The Difference Between Decking Oil and Water-Based Deck Coatings

There is a clear difference between decking oils and water-based deck coatings – a decking oil works by penetrating the surface of the timber, whereas a water-based coating will form a protective film on the surface.

Why choose a timber oil?

Many traditional wood coatings work by forming a protective film to block moisture from entering the timber substrate. The finish can be stunning, with rich colour and gloss or sheen finishes available. Maintenance coats will add another film layer over the timber, which will hide the natural texture, grain and colour of the wood. Over time, weather exposure will breakdown this film and, if regular maintenance is neglected, the coating will flake, peel or crack allowing damaging moisture to enter the wood.

Most timber decking oils work by penetrating into the timber to repel moisture from the inside out and will generally take longer to dry than water-based products. This is because, instead of drying when exposed to air, like paint, timber oils ‘dry’ by penetrating and absorbing into the wood. Penetration times can vary depending on the density, condition and species of the timber as well as environmental factors. Timber oil also offers a more natural matte finish that does not mask the grain, texture and colour. Maintenance is generally easy; simply clean and recoat.

Not all oils are the same, and not all oils will penetrate deeply into timber. Water-based oils will form a film on the surface, and some timber oils will contain plant-based oils, such as linseed or tung, which are drying oils; they will soak into the surface of the timber and then harden to form a barrier. Very few oils actually penetrate deeply into the timber, as CUTEK® does.

The CUTEK® solution

Designed for and proven to work in the harshest of Australian environments, CUTEK® exterior timber oils truly penetrate and diffuse deeply into the wood core to protect it against liquid and gas-phase moisture. A core design feature of CUTEK® oil is its ability to stay mobile within the timber, actively working to displace and control moisture from the inside out, significantly improving dimensional stability and providing exceptional long-term protection. Additional maintenance coats throughout the timber’s life will have an accumulative effect, increasing the efficacy of the protection.

CUTEK® oils also celebrate timber. The natural grain and texture of the wood is maintained and highlighted, not masked over, making timber the hero of your home project. Applied as a clear oil, CUTEK® will allow your timber to naturally lighten and silver when exposed to the sun’s UV rays. If you would like to retain the natural, freshly oiled look of your timber, or you would like to alter the colour to meet design requirements, a CUTEK® Colourtone can be added to CUTEK® oils. Because CUTEK® diffuses deeply into the wood, it will continue to provide moisture protection and improve dimensional stability even if the timber is allowed to weather and grey off.  

Which CUTEK® exterior decking oil is right for your project?

CUTEK® offers two market leading solutions to protect exterior timber and decks:  

CUTEK® Extreme CD50

A high-performance penetrating oil-based wood stabiliser with a unique self-healing effect that highlights the natural beauty of wood and controls moisture to improve dimensional stability and minimise cupping, warping and splitting.

CUTEK® Wood Preservative (APVMA Approval No 83026/107340)

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 damage caused by fungal decay, mould, termites and controls moisture to improve dimensional stability and minimise cupping, warping and splitting.

Maintenance with CUTEK® exterior timber oils is simple, easy and cost effective. Simply clean and recoat – no need to sand or strip.

If you would like to find out more about how CUTEK® oils are the best option for your timber deck, we’d love to talk to you, your architect or builder about how CUTEK^® can be used to maintain the beauty of your timber and powerfully protect it. Call 1300 CUTEK or send us a message to find out more.

The post What is the best decking oil for your project? appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

First, CUTEK® oils penetrate deeply into wood to protect from the effects of moisture and improve the service life of timber. With CUTEK® protection oils, timber lasts longer in the built environment. This minimises the frequency of timber replacement and felling of trees.

Secondly, we are always looking for ways to minimise our manufacturing carbon footprint. CUTEK® products are often manufactured with the use of high-grade recycled raw materials which decreases waste streams and incinerations. CUTEK® also recycles many other manufacturing materials such as pallets, drums and cardboard. This leads to a significant reduction in waste and reduces raw material requirements, indirectly reducing natural resource requirements.

Thirdly, CUTEK® is committed to formulating products with lower VOCs that also retain their performance characteristics. Broadly speaking volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are organic chemical compounds whose composition makes it possible for them to evaporate under normal atmospheric conditions of temperature and pressure. Lower VOC products, not only are more environmentally friendly, but provide better value to the user as more product is retained in the timber rather than evaporating to the environment.

At CUTEK®, we take sustainability seriously.

The post Taking Sustainability Seriously appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

In October 2014, US based, Professional Deck Builder Magazine completed an independent test of 22 different deck finishes on six different species of wood.  After two and a half years, CUTEK® Extreme CD50 has been listed as the first choice for wood deck finishes out of 28 popular US products.

Internationally known deck designer and builder, Kim Katwijk, conducted the trial and cited CUTEK® Extreme CD50 as best in its class due to its easy application, good colour retention, and moisture protection. Testing was conducted in Olympia, Washington where, during the rainy season, a deck can stay wet for weeks or even months.

After 9 months exposure, Katwijk named CUTEK® Extreme CD50 as one of the authors top picks in his initial findings The Great Stain Shoot-Out. It pinpointed deep penetration, no mould growth, no peels or flakers and easy application as reasons behind the ranking. In the next published findings – The Great Stain Shoot-Out: The Sequel – Katwijk highlights that even after 28 months in full exposure to the harsh elements, CUTEK® Extreme CD50 still repelled moisture with water continuing to bead on the surface of the wood. Further to this, CUTEK® received the highest mark across the three deck coating categories, marking it as Katwijk’s Top Choice:

There you have it, an independent, international timber deck finishes trial rates CUTEK® Extreme CD50 as the best choice to protect your timber and maintain a pleasing aesthetic.

Interested in trying CUTEK® Extreme CD50 for yourself? Order a free sample today!

The post CUTEK® Extreme CD50 Wins Best Wood Finish appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

Why water and wood matters

Water is the enemy of wood as it is hygroscopic. In the built environment liquid and gas phase moisture flows in and out of timber causing swelling and shrinking. Over time, repeated wet-to-dry cycles can cause timber to crack, split, warp and rot.

One of the core features of hydrophobic CUTEK® oil is that it deeply penetrates into timber, assisting with protection against liquid and gas phase moisture, effectively protecting wood from the inside out. However, not all timber is the same. Different species exhibit different cell structures/densities, and contain different extractives which affect how a particular wood species handles moisture.

To determine the effect CUTEK® oil has on the water intake of different species of timber the CUTEK® Lab decided to test CUTEK® on 12 different species of timber.

The test

We applied two coats of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 on 12 different wood species cuts two weeks apart and left to sit indoors for two months. We then submerged these 12 coated wood cuts under water for four days. Simultaneously, we submerged the same species wood cuts, not coated with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 as a control.

After four days, the wood cuts were removed and surface water was removed. Gravimetric determination was made of the volume of water absorbed by both the CUTEK® coated and uncoated cuts by way of comparison.

The results

Analysis

The results demonstrated that CUTEK® Extreme CD50 has significant impact in reducing liquid and gas phase moisture uptake across all the different species of timber tested. Across the 12 tested species, coating in CUTEK® Extreme CD50 reduced water intake by an average of 54%.

Conclusion

Wood coated in CUTEK® Extreme CD50 offers considerable protection against the negative affects of water penetration. Be sure to stay tuned for further developments and testing from our CUTEK® Lab.

The post The power of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 to protect timber against moisture appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

So, what is the CUTEK® difference?

The problem with traditional coatings

Examining the issue with traditional coatings will help to explain why CUTEK® is so different.

When first applied to timber, traditional coatings look good on the surface. However they have a common weakness. Exposure to the elements, including harsh UV rays and rain will cause damage to timber over time.

 1. Traditional coatings sit on the top of the timber

2. UV rays break down the coating and cause it to peel leaving the timber exposed.

3. When it rains, moisture gets in causing the timber to swell.

4. The timber then shrinks in the sun.

After exposure to the elements, the wood cracks, splits, warps and rots. Re-coating with a traditional product will cause the cycle to repeat itself and your timber installation won’t last.

‘The CUTEK® Difference’

CUTEK® wood finishes work differently to traditional wood protection products. Instead of sitting on the surface of the timber, the oils diffuse deeply into the wood to protect it from the inside out.

CUTEK® oil penetrates deeply into the timber and repels water.

The timber stays better protected for longer in all weather conditions.

CUTEK® stays mobile inside the wood – if you can add a fastener or cut the timber it will self-heal.

CUTEK®’s unique formula has been developed by our team of experts to keep timber more stable over time. You can protect your investment and enjoy the beautiful look of your timber installation for much longer.

The CUTEK® difference: timber that stands the test of time.

Our wood protection system is proven and chosen by industry professionals time and again.  Use CUTEK® for your next project to experience ‘The CUTEK® Difference’ for yourself.

Watch ‘The CUTEK® Difference’ video.

The post What is ‘The CUTEK® Difference’? appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

Introducing CUTEK® Wood Preservative for the pre-treatment and remedial treatment of exterior wood in industrial and domestic environments.

When used, the coated wood resists damage caused by fungal decay, mould and termites, and is protected from moisture, improving dimensional stability and minimising warping, cupping and splitting.

Use CUTEK® Wood Preservative on its own as a clear oil that will fade in the sun to natural silver patina, or mix it with any of our 16 colourtones to enhance and retain the freshly oiled look of your timber.

CUTEK® Wood Preservative will gradually fade over time rather than peel, split or crack, so the rejuvenation of timber coated with CUTEK® Wood Preservative is a simple, fast, and cost effective process.

CUTEK® Wood Preservative is able to be used on natural, and engineered and modified timber – some applications include boardwalks, fencing, pergolas, decks, railings, weatherboards, log homes, joinery, shingles and large council/government projects. It is not suitable for use on acetylated wood.

It’s designed to be used only on above-ground,wood structures or components of.

Download the fact sheet or ask us for advice on how to use CUTEK® Wood Preservative as effective timber protection.

The post Introducing: CUTEK® Wood Preservative appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

In his article, Di Stefano warns that the risk of not applying a protective coating to decking boards is that they are exposed and unprepared when wet weather or summer sun hits.

CUTEK®’s products are recommended by Di Stefano and industry experts based on their timber protection properties and the valuable part that they play in avoiding decking issues.

“I have long been promoting the benefits of oil-based coatings like CUTEK®, that deeply diffuse into timber decking.”

Frank Di Stefano, Bowens Builders Bulletin

The feature points out that CUTEK®’s high quality timber oil is soaked in by the wood. After absorption, it works from the inside out to help control moisture entry and minimise common issues such as timber cupping, warping and splitting.

Summary of Di Stefano’s tips for using CUTEK®:

• Use early protection during the construction stage.
• Best practice includes coating the underside of decking.
• Reseal all cut end grains.
• Appropriate use can help to provide UV protection.

Professional timber protection products significantly prolong the life of outdoor decking when utilised correctly.

Contact us to discuss any of the points raised by Frank Di Stefano in Bowens Builders and to find out how our products can be used to protect your decking.

The post Timber Specialist Frank Di Stefano recommends CUTEK® Oils appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

1. Inspect and rectify

Replace any loose boards and fix protruding nails. If you have potplants on your deck, check the wood underneath – and make sure they’re placed on top of blocks so they don’t trap dirt or moisture on the deck’s surface.

2. Time for a clean slate

Summer sun, spills, barbecues, and foot traffic all leave their mark on your deck. And soon it will face winter chills and rain. (Not to mention year-round bird droppings, which look terrible as well as being acidic: bad news for your timber deck surface.)

It’s important to give your deck a deep clean once a year – and winter is a great window. CUTEK®’s range of powerful wood cleaning products will restore timber to look like new, while being incredibly easy to use for swimming pool areas, timber cladding, fences and verandas. Safe and easy to use, CUTEK® cleaners and strippers work magic on stains, oxidisation, grime and grey timber.

3. A winter coat (or recoat)

Decks are particularly vulnerable to the elements – and the dreaded splitting and warping of boards. A vital ingredient for deck care, high-quality oil protection helps your timber decking maintain its great looks, stability and longevity.

CUTEK® oils penetrate deep into the wood core upon application, protecting it from the damaging effects of water and significantly increasing the life of your deck. You can allow the wood to age gracefully into a beautiful silver patina on exposure to sunlight. Or you can add a Colourtone to the clear oil, choosing from 16 options. A winter deck makeover perhaps?

4. Know your stuff

Before cleaning and oiling your deck, do your homework so you do it right. While it can be tempting to launch right in, making sure you use the right products for your wood – and follow the right process – can save time and heartache while getting the best results. The CUTEK® website makes it easy with ‘how to’ videos to guide you every step of the way.

Talk to us more about how CUTEK® oil can protect and revive your deck this winter.

The post 4 top tips for winter deck maintenance appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

While traditional coatings may look shiny and impressive, the unfortunate truth is their beauty is often only skin deep. And that means high maintenance and big disappointments for design, building and construction professionals and their clients.

CUTEK® is different. Unlike other oils and coatings, CUTEK® diffuses deeply into the wood, to repel moisture and maintain the structural integrity of timber. It’s the professional’s choice for long-term dimensional stability.

Do you want to see why water is timber’s natural enemy, why timber is so prone to cracking, splitting, warping and rotting, and how CUTEK® products can dramatically reduce moisture’s ability to do so much damage?

It takes just over two minutes to discover this and more – watch our new video to see how it works.

The post Video View: How To Preserve Timber appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

Why wood warps:

Warping occurs when the moisture content in wood changes unevenly. In damp or rainy conditions, moisture is absorbed into the wood causing swelling. When timber dries, it shrinks. With every wet and dry cycle this process is repeated. When one part of a timber board dries and consequently shrinks faster than another area, the wood is stressed and warping occurs. Weather exposure and poor ventilation contribute to warping.

How to prevent warping:

Firstly, it is important to choose the right timber species for your project. Different timbers have different properties and densities, which effect colour, texture, grain and durability. If longevity is required and the timber exposed, it is best to choose a durable hardwood.

Second, ensure the timber is well ventilated. Timber structures that are close to the ground with poor ventilation are more susceptible to warping.

Third, protect the wood with a timber coating. A penetrating oil like CUTEK® protects wood from the inside out. It works by penetrating deeply into the timber to repel moisture. It also helps to stabilise wood, preventing cupping, splitting and warping.

What to do if your wood is already warped:

If minor warping has occurred, it is possible to extend the service life of your timber. Sanding is required to remove protruding edges and flatten the timber surface. After this, it is essential the timber is protected. CUTEK® is a recommend choice for enhancing the dimensional stability of timber and providing long-term protection against warping. Diffusing deeply, CUTEK® oil remains active inside the wood to repel moisture. When traditional wood care products, that form a film around the timber, breakdown (crack or peel), moisture is able to absorb into the timber and wood once again is subject to warping. Being a penetrating oil, rather than a film-forming product, CUTEK® does not crack or peel, making it the professional’s choice for timber protection.

Unfortunately, if timber is severely warped, full replacement is required. Be sure to choose the right timber species and apply a CUTEK® timber oil to ensure warping does not wreak havoc again.

The post How to prevent wood from warping appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.