Preparation Procedures

Vertical Surfaces: New, Weathered, Uncoated Wood

The best method to prepare vertical wood surfaces is to sand with 80-120 grit sandpaper. However, an alternative to sanding for preparation is listed below.

Cleaning Recommendation

1. Spray the surface with clean water, wetting the wood.
2. Clean the surface with a solution of four ounces of 100% powdered Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) or phosphatefree substitute plus one quart of liquid bleach in three quarts of water. Apply this solution generously to the wood with a garden pump sprayer.
3. Let the solution sit on the wood for 15-20 minutes. During this period, scrub the surface with a hard bristle brush to help remove mill glaze and/or weathering. Do not let the solution dry on the wood. Keep the wood wet.
4. Power wash the cleaning solution from the wood with clean water. To prevent damaging the wood, do not exceed 500 psi. The nozzle must be a maximum of one foot from the surface for full effectiveness.
5. Let the surface dry for three days before application (i.e., the moisture content is below 18%).

Tips

• It is always recommended to perform a three-coat color test on a sample of the wood.
• New rough-sawn wood less than four weeks old should be dry-brushed using a brush with stiff bristles to remove loose dirt and fibers. If debris is still present then follow the cleaning recommendation.
• Weathered grey wood or wood affected with blue fungi or rust from nails may be treated after the surface preparation by applying a solution of four ounces of oxalic acid crystals in a gallon of warm water. This solution should be allowed to sit on the affected areas for 15-20 minutes before the final power wash with clean water. Let dry three days before coating.
• Fill all joints, cracks and nail holes with a good quality polyurethane or acrylic caulk/filler.
• Cetol 1 is always used as the first coat in any bare wood application.
• All systems consist of three coats.
• All three coats must be applied within 30 days after preparation.
• Spraying is only recommended for Cetol 23 Plus.
• Previous coatings must be removed prior to application of Cetol I and Cetol 23 Plus system

Application Procedures

Cetol I coverage area is 250-350 sq. ft./U.S. gal (smooth wood) and 200-300 sq. ft./U.S. gal (rough/weathered wood).
Cetol 23 Plus coverage area is 400-500 sq. ft./U.S. gal.

Vertical Surfaces: New/Bare/Weathered Wood

1. Follow the preparation procedures
2. Apply one coat of Cetol I
3. Let surface dry a minimum of 24 hours
4. Apply a second coat using Cetol 23 Plus
5. Let surface dry a minimum of 24 hours
6. Apply a third coat using Cetol 23 Plus
7. Clean tools with mineral spirits

*For full log applications, call Sikkens Sales and Technical Support

Outdoor Furniture/Fence Applications

1. Follow the preparation procedures
2. Apply one coat of Cetol I
3. Let surface dry a minimum of 24 hours
4. Apply a second coat of Cetol I
5. Let surface dry a minimum of 24 hours
6. Apply a third coat of Cetol I
7. Clean tools with mineral spirits

Application Do’s …
for Cetol I and Cetol 23 Plus

• Apply when the surface and air temperature is
  50° F/10° C to 95° F/35° C
• Stir before using
• Saturate all end grains, nail holes, cavities and cracks in the wood
• Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks
• Apply liberally in the direction of the wood grain using a long-haired natural bristle brush
• Back prime (if possible)
• Intermix batches to ensure color consistency

Application Don’ts …
for Cetol I and Cetol 23 Plus

• Do not apply when surface is hot to the touch
• Do not apply when rain, dew, or frost is present or expected within five hours
• Do not apply in wet weather
• Do not apply when moisture content of the wood is greater than 18%
• Do not thin