Cutek Green Wood Preservative
In order for Cutek Green® to function properly, it is essential that it is able to penetrate deeply into your decking . Correspondingly, any situations that would inhibit this penetration such as retained moisture, insufficient time between coats, or the presence of any surface sealant or barrier, must be avoided or satisfactorily remedied by correct procedure and product selection. Additionally, decking to be coated with Cutek Green® should be clean and dry, with an equilibrium moisture content of no higher than 17%, and moisture gradient of less than 1%.
Cutek Green® Preservative On New Decking.
It is recommended that one coat of Cutek Green® be applied to all faces of the deck and a second coat of Cutek Green® be applied a minimum of two weeks after application of the first coat. Always ensure that sufficient time is allowed for penetration of Cutek Green® into the substrate before re-application, as actual recoat time may vary according to factors such as substrate temperature, density, porosity or retained moisture content. Thicker timbers such as posts, beams and logs will require additional coats of Cutek Green® in order to obtain adequate protection, as Cutek Green® has a cumulative effective in the wood with each application.
Cutek Green® can be used on CCA and other treated timbers using the above coating format, however timbers pre-treated with invisible film-forming wax and polymer processes such as LOSP, or water-repellent dips may prevent or slow down the free diffusion of Cutek Green®.
Cutek® Wood Preservative On Old, Or Previously Coated Decking
Old, dirty, or weathered grey decking should be prepared by applying Cutek Pro Clean biodegradable surface-active restoration agent, and power rinsing with a home water blaster set to under 750 p.s.i. (50 bar), with a fan jet pattern to avoid damage to the wood fibers.
Tougher stains such as water marks, tannin stains, and grease stains may be removed from the timber by using the more powerful Cutek Pro Clean and a similar process. When the substrate is thoroughly dry, the restoration of the decking may be completed by the application of two coats of Cutek Green® . It is important to note that the use of high-pressure water alone to clean the deck surface will not eliminate biological growth from the timber and may create damage to the wood fibers as well as uneven start and stop marks. Additionally, the use of commercial and household cleaning solutions that contain bleaching agents such as Sodium Hypochlorite should be avoided. These chemical cleaners will harm the environment and may damage the timber tissue. Using bleach to clean your deck may produce a film forming reaction in the outer wood fibers that causes a subsequent coating failure.
Decking previously coated with a film-forming product that is failing (e.g. conventional stains, linseed oil, paint, polyurethane, etc.), must first be restored to their original texture and color by preparation with Cutek Pro Clean prior to the application of Cutek Green® . The results that can be achieved from such a restoration are both dramatic and rewarding as warped and cupped timbers can return to their original profile and flatness, and the original natural color and beauty of the wood can be restored.
Application method –What to know before you start.
Cutek does not require any specials applicators or tools it can be applied by lamb’s wool applicator/ roller, brush, rag or spray gun. When using Cutek you do not need to allow a period of time for the wood to release its natural water soluble extractives (tannins) prior to applying. Most products require you to wait a minimum period of 3 -6 months before commencing application.
Q. What happens to decking when you leave it exposed for 3-6 months so it can release those natural tannins?
A. As liquid and gas phase moisture can freely move in and out of uncoated wood they are exposed to potential unwanted movement, shrinkage and staining…. all the things you don’t want it to do!
Cutek controls water movement in coated woods and because most extractives that bleed out of wood are water soluble, Cutek tends to significantly reduce unsightly “bleed out”, by controlling free solubilisation of these extractives.
Applying Cutek
To apply Cutek to a surface of newly laid deck, ensure there is no dirt stains or debris on the surface area and apply your first coat. Always suggest your client purchases the Cutek with a color tone and explain the benefits that it will provide (retaining the “freshly oiled look” vs. allowing it to silver off)
Cutek doesn’t leave a lap mark which means you can stop and continue at any stage while it is freshly being applied.
*Clean up is easy…. mineral turpentine will remove the product from your applicator.
Amount of coats required
It is advised to apply 2-3 generous coats of Cutek. It is important the first coat of Cutek is applied right around on all surface faces to ensure maximum protection from the elements.
Note: remind your client that all exterior decking requires maintenance, no matter what you do to it. The more you can do to protect the weather exposed and prone areas with products like Cutek, the more likely it is to remain dimensionally stable and aesthetically attractive in the long term.
How long between each coat?
Advise your client that the longer they can leave a penetrating wood preservative like Cutek on between coats, the better it will be for the wood and ultimately your client. Cutek penetrates into wood over time, while it will protects the wood immediately, complete penetration will take time depending on the type of wood your client is coating (if it’s Cedar expect 100% penetration of most commonly used profiles with one coat, if it’s a hardwood such as Ipe it will take a lot longer due to its density.) If you can allow a minimum of 1-2 weeks between coats you will ensure a better result and less Cutek being used.
Coverage
Spread rate is 1,000-1,400 sq ft per gallon
How often should you recoat?
Depending on the age and prosperity of the deck, the location and exposure to weather and sunlight (north/west facing) even how many coats your client applies will determine the recoat cycle. Typically, horizontal surfaces exposed to the elements such as pool decks, and had rails may require annual maintenance, while vertical surfaces will require less frequent maintenance.
Cutek coated timber has one thing in common with other products, the sun! The sun’s UV rays cause photo oxidization of the lignin in transparent and semi transparent coatings. If your client does not use the Cutek “color tones” in the clear Cutek then coated timbers will begin to weather or “silver off” a lot sooner. It is important to remember that clear coated Cutek timbers are still preserved; they just won’t retain the “freshly oiled look.” In addition it is important to realize that even color toned Cutek coated timber will still require regular maintenance, to maintain the “freshly oiled look”.
For more information or to purchase this product in Canada or the U.S. please contact Robert Abbott at Otter Creek Forest Products at toll free 1-800-981-3590
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