Helpful Tips for exterior stains

Exterior wood can be affected by many factors, including rain, snow, mildew, mold and UV rays. For the best results on your project follow these guidelines when applying SICO® ProLuxe® wood finishes:

  • Make sure that the wood surface is in good condition
    • if mildew is present, clean all surfaces using the following procedure:
      • Spray all wood surfaces with clean water, completely wetting the wood.
      • Generously apply a cleaning solution of four (4) ounces of 100% powered Tri-Sodium phosphate (TSP) or phosphate-free substitute with one (1) quart of liquid bleach and three (3) quarts of water, to the wood surfaces with a garden sprayer or a heavy nap roller cover.
      • Let the solution sit on the wood for 15 to 20 minutes as you scrub the surface with a hard bristle brush. Do not let the solution dry on the surface.
      • Power wash the cleaning solutions from the wood with plenty of clean water using 500 to 800 psi with the nozzle 8 to 12 inches from the surface.
      • Allow the wood surface to dry for 48 hours or until moisture content measures less than 18%.
    • If rot is present on the wood surface, replace the affected boards before finishing.
  • Choose the right product for your exterior project 
  • Prepare your surface properly
    • New or weathered/uncoated surfaces
      • Spray all wood surfaces with clean water, completely wetting the wood.
      • Generously apply a cleaning solution of four (4) ounces of 100% powered Tri-Sodium phosphate (TSP) or phosphate-free substitute with one (1) quart of liquid bleach and three (3) quarts of water, to the wood surfaces with a garden sprayer or a heavy nap roller cover.
      • Let the solution sit on the wood for 15 to 20 minutes as you scrub the surface with a hard bristle brush. Do not let the solution dry on the surface.
      • Power wash the cleaning solution from the wood with plenty of clean water using 500 to 800 psi with the nozzle 8 to 12 inches from the surface.
      • Allow the wood surface to dry for 48 hours or until moisture content measures less than 18%.
      • For optimum wood surface porosity and uniformity you can sand all pre-cleaned wood using 80 – 120 grit sandpaper for vertical surfaces and 60 – 80 grit sandpaper for horizontal surfaces. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain and remove sanding dust. Sanding is optional for all application except for Cetol® DEK Finish.

      Note: New pressure treated lumber requires a six-week drying period. Water-repellant lumber requires one year of weathering prior to application. New rough-sawn wood should be dry-brushed using a brush with stiff bristles to remove loose dirt and fibers.

       

    • Previously coated surfaces (NOTE: Removal of previous finishes is required for a good result when applying a translucent finish. If you are using a solid stain, existing coating can remain as long as it is in good condition and well-adhered to the wood surface.)
      • Surfaces must be thoroughly clean, dry and free of dirt, grease, grime and mildew
      • Remove mildew by applying a cleaning solution of four (4) ounces of 100% powered Tri-Sodium phosphate (TSP) or phosphate-free substitute with one (1) quart of liquid bleach and three (3) quarts of water, to the wood surfaces with a garden sprayer or a heavy nap roller cover.
      • Let the solution sit on the wood for 15 to 20 minutes then rinse thoroughly.
      • Remove the old finish with an exterior wood finish remover, following the instructions that come with the product.
      • After use, allow the wood surface to dry for 48 hours or until moisture content measures less than 18%.
      • For optimum wood surface porosity and uniformity you can sand all pre-cleaned wood using 80 – 120 grit sandpaper for vertical surfaces and 60 – 80 grit sandpaper for horizontal surfaces. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain and remove sanding dust. Sanding is optional for all application except for Cetol DEK Finish.
  • Application guidelines
    • Apply exterior products when the surface and air temperature is 50ºF (10ºC) to 95ºF (35ºC) and no rain is expected within 5 hours
    • Allow finish to dry for 48 to 72 hours or until the moisture content measures less than 18%
  • Maintenance
    • Please refer to the Product Label, TDS or MSDS for safety and detailed application instructions..
    • To identify the changes caused by weathering, we recommend saving a coated board from your project and storing it indoors. This can be used to periodically compare to your exterior surface to determine when cleaning, maintenance or replacement are needed.

Follow these do’s and don’ts for an optimum result on your exterior project. For more information, please refer to the technical datasheets for your specific product.

Smart Tip....

We recommend performing a colour test on a sample of the wood being used in the project with the number of coats required. This will confirm you get the colour and sheen you desire.

Application Do's

  • Prepare your wood properly for stain and finish application. Mill glaze, the shiny surface created when lumber is planed, may keep coatings from penetrating.
  • Apply when the surface and air temperature is between 50ºF and 95ºF (10ºC and 35ºC).
  • Stir well before using (do not shake if using product the same day).
  • Saturate all end grains.
  • Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks.
  • Apply in the direction of the wood grain.
  • Intermix batches/cans of product to ensure colour consistency.

Application Don'ts

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