CD50. This must be done as frequently as is necessary.
    • If installing a bamboo deck that has been factory precoated with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 it will need at least one thin coat within one month of install. If mixing in a CUTEK® Colourtone to alter the existing colour, then two coats will be needed for adequate colour build. A further coat should be applied within 6 months, and another after 12 months.

    New bamboo decking which has not been precoated with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 should be coated on all sides before installation, and given two further coats with a CUTEK® Colourtone within a month of installation, following the application procedure on the label.

    A further coat should be applied within 6 months, and another after 12 months.

    • If using strand woven bamboo this product can contain glue which varies in quality. CUTEK® Extreme CD50 will not penetrate the glue in strand woven bamboo as it forms a physical barrier. Some products are very prone to surface expansion and become very rough. If this occurs, sanding back to a flat surface using 80 grit paper is the best preparation prior to application of CUTEK® Extreme CD50.

    Clear CUTEK® Extreme CD50 can be used without a CUTEK® Colourtone, and will fade to a very light natural matt colour over a couple of months, but will resist greying for some time before needing to be recoated. To maintain a ‘freshly oiled’ look, more frequent oiling is required.

    IMPORTANT NOTE

    While the procedures detailed above have proven in some cases to produce a satisfactory result in the decorative coating of engineered bamboo in many countries and are detailed in good faith to assist people, we do not, and are unable to, offer any warranty or performance guarantee of any type (including but not limited to any warranty or performance guarantee in respect of coating longevity, mould/fungi degradation, and splitting/delamination) for the use of any CUTEK® products on any bamboo substrate.

    This is due to the wide variation in the quality of products in the engineered bamboo market including variations in manufacturing processes, varying quality control, varying efficacy of preservative/treatment processes, origin of the raw bamboo, time of bamboo harvest, quality of the glues, place of manufacture etc.

    Some manufacturers choose to specify CUTEK® oils as suitable for their engineered bamboo product, but this does not mean that we are included or involved in any independent warranties issued or implied by a specific manufacturer or distributor in relation to their product.

  • Understanding Colourtones

    It’s important to understand that CUTEK® is a unique penetrating oil system designed to enhance the natural colour and grain of wood. CUTEK® is sold as a clear oil which can be used to protect the wood from moisture and moisture related movement such as cupping, warping and splitting. Using just the clear oil will protect the wood, providing stability and structural integrity while allowing it to naturally lighten to produce a silver weathered patina over time. The soft natural lightening and silvering of the wood represents a low care option and is becoming an increasingly popular way to leave wood in weather exposed settings.

    Wood projects using clear CUTEK® oil that have silvered can easily be returned back to the wood’s original colour using CUTEK® Restore and high pressure washing followed by further applications of CUTEK® clear oil.

    However, if you desire to maintain the original colour of the wood then you need to purchase a CUTEK® Colourtone suited to your selected wood which will further enhance the natural colour and grain and help to maintain its “natural” colour over a longer period of time.

    What to expect when using CUTEK® Colourtones

    Most wood care products on the market leave a build up of material on the surface of the wood. In the short term this provides more colour, but in the long term the finish can be prone to peeling and flaking, which requires time and money to repair.

    The CUTEK® system is unique as it will fade over time rather than peel or flake. The initial CUTEK® Colourtone build on new smooth wood projects only offers subtle amounts of pigment that enhance the wood. Timber that’s exposed fully to the weather will lighten faster as the wood acclimatises over the first six months. A follow up application after this initial weathering period will provide much greater Colourtone build as the wood becomes rougher and more open.

    How to increase colour build on new wood

    New wood is milled smooth and often has a mill glaze which will greatly restrict the initial colour build. Better results can be achieved by creating a rougher surface and preparing the wood using CUTEK® Restore in combination with a high pressure washer. Sanding the new wood to 80 grit will give even better results as it removes mill glaze and creates a much rougher surface which will enable higher colour build.

    NOTE: The rougher the surface of the wood, the greater the colour build and durability. Rough sawn or heavy brushed wood profiles will take more oil and colour so much bolder colour contrast can be achieved. The amount of mill glaze if any that is present on any job can vary significantly depending on species density, and machining method used. Note, sanded surfaces should be vacuumed or washed thoroughly to remove all loose wood and dust.

    Select CUTEK® Colourtone

    Our CUTEK® Colourtone system is designed to enhance the wood colour and grain you select. With this in mind, you need to think about your original wood choice and the colour it most represents. Is it light to Golden, Brown, Red or a combination? Here are a few common examples to help you understand:

    Black Butt and Silver Top Ash: Light tones so Rustic Gold is a good choice

    Spotted Gum: Light creamy to brown and greys so Rustic Gold and Sela Brown will all look similar on new smooth wood.

    Merbau and Red Iron Bark: Rred to brown tone so Autumntone, New Bronzetone, Merbau or Burnt Red will all look very similar on smooth wood.

    Forest Reds and Jarrah: Red tones so Autumntone, New Bronzetone and Burnt Red are all close options and will look similar on smooth wood.

    Changing the original colour of any wood

    For horizontal walk on surfaces such as decking, we recommend you select a CUTEK® Colourtone that is the closest match to the wood you have selected, rather than attempt to change the colour. You can talk to any of our stockists for advice.

    For cladding and screening, a much higher build of colour can be achieved which can completely change the original tone of the wood. Even very light wood coloured species can become an almost solid Black, Grey, Red, Brown or Gold if the wood surface is suitably rough and more coats or a higher pigment loading has been added.

    In some circumstances you can double your CUTEK® Colourtone to achieve bolder effects on rough or brushed wood. We advise that you contact us to discuss this option in more detail as we want to ensure you have the best information possible.

    Application

    One CUTEK® colourtone size can be used in all pack sizes as follows:

    • 1 x 180 ml CUTEK® Colourtone pot is required for a 5 litre can of CUTEK® oil.
    • 2 x 180 ml CUTEK® Coloutone pots per 10 litre can of CUTEK® oil.
    • 4 x 180 ml CUTEK® Colourtone pots per 20 litre can of CUTEK® oil

    Stir and mix the CUTEK® Colourtone well before adding into the clear oil. Continue to stir well with a flat stirrer, lifting from the bottom, for about 2 minutes before use and give a quick stir about every 15 minutes during use to ensure even results.

    For best results, one coat of clear CUTEK® oil should be applied to all faces of the wood prior to installing, with a second and third coat of colourtoned CUTEK® oil applied to the top surface once the first coat is completely dry. Two or three thin coats on finished wood and hardwoods are better than one or two thick coats. CUTEK® oils will take longer to absorb/penetrate into dense hardwoods so thin coats are best so as to avoid delayed drying of the oil.

    Maintenance

    Colourtoned CUTEK® oil will lighten/fade faster in full weather exposed areas whereas wood in protected areas will retain colour with minimal maintenance over time.

    CUTEK® is designed to gradually fade over time rather than peel, split or crack.  Rejuvenation of faded timbers coated with CUTEK® oils is a simple, fast and cost-effective process.

    Clear or Colourtoned CUTEK® oil should be reapplied as frequently as necessary to retain the natural beauty and colour of the wood. Assessment of this is subjective and it is important to realise that colour durability varies widely according to many factors including the age and porosity of the wood, species, situation, exposure to the weather and how rough the wood surface is.

    Typically, horizontal exterior wood surfaces exposed to full weather such as pool decks and handrails will require re-coating more frequently (initially after 6 months, then annually), while other surfaces such as vertical rough-sawn cladding will need recoating less often.

  • Removing Existing Coatings

    CUTEK® Wood Stripper is the perfect choice to remove existing coatings in an easy and safe manner.

    Because of the wide variation in coatings to be stripped it is vital to test CUTEK® Wood Stripper before starting your project. This will help you determine how much time you’ll need to leave CUTEK® Wood Stripper on the timber and how much product you will need for the job.

  • Iron Stains


    Iron stain, is an unsightly blue–black or grey discoloration that is often incorrectly described as “mould” because of its frequently “spotty” appearance. Iron stain can occur on nearly all woods, however some timbers are particularly prone to iron stain because they contain large amounts of tannin-like extractives. The discolouration is usually caused by a chemical reaction between extractives and iron content in steel products, such as nails, screws, and other fasteners. Steel used in contact with wood must be protected from corrosion by using stainless steel or processes such as hot dip galvanising. Problems with iron contamination can come from traces of iron left on wood from cutting, grinding or slicing; cleaning the surface with steel wool, wire brushes, or iron tools; using finishes stored in rusty containers; and using previous iron-containing or iron-contaminated finishes. Iron dust from metalworking and even plant fertilizers can be sources of iron along with removal of old rusted guttering, handrail construction and contact by steel capped boots. Merely striking wood with a hammer can cause iron stain on some timbers. Urine on wood floors will also hasten the reaction with iron and wood extractives, producing the typical iron stain discolouration. Unprotected timbers that get wet on or off site prior to fixing are particularly vulnerable as the water-soluble extractives are more readily mobilised to react with any iron contamination.

    Testing For Iron Stain

    A simple test can be used to determine whether wood discolouration is caused by iron. Apply undiluted CUTEK® Restore, scrubbing into the stained wood surface. If the solution removes the stain after approximately one hour, then iron is present on the wood. If the solution does not remove the stain, try applying bleach to the stained area. If the iron stain is spotty, try to view the stained wood under a 10x magnifying glass. “Chunky” discoloration is usually a result of molten metal and looks like clinkers from a grinding operation. Stain that resembles slivers or flakes could be from steel wool. An even discolouration throughout the stain indicates that the iron was in solution when it contaminated the wood, probably in a contaminated finish or iron contaminated water.

    Removing Iron Stain

    It is easy for iron to contaminate wood, as there are so many possible sources of iron contamination on a building site that are often not initially recognised. To remove iron discolouration, scrub stained timbers with undiluted CUTEK® Restore and leave to soak for one hour. After one hour thoroughly wash the surface with fresh water (preferably with a power washer) to remove excess CUTEK® Restore. It is very important to rinse the CUTEK® Restore off thoroughly because if all sources of iron are not removed or protected from corrosion, staining will occur again. In other words, treatment with CUTEK® Restore is only a temporary solution if iron remains on or in the wood. CUTEK® Restore reacts with iron tannates to form a colourless complex. In time, the residual unrinsed CUTEK® Restore/iron complex will break down, permitting the iron to react with the extractives to form a dark-coloured stain again.

  • Shrinkage and Movement

    Shrinkage and swelling may occur in wood when the moisture content of timber is changed. Shrinkage occurs as moisture content decreases, while swelling takes place when it increases. Volume change is not equal in all directions. The greatest dimensional change occurs in a direction tangential to the growth rings. Shrinkage from the pith outwards, or radially, is usually considerably less than tangential shrinkage, while longitudinal (along the grain) shrinkage is so slight as to be usually neglected. The longitudinal shrinkage is 0.1 to 0.3%, in contrast to transverse shrinkages, which is 2-10%. Tangential shrinkage is often about twice as great as in the radial direction, although in some species it may be as much as five times as great. The shrinkage is species dependent and can be typically 5 to 10% in the tangential direction and 2 to 6% in the radial direction. Dried timbers that are coated with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative are less susceptible to dimensional changes because the deeply penetrating hydrophobic (water resisting) nature of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative minimises the free absorption and desorption of liquid and gas phase moisture therefore assisting with maintaining the dimensional integrity of moisture stabilised timbers.

    Factors Affecting the Dried Appearance, and Dimensional Integrity of Wood

    Factors that significantly affect the drying, appearance and dimensional integrity of dried timbers are:

    • The species; because of the variations in physical, mechanical and moisture transport properties between species.
    • The thickness of the timber; because the drying time is approximately proportional to thickness and, to some extent, is also influenced by the width of the timber.
    • Whether the timber boards are quarter-sawn, back-sawn or mixed-sawn; because sawing pattern influences the distortion due to tangential and radial shrinkage. This leads to warping, cupping, bowing, twisting, spring and diamonding. (see image)
    • Defects that arise due to uneven drying such as rupture of the wood tissue, checks (surface, end and internal), end splits, honey-combing, case hardening and collapse.
  • Moisture in Wood

    Wood is divided, according to its botanical origin, into two kinds: Softwoods from coniferous trees and hardwoods from broadleaved trees. Structurally softwoods are generally simple in structure and lighter whereas hardwoods are generally complex in structure and harder. Softwood (like pine wood) is much lighter and easier to process than the heavy hardwood (like fruit tree wood). The density of softwoods generally ranges between 350-700 kg/m³, while hardwoods are 450-1250 kg/m³. Both consist of approximately 12 % moisture. Due to the more dense and complex structure of hardwood, the permeability is very low in comparison to softwood, thus making it more difficult to dry. The timber of living trees and freshly felled logs contains a large amount of water, which often constitutes more weight than the actual wood. Water has a significant influence on wood. Wood continually exchanges liquid and gas phase moisture (water) with its surroundings, although the rate of exchange is strongly affected by the degree wood is sealed. Dried timbers that are coated with deeply penetrating hydrophobic (water resisting) CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative demonstrate a dramatically slowed rate of moisture exchange.


    Hardwood


    Softwood

    Why Do We Dry Timber?

    Drying, if carried out promptly after the felling of trees, protects timber against primary decay, fungal stain and attack by certain kinds of insects. Organisms, which cause decay and stain, generally cannot thrive in timber with a moisture content below 20%. Several, though not all, insect pests can live only in green timber. Dried wood is less susceptible to decay than green wood (above 20% moisture content). Apart from the above important advantages of drying timber, the following points are also significant:

    • Dried timber is lighter, and hence the transportation and handling costs are reduced.
    • Dried timber is stronger than green timber in most strength properties.
    • Timbers for impregnation with preservatives have to be properly dried if proper penetration is to be accomplished, particularly in the case of oil-type preservatives.
    • In the field of chemical modification of wood and wood products, the material should be dried to a certain moisture content for the appropriate reactions to occur.
    • Dry wood works, machines, finishes and glues better than green timber. Paints and finishes last longer on dry timber.
    • The electrical and thermal insulation properties of wood are improved by drying.

    Fibre Saturation Point

    Fibre saturation point is a term used in wood mechanics and especially wood drying, to denote the point in the drying process at which only water bound in the cell walls remains – all other water, called free water, having been removed from the cell cavities. Further drying of the wood results in strengthening of the wood fibres, and is usually accompanied by shrinkage. Wood is normally dried to a point where it is in equilibrium with the atmospheric moisture content or relative humidity, and since this varies so does the equilibrium moisture content.

    Equilibrium Moisture Content

    Wood is a hygroscopic substance. It has the ability to take in or give off moisture in the form of vapour. The water contained in wood exerts a vapour pressure of its own, which is determined by the maximum size of the capillaries filled with water at any time. If the water vapour pressure in the ambient space is lower than the vapour pressure within wood, desorption takes place. The largest sized capillaries, which are full of water at the time, empty first. The vapour pressure within the wood falls as water is successively contained in smaller and smaller sized capillaries. A stage is eventually reached when the vapour pressure within the wood equals the vapour pressure in the ambient space above the wood, and further desorption ceases. The amount of moisture that remains in the wood at this stage is in equilibrium with the water vapour pressure in the ambient space, and is termed the equilibrium moisture content or EMC.. Because of its hygroscopicity, wood tends to reach a moisture content that is in equilibrium with the relative humidity and temperature of the surrounding air. The EMC of wood varies with the ambient relative humidity to a lesser degree with the temperature. EMC also varies very slightly with species, mechanical stress, drying history of wood, density, extractives content and the direction of sorption in which the moisture change takes place (i.e. adsorption or desorption).

    Moisture Content Of Wood In Service

    Wood retains its hygroscopic characteristics after it is put into use. It is then subjected to fluctuating humidity, the dominant factor in determining its EMC. These fluctuations may be more or less cyclical, such as diurnal changes or annual seasonal changes. In order to minimise the changes in wood moisture content or the movement of wooden objects in service, wood is usually dried to a moisture content that is close to the average EMC conditions to which it will be exposed. These conditions vary for interior uses compared with exterior uses in a given geographic location. The EMC is recommended to be 10-12% for the majority of Australian states, although extreme cases may be up to 15 to 18% for some places in Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania. However, the EMC may be as low as 6 to 7% in dry centrally heated houses and offices or in permanently air-conditioned buildings. The primary reason for drying wood to a moisture content equivalent to its mean EMC under use conditions is to minimise the dimensional changes (or movement) in the final product. Dried timbers that are coated with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative are less susceptible to dimensional changes because the deeply penetrating hydrophobic (water resisting) nature of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 and CUTEK® Wood Preservative minimises the free absorption and desorption of liquid and gas phase moisture.

  • CUTEK® Interior

    STEP 2 > PROTECT

    Safety And Precautions

    Before you begin to Protect your timber, note the hazards and precautions on this label and ensure that you have obtained and know how to use the correct safety equipment. CUTEK® Interior is a hazardous chemical. It is important to refer to the health and safety considerations listed in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) PRIOR to commencement of your project. When using CUTEK® Interior all adjacent surfaces and vegetation must be adequately protected.

    Application:

    Before and during use, ensure that CUTEK® Interior is stirred thoroughly, making sure you stir from the bottom of the can. CUTEK® Interior must be applied to a clean and dry surface.

    Apply CUTEK® Interior to all visible faces of the wood with a paint pad, brush or roller ensuring that the coat is even and without pooling. If applying with a brush or paint pad, ensure you brush in the direction of the grain. Allow to dry for a minimum of 2 hours.

    TIP: Sanding between coats may not be required as long as the time between coats is less than 16 hours. If the time between coats is greater than 16 hours, lightly sand using 180 grit sand paper.

    After sanding, wipe the surface clean before the subsequent coat. Apply the subsequent coat evenly and without pooling. For best results, a third coat should be applied.

    NOTE: While surface may feel completely dry after several hours, full cure may take up to 7 days. Protect coated surfaces until full cure is achieved.

    Clean-Up:

    Equipment may be cleaned with water. Ensure wash water is disposed in accordance with local regulations.

  • CUTEK® Wood Preservative

    STEP 2 > PROTECT

    Before you protect:

    Before you begin, note the hazards and precautions on this website and the can labelling, and ensure that you use the correct safety equipment as detailed in the Safety Data Sheet.

    Weather:

    Once applied, CUTEK® Wood Preservative generally requires 2-3 days of dry conditions after coating to facilitate full penetration/diffusion and an even colour finish; so check your weather forecast before coating.

    Colourtone:

    Clear, un-tinted CUTEK® Wood Preservative will allow your wood to naturally lighten/silver/grey when exposed to sunlight while retaining its protection characteristics. Unless you want a clear finish that will naturally lighten/silver/grey off in a few months, it is important to mix in 1 CUTEK® Colourtone to this can of oil before use. Adding a CUTEK® Colourtone provides UV colour protection and slows the lightening/silvering process.

    To choose which Colourtone suits your timber and project, visit our Colourtone page.

    Note: CUTEK® Wood Preservative diffuses deeply into your timber and will continue to provide moisture protection and improve dimensional stability even if a CUTEK® Colourtone is not added and your wood becomes weathered and greyed.

    Application:

    After preparing your timber, it will need to be completely dry prior to coating with CUTEK® Wood Preservative. It is very important that your timber is clean, non-greasy and dry with a moisture content of less than 17%.  It is also very important that the surface of the wood is free from chemical residues and is not exposed to environmental contaminants such as dusts while CUTEK® Wood Preservative is drying.

    Stir the CUTEK® Wood Preservative oil thoroughly (with the added CUTEK® Colourtone if desired) before and during use. Make sure you stir from the bottom of the can to ensure active ingredients are properly mixed throughout the oil.

    Apply thin, even coats with a brush, paint pad or lambswool applicator. CUTEK®’s DeckBoss brush is a good option. CUTEK® Wood Preservative works best when applied as a THIN COAT – two or three thin coats on finished wood and hardwoods are much better than one or two thick coats. For best results, ONE coat of CUTEK® Wood Preservative should be applied to all faces of the wood prior to installing, with a SECOND coat applied to the top surface once the first coat has completely penetrated/diffused.

    Drying time:

    Unlike traditional wood coatings, CUTEK® Wood Preservative needs to penetrate/diffuse deeply into your timber. After coating, CUTEK® Wood Preservative will slowly migrate into your wood to repel moisture, improve dimensional stability and lengthen the service life of your timber. This penetration/diffusion process varies in time for many reasons including differences in timber type (species, density, porosity, age of timber and residual moisture content) as well as environmental factors (temperature, humidity, weather).

    Sometimes this drying process can take several days to complete. You will know when your timber is ready for a recoat of CUTEK® Wood Preservative when it is completely dry and non-greasy. Please note the second coat of CUTEK® Wood Preservative will take longer to migrate into your timber than the first coat.

    Clean-up:

    Equipment (including brushes) may be cleaned with turps or soap and water. If not correctly cleaned or disposed of, oily rags and other oily materials may cause combustion fires. After use you MUST immediately spread out all oily material outside to dry, by flattening them out to their full size in an airy spot at temperatures above 4 degrees Celsius, or wash them thoroughly with water and detergent and rinse. Remove all oil from all clothes, tools, rags and any other materials contacted during use or as a result of an accidental spill. Ensure wash water is disposed in accordance with local regulations.

    Coverage
    New hardwoods dressed
    10–15m2/litre
    Old restored timber dressed
    7–9m2/litre
    New timber rough sawn
    7–9m2/litre
    Old restored timber rough sawn
    4–7m2/litre
    Shingles and shakes
    4–5m2/litre

    These figures represent typical averages for common decking and cladding timber species and are to be used as a guideline only.

  • CUTEK® Extreme CD50

    Step 2 > Protect

    Before you protect

    Before you begin, note the hazards and precautions on this website and the can labelling, and ensure that you use the correct safety equipment as detailed in the Safety Data Sheet.

    Weather

    Once applied, CUTEK® Extreme CD50 generally requires 2-3 days of dry conditions after coating to facilitate full penetration/diffusion and an even colour finish; so check your weather forecast before coating.

    Colourtone

    Clear, un-tinted CUTEK® Extreme CD50 will allow your wood to naturally lighten/silver/grey when exposed to sunlight while retaining its protection characteristics. Unless you want a clear finish that will naturally lighten/silver/grey off in a few months, it is important to mix in 1 CUTEK® Colourtone to this can of oil before use. Adding a CUTEK® Colourtone provides UV colour protection and slows the lightening/silvering process.

    To choose which Colourtone suits your timber and project, visit our Colourtone page.

    Note: CUTEK® Extreme CD50 diffuses deeply into your timber and will continue to provide moisture protection and improve dimensional stability even if a CUTEK® Colourtone is not added and your wood becomes weathered and greyed.

    Application

    After preparing your timber, it will need to be completely dry prior to coating with CUTEK® Extreme CD50. It is very important that your timber is clean, non-greasy and dry with a moisture content of less than 17%. It is also very important that the surface of the wood is free from chemical residues and is not exposed to environmental contaminants such as dusts while CUTEK® Extreme CD50 is drying.

    Stir the CUTEK® Extreme CD50 oil thoroughly (with the added CUTEK® Colourtone if desired) before and during use. Make sure you stir from the bottom of the can to ensure active ingredients are properly mixed throughout the oil.

    Apply thin, even coats with a brush, paint pad or lambswool applicator. CUTEK®’s DeckBoss brush is a good option. CUTEK® Extreme CD50 works best when applied as a THIN COAT – two or three thin coats on finished wood and hardwoods are much better than one or two thick coats. For best results, ONE coat of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 should be applied to all faces of the wood prior to installing, with a SECOND coat applied to the top surface once the first coat has completely penetrated/diffused.

    Drying time

    Unlike traditional wood coatings, CUTEK® Extreme CD50 needs to penetrate/diffuse deeply into your timber. After coating, CUTEK® Extreme CD50 will slowly migrate into your wood to repel moisture, improve dimensional stability and lengthen the service life of your timber. This penetration/diffusion process varies in time for many reasons including differences in timber type (species, density, porosity, age of timber and residual moisture content) as well as environmental factors (temperature, humidity, weather).

    Sometimes this drying process can take several days to complete. You will know when your timber is ready for a recoat of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 when it is completely dry and non-greasy. Please note the second coat of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 will take longer to migrate into your timber than the first coat.

    Clean-up

    Equipment (including brushes) may be cleaned with turps or soap and water. If not correctly cleaned or disposed of, oily rags and other oily materials may cause combustion fires. After use you MUST immediately spread out all oily material outside to dry, by flattening them out to their full size in an airy spot at temperatures above 4 degrees Celsius, or wash them thoroughly with water and detergent and rinse. Remove all oil from all clothes, tools, rags and any other materials contacted during use or as a result of an accidental spill. Ensure wash water is disposed in accordance with local regulations.

    Coverage
    New hardwoods dressed
    10–20m2/litre
    Old restored timber dressed
    7–9m2/litre
    New timber rough sawn
    7–9m2/litre
    Old restored timber rough sawn
    4–7m2/litre
    Shingles and shakes
    2–5m2/litre

    These figures represent typical averages for common decking and cladding timber species and are to be used as a guideline only.

  • CUTEK® Wood Stripper

    STEP 1 > PREPARE

    Before Applying

    Because of the variations in coatings to be stripped, it is vital to test CUTEK® Wood Stripper BEFORE starting your project. This will help you determine how much time you will need to leave CUTEK® Wood Stripper on the timber and how much product you will need for the job.

    NOTE: CUTEK® Wood Stripper may need to be applied more than once to thick paint or film form coatings with many layers.

    Safety and precautions

    Before you begin to Prepare and Protect your timber, note the hazards and precautions and ensure that you have obtained and know how to use the correct safety equipment as detailed in the Safety Data Sheet.

    When using CUTEK® Restore, all adjacent surfaces and vegetation must be adequately protected. It is also important to be aware of the potential for wind drift into areas with cars or pedestrian traffic when rinsing. Water flush all equipment, vegetation, paths, concrete, asphalt and other adjacent surfaces before and after contact.

    Coverage

    Spreading rate is approximately 1 Litre of CUTEK® Wood Stripper per 3m2 of surface area to be stripped.

    NOTE: this can vary significantly depending on the type and thickness of the paint or wood coating being removed.

    Application

    Apply CUTEK® Wood Stripper evenly with a brush, roller or lambswool applicator to dry wood, rubbing into the grain. Reaction time is approx. 30-60 minutes. Keep area wet and activated by applying more CUTEK® Wood Stripper or by agitating the application area with a brush, roller or lambswool applicator. CUTEK® Wood Stripper makes surfaces slippery so DO NOT walk on the application area until CUTEK® Wood Stripper has been removed.

    Test periodically with a paint scraper to determine when the old coat is stripping cleanly off the timber. When this happens, the stripped surface is ready for rinsing. We suggest that you try to strip only 1 square metre first to perfect your technique.

    Removal

    Once CUTEK® Wood Stripper has loosened the coating, it must be power rinsed off thoroughly. For best results, power rinse with a high-pressure washer set to
    approximately 50 bar (750 p.s.i.) with a fan jet pattern. REMOVAL WITH A GARDEN HOSE IS NOT SUFFICIENT.

    CAUTION must be used when cleaning soft timber. Reduce the pressure or adjust distance from the substrate to avoid damaging the sapwood. It is important to adjust your cleaning process as to avoid damage to the wood fibre.

    Clean from the lowest point and work upwards methodically using long even strokes in the direction of the grain. DO NOT use “turbojets” on timber.

    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.

    After stripping the timber, clean your wood with CUTEK® Restore to remove residual CUTEK® Wood Stripper and rejuvenate the substrate and enhance the grain. See CUTEK® Restore for instructions.

    Clean Up & Disposal

    Equipment may be cleaned with CUTEK® Quickclean or soap/detergent and water. All wash water, containers/contents should be disposed in accordance with local
    regulations

  • CUTEK® Quickclean

    STEP 1 > PREPARE

    It is important for the user to pre-determine the suitability of CUTEK® Quickclean for its intended application. ALWAYS do a test area prior to applying to any large sections. As surface types and conditions can vary significantly, pre-testing will enable you to accurately estimate the dilution, time and amount of CUTEK® Quickclean required to complete your project, and enable you to perfect the cleaning technique that works best in your situation

    Safety and precautions:

    Before you begin to Prepare and Protect your timber, note the hazards and precautions on this label and ensure that you have obtained and know how to use the correct safety equipment. CUTEK® Quickclean is a hazardous chemical. It is important to refer to the health and safety considerations listed in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) prior to commencement of your project.

    When using CUTEK® Quickclean all adjacent surfaces and vegetation must be adequately protected. It is also important to be aware of the potential for damaging wind drift into areas with cars or pedestrian traffic when rinsing. Water flush all equipment, vegetation, paths, concrete, asphalt and other adjacent surfaces before and after contact.

     

    How to Apply:

    Purpose Dilution (Recommended) Coverage
    Remove grease, oil, dirt & grime
    1:8

    1 part CUTEK® Quickclean to  every 8 parts water (approx.)

    4-7 sqm/L (diluted)

     

    Important: CUTEK® Quickclean is a powerful general-purpose outdoor cleaner that should be diluted. Dilution and coverage can vary depending on the type of surface being cleaned and the build-up of dirt/grease on the substrate. Always pre-test prior to making a full mixture to determine if dilution being used is effective in cleaning on your specific surface.

    Application:

    Dilute the CUTEK® Quickclean concentrate with water as required and complete a test patch to ensure that the dilution being used is effective in cleaning.

    Wet your substrate with water prior to applying CUTEK® Quickclean. Apply CUTEK® diluted Quickclean liberally with a brush, roller, lambswool applicator or broom. Let CUTEK® Quickclean do the work by leaving it on the surface for 5 to 15 minutes depending on the severity of dirt/soiling/grease. It may be necessary to scrub stubborn stains moderately with a stiff fibre brush.

    Removal:

    Once CUTEK® Quickclean has cleaned the substrate, it must be water rinsed off thoroughly. For best results, power rinse methodically with a high-pressure washer set to approximately 50 bar (750 p.s.i.) with a fan jet pattern.

    CAUTION must be used when power rinsing to avoid damage to the wood fibre and ‘furring up’. Adjust your cleaning process by reducing the pressure or adjusting your operating distance from the substrate to avoid damage.

    Clean from the highest point and work down methodically using long even strokes in the direction of the grain. DO NOT use “turbojets” on timber.

    For situations where strong water washing is not practical, wash off with clean water from a bucket or a garden hose using a light scrubbing action with a stiff brush.

    Clean-Up:

    Equipment may be cleaned with water. Ensure wash water is disposed in accordance with local regulations.

     

  • CUTEK® Restore

    STEP 1 > PREPARE

    It is important for the user to determine the suitability of the CUTEK® Restore for its intended application. ALWAYS test product on a small test area prior to applying to any large sections. As the species and condition of timber can vary significantly, testing will enable you to accurately estimate the dilution, time and volume of CUTEK® Restore required to complete your project.

    Safety and precautions:

    Before you begin to Prepare and Protect your timber, note the hazards and precautions and ensure that you have obtained and know how to use the correct safety equipment as detailed in the Safety Data Sheet.

    When using CUTEK® Restore, all adjacent surfaces and vegetation must be adequately protected. It is also important to be aware of the potential for wind drift into areas with cars or pedestrian traffic when rinsing. Water flush all equipment, vegetation, paths, concrete, asphalt and other adjacent surfaces before and after contact.

    How to Apply:

    Purpose Dilution (Recommended) Coverage
    Restore lightly grey, weathered and/or stained timber
    1:4

    1 part CUTEK® Restore to every 4 parts water

    5-8 sqm/L (diluted)
    Remove stubborn stains and/or restore severely weathered or greyed timber.
    Undiluted CUTEK® Restore
    5-8 sqm/L (undiluted)

    CUTEK® Restore is a powerful timber restoring agent and can be used diluted or undiluted. Dilution and coverage can vary depending on the smoothness and density of your timber as well as the severity of staining and/or weathering. Always test to determine if your chosen dilution is effective in the restoration of your specific timber.

    Application:

    If required, dilute the CUTEK® Restore concentrate with water; refer to dilution guidelines and complete a test patch to ensure the right dilution for your timber.

    Wet your timber prior to applying CUTEK® Restore. Apply CUTEK® Restore liberally to wetted timber with a brush, roller, lambswool applicator or broom.

    Let CUTEK® RESTORE do the work by leaving it on the surface for 1 hour to 24 hours depending on the severity of staining or discolouration. It may be necessary to
    scrub stubborn stains moderately with a stiff fibre brush.

    Removal:

    Once CUTEK® Restore has cleaned the timber, it must be water rinsed off thoroughly. For best results, power rinse with a high-pressure washer set to approximately 50 bar (750 p.s.i.) with a fan jet pattern. REMOVAL WITH A GARDEN HOSE IS NOT SUFFICIENT.

    CAUTION must be used when cleaning soft timber. Reduce the pressure or adjust distance from the substrate to avoid damaging the sapwood. It is important to adjust your cleaning process to avoid damage to the wood fibre.

    The longer that CUTEK® Restore is left on the substrate, the greater the rinse time required. Clean from the highest point and work down methodically using long even strokes in the direction of the grain.

    Note: certain types of wood surfaces may leave a raised grain effect after pressure washing is completed. Sanding or poly pad scrubbing may be required to smooth out this condition.

    DO NOT use “turbojets” on timber.