John Sez:
By John Harris, Belcaro Paint, Paint Chemist
Many times we use wood in the construction of our homes with the intent to leave a natural wood appearance. This could be a deck, siding or other ornamental elements of design. The exposed exterior wood we use for these features in the construction of our homes needs to be protected. Water, microorganisms and our 300 days a year of high ultraviolet sun try to decompose wood. It is only by applying a proper coating to wood that we are able to extend the life and beauty of a natural wood look.
A proper coating is one that penetrates deeply into the wood fibers, hardens, and thereby prevents water from entering wood. Pigmentation in this coating also needs to penetrate deeply into the wood, so the color is not just sitting on the top layer of the wood. Otherwise the color is quickly worn away in the heavier traffic or exposed areas.
The most important areas of wood to protect are the end grain. Water will travel from one end of a board to the other end quickly, if the end grain is not sealed. When building a new wood fence it is important to keep the vertical boards from touching the ground and to seal the tops and bottoms of each board, as well as the flat surfaces we see. It is also important to prevent lawn sprinklers from hitting the fence in the same area. Water will quickly erode the protective coating, allowing the exposed wood to gray in the arch or rainbow pattern.
One of the best exterior coatings for maintaining a natural wood appearance is Penofin. It contains Brazilian Rosewood Oil, which is one of the best oils for deep penetration in wood. Penofin’s very finely ground transoxide pigments penetrate deeply, along with the oil to provide protection and color as the surface wears down. Another great product with respect to deep penetration is SuperDeck. Come in the store and see some of the evidence we have to show why these two coatings are superior.
Belcaro Paint & Decorating Center, Inc.
5475 Leetsdale Dr., Denver, CO 80246 303-757-5435
or
209 W. Littleton Blvd., Littleton CO 80120 303-703-4487
email us
Belcaro website
|