Why does timber grey / weather?

First, we should understand what causes timber to weather. When wood is exposed to sunshine, rain, and dew, dark colours tend to fade due to leaching and bleaching, while light colours darken due to oxidation. However, with time, all timber surfaces exposed to rain turn grey. This colour shift only affects the top layers, which primarily consist of cellulose. Long-term exposure to the elements degrades the lignin that holds the wood cells together, and it is washed away along with sugars, starches, and extractives. In conditions that are favourable to fungal species, the resulting grey colouring may be dirty and blotchy.

How do I fix greyed timber?

The science tells us this silvering is merely surface deep, therefore a powerful cleaner will help separate the discolouration from the timber, meaning costly replacement is not necessary. For this job we recommend you use CUTEK^® Restore, which will take all the hard work out of this process. CUTEK^® Restore is designed to be applied undiluted but can be used diluted with water if required. The Technical Data Sheet (TDS) contains more details about spreading rate, dwell times, safety precautions, and more. We recommend you test CUTEK^® Restore on a small test patch to find the best working time for your project. Once applied to the timber, CUTEK^® Restore will do the heavy lifting. After it has been allowed to work for a suitable amount of time, remove it using a high-pressure washer with a fan nozzle (a garden hose is not suitable).

Case Study – Pine Fence

Ben and Tracey bought their first home a few years ago and, like many homeowners, have been working to improve their home over time. Their house came with a standard weathered pine fence. The fence was ten years old, fully exposed to the elements, and had never been cleaned or protected. They had assumed that nothing could be done for their fence and had planned to knock it down and replace it. Instead, they tried CUTEK^® Restore. For their project, they chose to work with a dilution of three-parts water to one-part CUTEK^® Restore. This was allowed to sit and work on the timber for a full 24 hours prior to being pressure-washed off. They were astonished by the results.

How do I protect timber from weathering?

Ben and Tracey didn’t stop at restoring their fence. They knew that without properly protecting their timber, their efforts would eventually be undone by the elements. When their fence was dry, they coated it with CUTEK^® Extreme CD50. They selected double-strength Merbau as their CUTEK® Colourtone, which transformed the soft blonde of the pine into a beautiful deep brown. CUTEK® Extreme CD50 penetrates the timber to protect it from the inside out. Where other coatings envelope the wood, CUTEK® Extreme CD50 deeply diffuses into the timber, minimising moisture absorption and protecting your deck long term. With the added CUTEK® Colourtone, Ben and Tracey have the added element of protecting their timber from harsh UV rays and sun damage.

How can we help with your project?

If you would like to know more about how CUTEK^® products could help your project, you can reach us on 1300 1 CUTEK, or by using our customer enquiry form.

The post How to Restore Greyed and Weathered Timber appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

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.

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.

Silvered off timber facades and decks have become increasingly popular with architects, designers and homeowners who want to achieve a distinctive appearance in contemporary homes.

Weathering involves exposing new timber to the elements. It’s a natural process that helps remove tannins and oils from the surface of timber. The key to getting this look is to use the right timber and follow the right process.

Take three steps to achieve the on-trend look.

1. Choose your timber

In order to achieve a silver-grey finish, it’s essential to choose the right timber. Some hardwoods will splinter or split during the weathering process or may not weather to the desired colour.

Rosewood, Spotted Gum and Silvertop Ash are top choices that when weathered silver, blend beautifully into the natural environment.

2. Let the process happen naturally

Staining timber grey won’t achieve a naturally weathered aesthetic, nor will use of a colourtone.

A do-it-yourself approach is likely to result in a paint-like unnatural appearance. To achieve an organic, natural result, the wood must be exposed to the elements and given time to age and silver gradually.

3. Use a protective oil during the process

It’s a myth that timber must be left unoiled while it silvers with age. The timber needs protection from the weather, especially in harsh climates, to prevent it from drying, splintering, cupping, warping or rotting.

Unlike most other coatings, CUTEK®‘s exterior timber oils work in harmony with the weathering process by offering inside out protection while still allowing the timber to silver off over time.

Silver weathered timber can stand the test of time if it is looked after well. In conjunction with the steps above, continued use of a protective oil will guard against the elements and enable the silvered timber to retain its unique appearance for many years to come.

The post How to Successfully Achieve the “Silver-Look” in Timber appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

We examine the properties of some of these popular products and when each might be used.

Wood stain

Purpose: Designed to penetrate and change the colour of wood while leaving the grain visible.

Advantages

• Highlights the natural beauty of the wood
• Can be colour matched to your styling
• Offers some wood protection
• Wears away gradually, only requiring periodic re-coating
• Easy to clean and maintain

Disadvantages

• Doesn’t offer a lot of protection to the wood, especially in harsh environments
• Can raise the grain in wood

After staining, oils or varnishes can be applied to the wood as a protective layer.

When to use: To expose the natural beauty of a timber installation.

Varnish

Purpose: Varnish is an older finish made up of oils, resin and solvents that coats the wood as a protective layer.

Varnish can be compared to paint without the pigment.

Advantages

• A protective coating can be applied after stains
• Ensures the natural grains of the wood remain exposed
• Durable and hard wearing
• Choice of matt, satin or gloss like paint
• Exterior varnishes are often microporous and have an added fungicide
• Available as a ‘fire retardant’ treatment
• Offers UV protection (where stated)

Disadvantages

• Varnish can’t be used on its own as it doesn’t protect the wood inside
• Accentuates stains, bumps and marks so preparation of the timber is essential
• Dries slowly

When to use: When finish is important for decorative purposes and when a project requires the  natural timber look to be retained.

Polyurethane varnish

Purpose: Tough protection for wood after staining.

Advantages

• Can be used in place of varnish with the same benefits and more
• Extremely durable with a hard finish
• Heat resistant

Disadvantages

• Has a plastic, unnatural look about it
• Not UV resistant (unless specifically stated on product)

When to use: Applications where a durable surface is required, especially in high traffic areas.

Combined Products

There are some combined stains and varnishes available on the market designed to be applied for one-step colour and protection.

These varnishes with added colour can be a time-saver, however they may need more maintenance and reapplying more frequently.

Paint

Purpose: To protect and change the look of timber.

Advantages

• Many different colours on the market
• Choice of matt, satin or gloss
• Can be considered aesthetically pleasing
• Can cover up unsightly timber
• Available as a ‘fire retardant’ treatment
• Durable and hard wearing

Disadvantages

• Coats the top of the wood rather than penetrating the wood
• Hides the natural beauty of timber
• Can peel and look unsightly particularly after exposure to the elements
• Surfaces must be thoroughly prepared before application, usually including sanding
• Is expensive to reapply when used on vast areas

When to use: In situations where it is desirable to cover or weatherproof timber without exposing the natural grain at all.

Wood oils

Purpose: Designed to bring out the character in wood whist offering some protection.

Advantages

• Brings out the natural beauty in wood (more so than a stain) and makes the grain ‘pop’
• Replaces natural oil in wood that dries out over time
• Adds protection against moisture
• User-friendly; easy to apply and maintain
• Long-term, cost effective option

Disadvantages

• Traditional wood oils aren’t as durable as varnish
• Oils are not easily covered with varnish or paint

The CUTEK® Difference

CUTEK® exterior wood oils are a professional option that offers more protection than traditional wood oils as they works from the inside out by deeply penetrating the timber. CUTEK® oils are long lasting making them a great choice for timber exposed to the elements. CUTEK® Extreme CD50 has been developed for tough conditions.

CUTEK® timber protection oils are designed to minimise warping, cupping and splitting over time. CUTEK® oil is versatile, a Colourtone can easily be added for a stunning effect.

Timber is amazingly versatile, with the right level of care it can be used for a vast array of projects. Wood does need to be looked after and treated with respect in order to ensure that it retains its beauty over time. Choosing the right timber treatment or finish for an installation is critical.

The post Timber oil vs stain vs varnish vs paint appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

Here’s our top five!

1. Create warmth

During the winter months, adding a source of heat such as an outdoor heater, heater panel or firepit will certainly add comfort and extend the use of the deck.

Add a touch of style with a decorative heater or portable fire pit that makes a statement. If space allows, a built-in fire can be designed to fit the space and complement the exterior fittings.

Tip: Keep heat sources off the decking to prevent burns or marks.

2. Build your deck in

Consider adding a roof to your deck to keep the warmth in and make the space cosier. If using timber, select a species that complements the existing deck and give thought to a warming CUTEK® Colourtone that makes a style statement.

If adding a fixed roof isn’t an option, an awning or weatherproof panels could be a simple way of achieving the same outcome.

Tip: Winter sun can provide warmth during daylight hours. A flexible solution, such as an operable roof, will let light in when required.

3. Decorate and refresh the space

Consider your deck another room, have some fun styling it to create a familiar atmosphere in keeping with your home. Add some creature comforts such as cushions and candles to create warmth. Choose pieces that are weatherproof and can be left outside all year round and introduce evergreen plants that flourish whatever the season to bring some natural colour.

Tip: When decorating take the time to assess maintenance requirements and apply a coat of deck oil. CUTEK®’s Extreme CD50 Oil will work to control moisture from the inside out, minimise warping, cupping and splitting to provide protection through the Winter months well into Summer when the sun’s rays become stronger.

4. Let there be light

With the nights closing in earlier in Winter, lighting is essential. Outdoor lights can often be very stark. Decorate with string lights or ambient lighting to create an inviting space.

5. Add a hot tub

Hot tubs are the perfect tonic for the winter months. If layout and structure allow, installing one can create a fantastic feature that really opens up the opportunity to get outdoors and use the space in the cooler months.

Cooler weather can make it challenging to utilise outdoor areas that are in constant use during the summer months.

By taking some simple steps to open up outdoor living spaces for year-round use will make the most of your deck and improve your home’s liveability.

The post Make your deck a year-round space appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

Exposure to sun, wind, salt, sand and ocean moisture can cause significant damage and result in premature failure of wooden decking boards.

With a close proximity to the sea, decking will need a high level of protection from the harsh elements to ensure longevity.

Removal of salt from the wood

Moist salt air can be a challenge for oceanside decking. Once salt finds its way into timber via cracks, salt crystals can form and grow. Over time they push the fibres of the timber out making it appear fuzzy.

Prevention includes frequent power rinsing to wash the salt off. Using CUTEK® Restore will ensure that all traces of salt are removed.

Seal regularly for longevity

After removing salt particles from the wood, the next step is to apply a protective coating.

Most coatings, deck stains and oils trap moisture and can be the cause of premature wood failure through rot and decay. CUTEK® Extreme CD50 penetrates the wood to protect from within and keep moisture out, including the salt air and sea-spray of a beachside location.

CUTEK® coatings never peel or flake but will need more regular recoats in a marine setting.

The professional’s choice

Architects, designers and engineers continue to use timber for coastal structures, including resorts and beachside clubs. They turn to CUTEK® Extreme CD50 for professional hard-wearing protection of installations against the elements.

Deck care is important. Regular cleaning, staining and coating with quality products will give oceanside decks the protection they need to withstand their harsh environment.

The post Maintaining an oceanside deck 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.

With any type of hospitality, frequent use spills and accidents are inevitable and can stain or damage your deck or timber furniture. Now is a great time to learn how to clean decking and furniture in preparation for the entertaining season ahead.

1. Removing stains caused by food or drink spills

Food or drink spills can cause discolouration and stains that are hard to remove.

CUTEK® Quickclean is an industrial grade general purpose cleaner. It cuts through grease and stains and will generally be tough enough to clean up food and drink spills on tables, chairs or decking boards.

Apply the product liberally and leave it on the surface for 10 to 20 minutes. If the stain is stubborn it may be necessary to scrub it with a stiff fibre brush. If it still refuses to budge, try CUTEK® Restore  for a deeper cleanse.

When all traces of the stain are removed, the wood is ready for coating with CUTEK® Extreme CD50.

2. Restoring timber with black or grey discolouration

Greyness can be caused by significant weathering if a deck is particularly exposed. Metal objects left sitting on the deck for a prolonged period, such as nails or metal furniture can also cause grey or black stains.

An application of CUTEK® Restore will keep working for 24 hours to restore oxidized, grey timber while enhancing the grain.

After cleaning, the deck or furniture can be treated with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 to protect it from further moisture damage.

Adding a CUTEK® Colourtone  will enhance and maintain the freshly oiled natural look of your timber.

3. Removing and treating mould or fungus stains

Decks that are shaded are pre-disposed to issues with mould or fungus.  The problem often covers a large surface area.

Sweep the deck thoroughly with a stiff fibre brush, taking care to work into the corners where mould and fungus often build up.

CUTEK® Restore is a professional grade deck cleaning product that will eradicate traces of mould and fungus. It keeps working for up to 24 hours. Be sure to complete a patch test first to determine how long to leave it on.

Although CUTEK® Restore is not considered a strong defoliant, take care to protect adjacent vegetation before you begin.

Using the right products is an essential component for cleaning up and treating timber stains or damaged wood. All traces of the issues can be removed from decking and furniture resulting in a fresh, as-new look to your outdoor entertaining space.

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