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.

To simplify your clean-up process, try CUTEK® Cleaners and refresh your home after rain and mould infestations. 

CUTEK® Quickclean

The quick and easy option to save time and effort in the clean up by blasting away dirt, grime, grease and many other stains – your home will be spick and span in no time!

CUTEK® Restore

Easily restore the look of your timber deck and home features with CUTEK® Restore. It will brighten, clean and restore wood to look like new after removing stubborn stains caused by tannins, water, iron, resins, mould and fungus.  

CUTEK® Wood Stripper

Not happy with how your timber coating has held up to the wet weather? Strip it back with CUTEK® Wood Stripper ready for a fresh coating application – you won’t regret it! 

CUTEK® Wood Preservative

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

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

CUTEK® Wood Preservative has been specially designed to withstand Australian conditions. Penetrating deeply into the timber, the protective properties within CUTEK® Wood Preservative repel moisture to improve the service life of timber. 

Easy to use, CUTEK® Wood Preservative will not peel or flake, making maintenance fast and simple. Applied as a clear oil, CUTEK® Wood Preservative will allow timber to naturally silver over time. Mixing in one of 16 CUTEK® Colourtones will help to enhance and maintain the freshly oiled natural look of your timber or alter your timber colour to meet your design requirements. 

By using CUTEK® Wood Preservative on your timber, your home will be able to better withstand damage caused by fungal decay, mould, termites and moisture the next time flooding or torrential rain comes to town. 

Find your nearest stockist to clean up that mould and refresh your home today! 

If you need assistance or advice about maintaining your CUTEK^® after flood, call 1300 CUTEK or send us a message to find out more. 

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Common reasons for penetrating oil not absorbing:

• Too much moisture in the timber
• Temperature
• A barrier preventing the absorption of the oil

Too much moisture

If your deck is newly built or is unlikely to have any kind of coating on the timber, consider the possible water content of the timber.

If the timber is too wet, the oil is unlikely to absorb as efficiently or effectively. Ensure your timber is thoroughly dry before applying a coat of oil. If you have experienced recent rainfall, allow several days for the timber to thoroughly dry out before coating. Consider testing a small area prior to coating the entire deck to ensure the timber is dry enough. If it absorbs well and does not discolour, proceed with the application. In the event that the deck colour looks darker or different than expected, stop and wait a few days for the moisture content to dissipate and reapply.

Temperature

Cold temperatures will raise the viscosity and make the oil thicker, which slows down the penetration process. To assist this, place your can of oil in a warm, sunny spot or in a bucket of hot water. This will lower the viscosity of the oil and assist in the penetration time.

Cold climates and shaded and undercover areas that do not receive direct sunlight will require a longer drying period to allow full absorption of the oil.

A barrier preventing the absorption of the oil

For new timber, the barrier could be mill glaze, sometimes known as machine glaze. This occurs only with new timber and takes place during the timber machining process.

For pre-existing decks, your deck is likely to already have a coating on it. If this is not removed, the deck will struggle to absorb the oil and it will remain on the surface of the timber rather than penetrating.

To remove an existing coating

Existing coatings, like a stain, varnish, or glue on the timber, encases the wood and prevents other elements or oil from being absorbed into it.

To remove this coating, follow these steps:

1. Apply CUTEK® Wood Stripper to the deck; this will remove all remaining traces of the old coating. If you do not have CUTEK® Wood Stripper on hand, you can sand the deck back to bare wood, ensuring you have removed all traces of the previous coating.
2. Use CUTEK® Restore to restore and brighten your timber after using CUTEK® Wood Stripper or sanding.
3. Wait for your deck to thoroughly dry before applying CUTEK® Extreme CD50 with a CUTEK® Colourtone, if desired.

Please note, we always recommend testing all CUTEK® products on a small area prior to applying to your entire deck.

The CUTEK® difference

CUTEK® oil penetrates the timber to protect it from the inside out. Where other coatings envelope the wood, CUTEK® Extreme CD50 deeply diffuses into the timber, protecting your deck long term. Contact us for more advice on how to seal wood utilising CUTEK®’s wood finishing range.

The post Why is My Deck Not Absorbing New Oil? appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

Timber Design Trend #1 Natural Connection

There’s little that makes the heart happy like connecting with nature by walking through local bushland or forestry, your surroundings teaming with life and seeming to breathe with every rustle of the leaves. In 2022, we are seeing the rise of biophilic design – the practice of connecting people and nature within our built environments – as homeowners invite the outside environment inside. A timber’s unrivalled ability to offer a natural aesthetic and an immediate connection with nature imbues a sense of wellbeing, which we expect will mean an increase in its popularity in interior and exterior designs.

Timber Design Trend #2 Curved Appeal

In every piece of art, there is an appreciation for curves which mirror the organic forms of nature. As a home is like a piece of art, curves are currently experiencing a renaissance in residential architecture. Enticing to the eye and adding a softness and elegance to a home’s exterior or interior, we predict the new-found obsession with curved surfaces, and in particular curved timber surfaces, will continue. From rounded, panelled facias to curved edges on timber kitchen benches and internal walls, to timber arches, doorways and windows, we’ve only just seen the beginning of this trend.

Timber Design Trend #3 Timber Panels and Patterns

Gone are the days of typical horizontal patterns and symmetrical vertical panels. In 2022, we expect architects to think outside the box and use different widths of timber and uneven spacing to create unique patterns and configurations. In 2021, many award-winning homes heralded significant innovation in the use of timber in residential architecture as large expanses of contemporary homes were clad in natural timber. We predict 2022 will take this even further with cladded facades crafted from Australian hardwood enveloping the home and panelling artfully concealing garage doors. Inside, panelled timber walls and ceilings, room dividers and solid timber beams evoke a Mid-Century Modern vibe.

Timber Design Trend #4 Holiday-at-Home Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor living spaces are a hallmark of Australian architecture, as we know from the classic “veranda out the back”. Off the back of COVID lockdowns, travel restrictions and more of us working from home, Aussies are investing in making their everyday home feel like a holiday-home. From expansive entertainment areas with impressive outdoor kitchens, decks and pool areas, to seating areas and timber-clad garden studios / home offices, we’re making our homes our sanctuaries. Whether chasing the high-end lifestyle or simply for function, timber remains the number one choice to take you from home to holiday.

Timber Design Trend #5 Timber Tones

Whether you’re building for the first time or renovating your current home, natural timber tones are in. As we strive to forge stronger links with our environment, we’re favouring nature’s diverse colour palette. A variety of light to dark, washed greys to almost black tones are increasingly appearing alongside the more traditional warm, honeyed and red tones. Rather than restricting ourselves to a small selection of timber tones, our unbridled passion for exploring the full spectrum of timber colours drives us in our quest to find the perfect match for a design aesthetic, location, and lifestyle.

If you’re building, renovating, or simply revitalising the timber features of your home in 2022, we’d love to talk to you, your architect or builder about how CUTEK^® can be used in your project to maintain the beauty of your timber powerfully protect it. Call 1300 CUTEK or send us a message to find out more.

The post The Top 5 Timber Design Trends in 2022 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.

1. Environmentally friendly 

Wood is an environmentally sustainable product. It is biodegradable and renewable with many species harvested from Australian plantations. 

Timber has a low carbon footprint making it a greenhouse friendly choice when compared to most other building materials. It makes a positive contribution to the long-term reduction of carbon emissions. 

Approximately half of the dry weight of a living tree is carbon that can be stored for the lifetime of the tree and retained through the timber manufacturing process. Using sustainable timber means that on replanting, the cycle of carbon absorption and retention starts again. 

Reclaimed or recycled timber is also an environmentally sound choice as no trees need to be cut down. 

2. Versatility 

Wood is easily workable, highly machinable and can be fabricated into all kinds of shapes and sizes to fit the variety of requirements for construction projects. 

Timber is extremely versatile and is used extensively for a breadth of applications, from structural beams to decking, flooring or boat building. Timber is also used widely for furniture and interiors. 

3. Longevity and ability to withstand extreme conditions 

Timber has the ability to survive hundreds of years even within extreme environments. However, this is dependent on choosing the correct timber for the environment the timber will be put into service.  For example, when building a jetty or wharf where the timber is constantly exposed to seawater, Turpentine is an ideal timber choice as it is highly resistant to marine borers. Whereas, Western Red Cedar is a durable above-ground timber used for cladding, shingles, doors and windows, but is not suitable for in-ground use.  

4. Financial viability 

Wood is a natural resource and is an increasingly popular feature in home projects. The wide range of timber species available give options to suit any budget, from more expensive hardwoods to lower cost, treated pine. 

5. Aesthetics 

Timber can be used throughout the home where it provides natural warmth and is considered an aesthetically pleasing choice. With a wide range of species available, timber has the potential to achieve many different looks. From lighter shades of Ash or Oak to the darker, reddish browns of Cedar or Jarrah there is a timber to complement every colour palette. 

6. Acoustic properties 

Wood, such as Western Red Cedar, has highly-sought-after acoustic properties. It can absorb sound and echoes making it the material of choice for installations where acoustics are critical.  

7. Health and wellbeing 

Timber is non-toxic and safe to handle. The health benefits of being surrounded by wood are well researched and documented. 

Reported advantages of exposure to timber include greater emotional wellbeing, improved air quality resulting in easier breathing and lower blood pressure, heart rate and stress levels. 

Timber can also give feelings of warmth and comfort and is often used for installations in aged care facilities, medical centres and hospitals. 

Architects are increasingly turning to nature-connected design. With people spending more and more time indoors, interiors or deck designs featuring timber is an excellent way of achieving the associated health benefits. 

If you are looking to include timber in your home project, get in touch with our friendly sales team to find out which CUTEK® product is best for your project. 

The post Seven Reasons to Use Timber for Your Next Project appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

When purchasing timber for projects large or small, there are many considerations.

Choosing the right timber

Wood is classified in two primary categories, hardwood and softwood, according to its properties. When choosing a timber from either category, it is important to find a species that meets the specific requirements of your project.

Hardwood

Hardwood trees are deciduous. Species include: Ash, Balsa, Blackbutt, Eucalyptus, Mahogany, Oak, Spotted Gum, Merbau, Jarrah, Ironbark, Teak and Walnut.

Hardwoods are usually heavier with higher density than softwoods. Hardwood is generally used when durability and strength are critical to a project.

Common uses:

• Flooring
• Decking
• Cladding
• Fencing
• Frames
• Boat building
• Piers
• Furniture

Hardwoods are used extensively in the building industry and for residential projects in high traffic areas, such as exterior decking or kitchen flooring.

Softwood

Softwood trees are evergreen. Species include: Cedar, Douglas Fir, Kauri, Hemlock and Pine.

Common uses:

• Feature walls
• Paneling
• Interiors
• Ceilings
• Doors
• Windows
• Beams
• Poles

Products that are manufactured utilising softwoods such as Plywood and MDF are popular in shop-fittings, furniture and cabinetry.

Softwoods are chosen for their aesthetic, thermal and acoustic properties. They can also be a cheaper option than hardwoods.

General tips on buying timber

After deciding on a hardwood or softwood species, there are some general points to consider before shopping for your timber.

1. Decide on the level of quality needed for the application

For high profile projects where only the best quality will do, Australian native timbers are the perfect fit. They are a sustainable choice with the joint benefits of being durable and striking.

These timbers can be at the higher end of your budget but bear in mind that you get what you pay for.

2. Work out how much timber you need

If in doubt, buy more timber than you think you need, but don’t go overboard. Any surplus will make the project more expensive than it needs to be.

If the timber shows imperfections that you plan to discard or cut out, you’ll need to buy longer boards.

3. Check the colour

Wood of the same species can vary in appearance. To check that the colour of the timber matches requirements, hold it in good light to compare the look. In addition, check that each board is of similar colour as there can be huge variations.

If you are struggling with uniformity, consider a Colourtone in a similar colour to even out the appearance of your installation.

4. Check for damage and imperfections

Before you buy, check each piece of timber for any damage or imperfection, such as warping or splitting. This is important for safety and structural integrity.

After you buy, protect from wear and tear over time by utilising a wood protection oil such as CUTEK® Extreme CD50.

5. Buying rough sawn timber can be risky

Rough sawn timber is graded in terms of strength and not aesthetics so there can be a great deal of variation in the colour and appearance of the timber.

Shop within your budget range

There are timbers for all budgets. Hardwoods are usually the most expensive, while softwoods are often more economical.

Reclaimed or recycled timber can offer great value for money but you’ll have to shop around to find a species that matches your quality and quantity required.

It can pay to source comparative quotes when purchasing timber, especially when looking for value without wishing to sacrifice quality.

Shop for timber with a specific use in mind, work through the considerations listed above and don’t compromise on important parameters such as quality.

The post Timber Buying Guide 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.

Factors to consider in choosing a timber species include appearance, where the deck is to be located, ongoing maintenance requirements, budget and availability.

Appearance

Timber is often chosen for its natural beauty and good looks. Exposing the grain can have a dramatic and aesthetically pleasing effect.

When choosing a timber species, consider what colour you would like for your deck. Enhancing the natural hue of the timber can be achieved by using a Colourtone.  By choosing a shade that matches the natural colour of the wood, the knots and grains will shine through. Building up the colour will make a style statement.

Location

Choosing a timber that will withstand the weather conditions it will be exposed to is critical.

A high level of exposure to rain, sunshine and even wind will require a hardy species. Using CUTEK®’s wood protection system will guard against the elements and ensure a good looking deck for years to come.

Ongoing maintenance

Whichever material you choose, your deck will need regular maintenance to keep it looking great. Keep in mind that some decking timbers are quicker and easier to maintain than others.

Using a CUTEK® protection oil will help, in extreme conditions choose CUTEK® Extreme CD50, specifically formulated for the toughest climates.

Budget and availability

Decking timbers vary in price, from more expensive hardwoods to lower-cost treated pine.

If you are working to a budget, ensure that you plan for the space that needs to be covered and bear in mind the qualities you require to suit the purpose of your decking. More widely available timbers tend to be less expensive and easier to source, especially if you’re on a tight timeframe.

Hardwoods

There are many hardwoods to choose from that are suited to decking projects.

Pros of hardwood

• Can produce striking installations
• High quality, durable timber
• Tend to cost less than composite decking

Cons of hardwood

• Some species prone to extractive bleedout or ironstain
• Likely to cost more than treated pine decks
• Can be difficult to drill or nail

Hardwood Species

There are many hardwood species to choose from. Merbau’s warm red-brown tones make a striking deck that invites year-round use. The species is durable yet can be less expensive than other hardwoods.

Ironbark is the most durable hardwood for decking and offers longevity. It is extremely fire, termite and rot resistant. On the flip side, its high density can make it hard to work with. On account of its strength, Ironbark is without doubt one to consider for installations that will be highly trafficked or for poolside decks.

The rich brown of Jarrah makes it a popular choice. Jarrah can be expensive but is also fire resistant. If left unsealed Jarrah will turn a lovely grey colour over time. Blackbutt is another timber with high resistance to fire, but is more prone to ironstains.

Spotted Gum is widely used for decking on account of its durability and strength. It is sustainably harvested in Australia making it an environmentally sound native choice.

The species is also fire retardant and is very dense with low levels of shrinkage. Spotted Gum tends to bleed less than some other hardwoods, and it has a broad colour range making for unique applications.

Yellow and red stringybark are durable enough for outdoor use. Yellow stringybark is usually cheaper than red. Both hardwoods can exhibit borer holes, something to bear in mind aesthetically before choosing it for your deck.

Using a high performing protection oil such as CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative will ensure your hardwood deck endures harsh climatic conditions to look stunning all year round.

Treated Pine

Treated pine is a cost-effective choice but won’t have the same durability of a hardwood.

Pros of treated pine

• Lightweight and versatile to work with
• Affordable
• Pressure-treated to withstand decay, fungi or termites
• Can be stained or painted to change its appearance

Cons of treated pine

• Not as aesthetically pleasing as a hardwood
• Can be restrictive in that it has already been treated
• Needs regular oiling to protect against the elements

CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative can be used straight on pre-treated pine without using a preparation treatment first.

CUTEK® Restore is a professional grade wood restoration product that will prepare the timber for the protection oil. CUTEK® Wood Stripper will also prepare the timber and allow the treatment oil to penetrate and do its job.

If you are working to a tight budget, treated pine certainly has its advantages but these are traded off against its looks. Before purchasing treated pine for your decking project, check whether it is suitable for outdoor use.

The critical factors in choosing a timber species are desired appearance, location, ongoing maintenance, budget and availability. Working through each element will help you to arrive at the right solution for your project.

The post Which timber is best suited to your decking project? appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

The timber needs proper preparation before finishing with a heavy-duty product that will withstand ongoing exposure.

Common reasons for peeling:

• The deck wasn’t properly prepared; poor preparation can stop the oil from penetrating and means that it fails to protect the wood.
• The wrong type of stain or sealer was used; a heavy duty exterior deck oil is required to withstand exposure to the elements.
• An inferior quality decking stain was used.
• Too much stain was applied, or the coats were too thick and not allowed to dry between applications.

How to fix and prevent future peeling

In just 3 steps you’ll have the job done and ensure that your timber deck is protected for years to come.

1. Remove the weathered, peeling layers

The first step is to remove all traces of the peeling deck coating and take the timber back to bare wood by stripping or sanding it.

After stripping or sanding the wood, CUTEK® Wood Stripper will remove the final traces of its previous coating.

Depending on the state of the wood, it may be possible to use CUTEK® Wood Stripper without sanding.

Tip: As you scrape the wood, reset any nails or screws that stick out from the surface.

2. Clean and rinse the wood

Once stripped, the wood will need a good restoring scrub. CUTEK® Restore restoration agent will remove the residue from the stripping process. Once applied, a power rinse with a high-pressure washer will be necessary.

Tip: Use a lower setting to avoid damaging the wood fibre.

3. Seal the wood

The final step is to finish with two coats of a hard wearing timber deck oil that will excel in the most challenging of environments, such as CUTEK® Extreme CD50. Each coat must be applied evenly with brush, paintpad or roller.

When using a CUTEK® Colourtone, it is essential that the oil is stirred frequently and applied in thin coats. The wood must feel completely dry and non-greasy before application of the second coat.

Tip: After stripping and cleaning the wood, apply the finish as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary exposure to the elements.

The CUTEK® difference

Treating timber upon installation can prevent the occurrence of peeling deck stain. CUTEK® oil penetrates the timber to protect it from the inside out. Where other coatings envelope the wood, CUTEK® Extreme CD50 deeply diffuses into the timber. It lasts longer in tougher climates and won’t peel like other products.

Contact us for more advice on how to seal wood utilising CUTEK®’s wood finishing range.

The post Why is my deck stain peeling? How to fix and prevent it appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.