Cutek Wood Preservative on Ipe Decking

Your cabin is your home away from home and the exterior should be maintained, if left untreated the exposed wood will naturally turn grey, this is the effect of the ultra violet rays that will break down a woods finish, the more pigment a wood has the better it will resist UV rays. A darker wood will maintain its colour for longer. You can apply linseed oil, which is the traditional method. In Canada we use Cutek Extreme, a treatment that is specially formulated to resist fungus and mould, it is also designed to penetrate deeply, providing water repellency. This treatment also gives you the option of  choosing the colour you wish your cabin to maintain, as you may prefer the natural greying, or may wish to stain the wood completely, there are various colours to choose from. The 40z colourtone gets mixed into the 1 gallon Cutek Extreme clear container.

Cutek Extreme is distributed throughout Canada by Otter Creek and product can be purchased by calling them at 1-800-981-3590 or by purchasing it at the companies online store at www.myocstore.com

Cutek Green Wood Restoration

I tried this product on a pc of Pressure Treated Spruce and within a matter of minutes it had soaked entirely through the entire pc of wood. I have used several other wood preservatives and have never seen anything like this product. This product will seek out the water filled cells within the pc of wood and migrate to the cells and drive the moisture out. It does make sense when you think about it. If you have little or no moisture within a pc of wood the less likely you would get rot, twist and warp of your deck boards. I also like the fact that this product acts not only as a wood preservative but also seals and beautifies your deck. The Cutek Green comes in clear 5L containers and there are 18 different colors that are contained within packets and you simply pick your color and pour and stir into the clear Cutek. This product was formulated by a company in Australia called Chemisys Group where for many years they have developed effective stains and sealers for Australian species of wood that are subject to the extreme temperature conditions in that country. They are now bringing their product to the North American marketplace so decking contractors and homeowners will have available to them this really great product.

Otter Creek is the Canadian distributor and product can be purchased through them by calling 1-800-981-3590 or visiting their online store at www.myocstore.com

Woodrich Wood Decking Stripper

I have a pressure treated deck that was several years old and it was starting to look drab due to the years of weathering it had. I did not want to replace the deck but thought I would like to attempt to strip it and re coat it to help make it look as new as possible. I was searching around the Internet and came across a product from Woodrich called EFC-38 which apparently works on all types of wood species such as pressure treated, cedar and even exotic hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru and Tigerwood. This product is granular and you mix it in a 5 gallon pale of water and then you can apply with a power washer on low pressure and then spray it on and leave it for a few minutes and then spray it off. I was unsure how this product would work for my weathered deck that had never been cleaned so I also purchased the HD-80 which is a heavy duty stripper. I was advised to purchase along with this product the brightener which is to be applied after your stripper is used. This product is called Citralic ,Citralic is pH balanced to make the ideal neutralizer for HD-80 and other caustic strippers. I was very happy with the results I achieved with these products and would suggest you visit www.myocstore.com for further information.

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

Woodrich Wood Decking Stripper

I live in Canada and the outdoor deck season is fairly short. I have a Western Red Cedar deck and it was starting to look dull and gray due to the weather. I had purchased some new furniture for my deck and decided it was time that I try and restore the deck surface before I put the new furniture on it. I was searching the internet when I came across a product made by Woodrich www.woodrich-brand.com . Its a cleaner called EFC-38 which is a granular product that is mixed in water and then sprayed on the deck surface and then spayed off. I purchased the 2 LB container which makes up to 5 gallons of stripper at full strength. That is enough to restore up to 750 square feet of wood decking. They also carry a 10lb container which makes 20 gallons of stripper at full strength. I was just about to purchase this product and noticed they had a product called Citralic which acts as a brightener and is to be applied to the deck surface after the cleaner is applied. Citralic is pH balanced to make the ideal neutralizer for HD-80 and other caustic strippers. I purchased both of these products from www.myocstore.com which is a Canadian company and they shipped the products in a timely manner.

Otter Creek is pleased to announce it has a new dealer in London, Ontario, Canada for the Diamond Essence Ipe decking tile. The dealer is a design resource studio.

Our goal behind starting the Decorating Resource Studio (DRS) is to build and support the design community in the London and surrounding area. The Studio is a professional and comfortable space where designers and decorators can bring their clients to select finishes and view samples on an array of products not readily offered in Southwestern Ontario. The DRS eliminates the need to travel to Toronto to find fabulous designer finishes and products.

We offer “trade only” discounts to local, design and decorating professionals on an array of products, including designer wallcoverings, fabric, lighting, casegoods, custom upholstery, custom area rugs, cabinetry and more.

Designers and decorators have access to private designer/client meeting rooms, design aids – such as paint decks from a variety of companies, flooring samples and etc. to help create sample boards.

Professional development days are being organized to encourage continuing education. Credits will be available, from some suppliers.

DRS is also open to the public who are welcome to shop for fabulous finishes at retail prices.

Ipe Decking Tiles

Ipe Tiles for Decks and Balconies

I have a condo in Canada and its a very nice place with great views from our sixteenth floor location. In the mornings I like to sit outside and have my morning coffee and take a few minutes to relax before my busy day starts. I like everything on my balcony other than the cold and unappealing cement floor. It has a ruff texture that is not pleasing to my feet and most days its to cool to go barefoot on. I was looking for a product that would eliminate the cold and drab appearance and found the wood decking tiles at a store in Toronto. They were made of Ipe and the tiles came in a variety of sizes and patterns. The best thing was they were inter locking and each tile simply snapped into place. It took approximately half a day and I had my balcony surface completely covered with a beautiful looking wood surface that is very durable and maintenance free. If you would like to see where I purchased this product please visit www.myocstore.com

It was the best choice I could have made!