1. Can Sikkens Log Pre-Treatment be used on a deck?
2. What other types of wood preservative does Sikkens recommend?
5. I don't want to rent a power washer for the cleaning procedure. Is a garden hose OK?
11. I would like to paint my picnic table. What product would you recommend?
12. Can an insecticide be added to the Cetol 23 Plus?
15. Can Rubbol Solid DEK be applied on a Fiberglass door?
16. How do you remove excess product from glass?
21. If is OK to apply two coats of Cetol SRD to my home?
23. We have a new western red cedar fence and would like to use Cetol SRD. Is this a recommended system?
24. How often should I maintain the Cetol SRD system?
27. In which conditions can mildew grow on wood or the surface of a coating?
28. What can prevent a coating from penetrating into wood?
30. What should I do to remove oil and resins on the surface of hardwoods such as Ipe or Teak?
31. Why is it important to have a microporous or breathable coating?
32. Which Cetol system will provide the best UV protection on siding?
35. What is the best system for doors and windows, especially where they receive southern UV exposure?
36. Which Cetol translucent product can be used on both siding and decking surfaces?
37. How do all of the Cetol products provide superior protection for wood?
38. Which system should be used when a film-building, translucent system is desired on a deck?
39. What are the rules to follow when using the Cetol DEK Finish system on a deck?
41. Do I have to put a top coat over Cetol Log Décor?
42. Why should I use Cetol UV Interior for light colored wood?
43. Can I apply Rubbol Solid DEK over a previously coated decks?
45. What causes efflorescence?
1. Can Sikkens Log Pre-Treatment be used on a deck?
Log Pre-Treatment can be used on a deck for temporary protection when weather conditions will not allow the application of a Sikkens deck system (i.e., late fall). When weather conditions allow for application of a Sikkens system, the deck should be prepared following the normal preparation recommendation for the Sikkens system to be used. It is very important to make sure that the Log Pre-Treatment is completely weathered or removed prior to using a Sikkens deck system to ensure proper adhesion.
2. What other types of wood preservative does Sikkens recommend?
Sikkens Log Pre-Treatment is not available in your area, we recommend using a non-film forming wood preservative with no water repellent additives.
3. I was told to use Sikkens Log Pre-Treatment on my log home first, wait six months to one year and then clean and put on the Cetol products. I don't want the wood to grey. Will the Log Pre-Treatment prevent this?
No, Sikkens Log Pre-Treatment will not prevent the wood from graying. It does not contain any pigments so the wood will begin to grey during the six month to one year waiting period. This is not a major concern. The cleaning process we recommend will completely remove this slight surface graying.
4. I live in California and have a new cedar sided house. I was told that we are in a VOC area. What Sikkens product do you recommend?
The Sikkens product to be used is either Cetol Log & Siding or Cetol SRD 250. The Cetol Log & Siding is a two coat system with a satin finish. The Cetol SRD 250 is a one coat system for a flat finish and a three coat system for a satin finish.
5. I don't want to rent a power washer for the cleaning procedure. Is a garden hose OK?
No, a garden hose does not have enough pressure (normally about 60 p.s.i.) to clean the surface effectively, even with a nozzle. This will not properly remove the mill glaze, dirt, pollution, old coatings, etc. that may be found on the surface. We have done extensive testing and found this cleaning solution followed by a power washing at 500 p.s.i. is an effective way to clean the wood without hand scrubbing or sanding the entire surface (which is the most effective way to prepare the wood).
6. I have an exterior door that has been coated with Cetol 1. I want to put an acrylic/urethane coating as a top coat. Is there a problem with that?
We do not recommend that type of product because it loses its flexibility, and it doesn't offer the durability and protection of Cetol Door and Window or Cetol 23 Plus.
7. I want to fill the nail holes on the outside of my house. I bought filler and would like to know if I can fill the holes with a mix of Sikkens and wood filler.
Without extensive testing we cannot tell whether the filler powder and Sikkens are compatible with each other. For this reason, we do not recommend the use of these products.
8. I have sprayed Cetol SRD on my siding. I have overspray on the windows and field stone. What should I do?
If the overspray is still wet, wet a rag with mineral spirits to wipe off the coating. If the overspray is dry, it will be difficult to remove. It will require the use of a paint stripper/remover or it may be carefully scraped off with a razor blade. Careful use of any paint remover is important. You should consult with the manufacturer of any paint stripper you use to help you with the situation.
9. I used Cetol 1 to stain the interior of the windows in my log home. I was informed by the dealer that you do not recommend the use of Cetol 1 for the interior. What should I do now?
Sikkens does not recommend the use of any exterior products for interior use. If it is already applied, we recommend top coating the Cetol 1 with two coats of Cetol Interior Clear or Cetol BL Interior Clear to seal the surface.
10. I like the look of Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus products. I would like this on my picnic table. What can I use?
The Sikkens system recommended for picnic tables, wood lawn furniture, play sets, etc. is three coats of Cetol 1. This is the best system to use on unique applications. The maintenance on this system should be done every 1-2 years with Cetol 1.
11. I would like to paint my picnic table. What product would you recommend?
The solid color product Sikkens recommends for picnic tables Rubbol Solid DEK.
12. Can an insecticide be added to the Cetol 23 Plus?
We do not recommend adding any additives to the products.
13. I have some teak garden furniture and want to protect it. The store told me to use Cetol Door & Window. Is this the best product to use?
Sikkens recommends three coats of Cetol 1 on garden furniture. We do not recommend Cetol Door & Window for any surfaces other than doors and windows.
14. When should I apply the caulking when using the Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus or Cetol Log & Siding system on my log home?
The best way to apply the caulk is to put it on between the first and second coats, making sure the first coat is completely dry and the caulk is completely dry and completely cured before applying the second coat. However, it is possible to put the caulk on bare wood first and coat after, or coat and apply the caulk last.
15. Can Rubbol Solid DEK be applied on a Fiberglass door?
Yes, first wipe the surface with liquid sandpaper, scuff the surface with a nylon scuffing pad and then apply two coats. Rubbol Solid DEK makes take several days to dry.
16. How do you remove excess product from glass?
If the product is wet, it can be removed by wiping it off with a rag soaked in mineral spirits. If it is dry, it will have to be scraped off with a single edge razor blade.
17. We have 2,500 square feet of western red cedar to be coated with the Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus system. The paint store told me to use two coats of Cetol 1, then one coat of Cetol 23 Plus. We want to apply two coats prior to installation and then apply Cetol 23 Plus 1 ½ years later. What is the best way to apply this?
The recommended system would be one coat of Cetol 1 applied prior to installation to all sides of the wood, then two coats of Cetol 23 Plus after installation. All the coats need to be applied within one month. No coating system should be partially applied and finished 1½ years later.
18. We are building a new log home in the late fall. We will probably only have time to apply one or two coats. We were thinking of putting on one coat of Cetol 1 and one coat of Cetol 23 Plus. The following spring we will apply the final coat. Is this acceptable?
We do not recommend just two coats for an extended period of time. The system should be finished within one month.
19. I accidentally applied Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus on my deck-one coat of Cetol 1 and one coat of Cetol 23 Plus. What should I do now?
Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus is a three coat system and is not recommended for a deck. In order to get durability from the product another coat should be applied. Other than removing the product and using a recommended deck system this is the only suggestion we can make. The deck products cannot be used over the Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus.
20. I have a contractor painting my house. I saw him mix different products and pigments into the coating. Is it OK to add pigment and/or other products to Sikkens products?
No, we do not recommend adding anything to our translucent products. The Rubbol Siding Finish, Rubbol Solid Stain, and Rubbol DEK can be tinted using some of the universal tints available. No additives should be added to any of our products as they could possibly slow down drying time, change gloss levels, affect the flow of the product, etc.
21. If is OK to apply two coats of Cetol SRD to my home?
Cetol SRD is a single coat system. However, if the first coat does not have an even appearance (around knot areas, etc.) lightly reapply while still wet.
22. I have cedar shingles and applied one coat of Cetol SRD 113 Cape Cod Grey. The appearance is uneven. How can I fix it?
Cetol SRD is a single coat system. However, if the first coat does not have an even appearance (around knot areas, etc.) lightly reapply while still wet.
23. We have a new western red cedar fence and would like to use Cetol SRD. Is this a recommended system?
Yes, one coat of Cetol SRD can be used on fences. It can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on. If sprayed or rolled, it should be back brushed.
24. How often should I maintain the Cetol SRD system?
Cetol SRD should be weathered before recoating. Visually inspect the coating and when it appears faded spray the surface with water. If the water penetrates and the wood turns dark due to the moisture, this is an indication that its time for a new coat of Cetol SRD. If it still repels water, do not apply a maintenance coat. When reapplying Cetol SRD, the surface should be back to bare wood; otherwise the wood may look dark, blotchy, or shiny.
25. Our house was coated with one coat of an oil base stain about 1 ½ years ago. It is developing a lot of mold and mildew, and in some of the exposed areas it has weathered off. I want to use the Sikkens translucent product on my house. What do I have to do?
In order to use any of the Sikkens translucent finishes on your home, the other product must be removed. Please refer to the Previously Coated Wood section in the Sikkens Application Guide or contact your local Sikkens dealer for assistance with removing the current product from your home.
26. When using Cetol finishes, why is it always recommended to perform a test with the number of coats required on a sample of the wood?
The final color may vary on each wood species. Also, the final color and opacity may vary with application
27. In which conditions can mildew grow on wood or the surface of a coating?
When the following conditions are present: 80% relative humidity, 21°C / 70°F or above, 21% moisture content of the wood.
28. What can prevent a coating from penetrating into wood?
It can be caused by mill glaze (planer crush).
29. How long can I wait (maximum) before applying a wood finish on a vertical surface (siding) once the preparation has been done?
4 weeks.
30. What should I do to remove oil and resins on the surface of hardwoods such as Ipe or Teak?
Wipe with lacquer thinner or acetone.
31. Why is it important to have a microporous or breathable coating?
Because moisture can escape out the wood as vapor.
32. Which Cetol system will provide the best UV protection on siding?
One coat of Cetol 1 and two coats of Cetol 23 Plus or two coats of Cetol Log & Siding.
33. If a film-building product with a rich, translucent look is desired on fences or garden furniture, which system should be used?
Three coats of Cetol 1.
34. How often is a maintenance coat required for southern exposed siding coated with either the Cetol Log & Siding or Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus systems?
2 – 3 years.
35. What is the best system for doors and windows, especially where they receive southern UV exposure?
Three coats of Cetol Door & Window.
36. Which Cetol translucent product can be used on both siding and decking surfaces?
Cetol SRD.
37. How do all of the Cetol products provide superior protection for wood?
Because they are made with iron oxide pigments for UV protection and high quality resin giving excellent durability and microporosity (breathability).
38. Which system should be used when a film-building, translucent system is desired on a deck?
Two coats of Cetol DEK Finish.
39. What are the rules to follow when using the Cetol DEK Finish system on a deck?
1.)The deck surface should have 2 feet (0,6 metre) or more clearance from the ground. 2.)The wood must be coated on all six sides. 3.)Preparation must include mechanical sanding with 60 to 80 grit sandpaper.
40. How does Rubbol Siding Finish (a solid) provides excellent durability, flexibility, and color retention?
This is due to its superior penetration, high linseed oil content and hybrid alkyd / acrylic technology.
41. Do I have to put a top coat over Cetol Log Décor?
No, it is a stain and vanish (2 in 1) product.
42. Why should I use Cetol UV Interior for light colored wood?
Cetol UV Interior was developed to minimize the yellowing of the wood and maintain a natural wood appearance of light colored wood.
43. Can I apply Rubbol Solid DEK over a previously coated decks?
Yes, it can also be applied over most composite decking materials as well as unprimed pressure-treated decks.
44. What is efflorescence?
Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of alkaline salts. It is usually white in color and appears on the surface of masonry (concrete, stucco, plaster, concrete blocks, etc.). It frequently causes, what appears to be, white discolorations on colored paint films, blotchy spots and/or streaks.
45. What causes efflorescence?
Efflorescence is caused by moisture migration through the masonry substrate. Once on the masonry surface, the moisture evaporates, depositing the dissolved salts in the form of efflorescence. The degree of efflorescence can greatly affect by ambient conditions of temperature and moisture. Some areas of the country therefore have more efflorescence than others.
46. What are sources of moisture?
Rain, water and snow are the primary source of moisture. Other sources include moisture generation from interior activities, ground water wicking and condensation.
47. How do you remove efflorescense?
Because most efflorescence salts are water soluble, dry brushing and water rinsing can usually remove them. Power washing is also very effective. On more stubborn areas, washing with a dilute (5% to 10%) muriatic acid or vinegar and water solution is effective. Before applying acid, dampen the surface with clean water to prevent absorption into the surface. Follow manufacturer's application and safety directions. Allow the solution to stand for about five minutes. Brush or power wash stubborn areas. Rinse thoroughly with plenty of clean water.