Wood Preservatives
Can Wood Preservatives be used indoors?
Wood Preservatives are not intended for indoor use. These products are intended for outdoor use only on decks, fences, picnic tables, or on any uncoated or pressure treated wood.
Can I use Wood Preservatives on wood that has already been treated with a varnish, clear coat sealer, or any other type of coating system?
Wood Preservatives should be applied before treating with stains and water sealers and cannot be applied over new varnish or paint. The preservatives would not penetrate into the wood enough to be beneficial. The only exception is if the stain or water sealer is very old (more than 5 years), then Wood Preservatives can be applied without risk of damaging the old finish.
What is the difference between Copper II and Clear Wood Preservative?
Copper II is a bright green preservative based on copper naphthenate as the active ingredient so it is best used where the greenish tinge on the wood is not a problem or a dark paint will be used over it. It cannot be painted over with pale colours and will show through transparent stains. Copper II provides slightly better protection than clear preservative so it is often recommended for wood in contact with soil or to reduce maintenance. Clear preservative is based on Zinc naphthenate and provides invisible protection. It is ideal where the natural colour of wood is desired or where the wood will be painted with light coloured paints or transparent stains.
When will my Green Wood Preservative stop smelling? Can I paint over it?
Most Wood Preservatives dry in 2 weeks or when the temperature reaches roughly 28°C. Once dry, the odour will dissipate. Green Wood Preservative could bleed through paint, so use a dark colour to prevent discoloration or refrain from painting all together.
Can I paint over Clear Wood Preservative once it is dry?
Yes. It is called clear, paintable preservative because it will not bleed through paint. Even light coloured paints can be used successfully.
How often should I reapply Wood Preservatives to previously treated wood?
Reapply Wood Preservatives every 3 to 5 years in normal conditions and more frequently when conditions are more severe, such as shaded damp areas or those exposed to prolonged direct sunlight.
How long does Clear Wood Preservative last?
Under normal conditions, Clear Wood Preservative lasts approximately 2 to 3 years.
What is the water repellency rating of your Copper II or Clear Wood Preservative?
We do not recommend using a wood preservative as a water repellent. Recochem does have a product called Water Repellent item 13-754 that is excellent for providing water repellency.
What is the best method to apply Wood Preservatives? Can I use a spray gun?
Always use a paintbrush or roller to apply Wood Preservatives. Please note that government regulations prohibit the application of Wood Preservatives by a spray gun. Use a brush or roller.
Can I reduce the odour associated with Wood Preservatives?
Treat the wood outdoors, and take a break if you find the odour is strong. You can also make the odour less noticeable by mixing an ounce (ml) of aromatherapy essential oil (cinnamon or bergamot) into the preservative.
Are Wood Preservatives toxic? Can I touch the wood after it is applied?
Wood Preservatives can be touched once dry without any harmful side effects. Wood Preservatives are mainly toxic when wet. Once dry, they are safe for skin contact.
Do any of your wood preservative products contain arsenic?
No. Arsenic is sometimes found in the chemicals used to treat pressure treated lumber. Wood preservative applied by brushing on do not contain arsenic.
Once treated with Wood Preservatives, is the wood the same as pressure treated wood?
The result is similar, but pressure treating provides deeper penetration of preservatives into the wood.
What is the difference between Raw and Boiled Linseed Oil?
The main difference between these two products is that Boiled Linseed Oil contains drying agents to speed the drying of the oil and decrease working time.
Can I use either Raw or Boiled Linseed Oil on patio furniture or decking?
Either oil can be used for these applications, but Boiled Linseed Oil is easier for the novice. Several light coats provide the best protection, and applying too much Linseed Oil can result in a permanently tacky surface. Please follow the package directions closely, and wipe off any oil not penetrated after half an hour.
What is the correct way to use linseed oil?
For an even finish, Recochem Linseed Oil can be mixed with equal parts of Turpentine or Recordsol Paint thinner. Wipe off any excess oil. A minimum of 24 hours should be given to allow the first application to dry. Raw Linseed oil should be mixed with one part Turpentine to two parts linseed oil to ensure even penetration on the surface.
I used your linseed oil but now it’s all sticky, what can I use to remove it?
Linseed oil does not dry or evaporate like water. It fills the pores of the surface and forms a protective film. Perhaps too much linseed oil was applied at once, which caused the sticky finish. For an even finish, a very thin coat should be applied and rubbed well into the wood. Any excess oil left after 30 minutes should be wiped off. Linseed oil takes a long time to dry, and a second coat should be applied only after eight hours. To remove linseed oil, try using Recochem’s Paint and Varnish Remover. If the oil is still wet or fresh, a mixture of water and laundry detergent or Recochem T.S.P. all-purpose cleaner should remove it.
Can I apply a topcoat over Raw or Boiled Linseed Oil, like Varathane Gloss Clearcoat? Should the topcoat be latex or oil-based?
Only oil-based coatings can be applied, and only when the oil is thoroughly dry.
Where can Water Repellent Clear Sealer be used?
Water Repellent Clear Sealer can be used on wood, concrete, brick, masonry, stucco, and canvas.
What type of resin or sealing agent is used in Water Repellent Clear Sealer? Is it Silicone or Acrylic based?
Water Repellent Clear Sealer is neither Silicone nor Acrylic based, but an aluminum stearate polymer material. This creates a chemical reaction on the surface that then offers water repellency characteristics.
Can I coat over Water Repellent Clear Sealer with another coating system?
When applying a coating, use alkyd or oil-based only. We do not recommend painting or applying another coating system for at least 6 months after treating.
How long does Water Repellent Clear Sealer take to dry?
Allow at least 3 days to dry.
What is the weight or “cut” of your White Shellac?
Recochem White Shellac has a “2 lb. cut.”
What solvent should I use to dilute White Shellac?
The best solvents for dilution are Methyl Hydrate and Shellac Thinner.
What should I do if the White Shellac cures on my hand?
If White Shellac is spilled on your skin, plenty of warm soapy water should remove it. Otherwise, try an auto mechanic or shop hand cleanser.
Can items previously treated with White Shellac be painted over? Can I apply a polyurethane (or any other type) coating over White Shellac?
Both paint and coatings can be applied over White Shellac, and best results are achieved with oil-based polyurethanes.
Does White Shellac contain additives, like waxes?
Our White Shellac does not contain waxes.