Frequently asked Questions.
How
long will the coating last?
There
are two aspects to consider
(a)
First and most important is TOTAL PROTECTION of the timber
Deck-Doc
is the only product that will repel moisture being absorbed into the
timber for several years. The oil absorbs into the timber and seals from
the inside as well as the outside.
This feature is important as it protects the timber against wood rot and
fungal damage such as mildew and algae. Equally important the oil will
encapsulate the timber and retain the natural oils and tannins therein,
preventing the timber drying out, cracking, splitting and warping.
The tannins determine the colour of the timber, so protecting the tannins
and keeping them in will retain the timbers natural colour.
Deck-Doc's
Revolutionay Oiling System will protect for years will never crack or
peel.
IF
WATER DOES NOT BEAD ON THE SURFACE THE TIMBER IS UNPROTECTED
(b)
Second THE COSMETIC APPEARANCE of the timber
The
desire to have the cosmetic appearance of the timber looking at its best
all the time.
As with all things exposed to the weather they become dirty with
accumulated dust, grime and air borne pollution. We wash and polish our
motorcars to keep them looking good, so to we need to care for our outdoor
timber.
After time timber can appear grey because of dirt build up. It is not the
timber that has turned grey, it is the accumulation of dirt built up on
the surface.
The dirt build up needs to be cleaned off from time to time. Refresh with
a light coat of oil and the cosmetic appearance will came back to like new
as the oil is protecting the colour in the timber fibres.
If
timber is not exposed to the full weather elements and has some
protection, the cosmetic surface and the natural beauty can be easily
maintained by occasionally cleaning the surface by lightly sweeping with
an oiled Lambs Wool Applicator and Oil Scouring Applicator.
SOLID
COATINGS VERSES ABSORBING COATINGS
SOLID
COATINGS: These coatings leave a solid membrane on the surface, will
solidify and with constant movement of outdoor timber will ultimately
break down in a short period of time resulting in the coating cracking
and peeling causing damage to the timber. It will absorb moisture, dry
out, and lose its tannins (colour). The maintenance in restoring this
timber is costly as it will require mechanically sanding back the timber
ABSORBING
COATINGS: Natural oil absorbing coatings brings out the timbers natural
colour and beauty, and only needs enhancing and enriching with repeat
applications and does not require costly maintenance.
DECK-DOC'S
UNIQUE OILING SYSTEM:
Moves
with the timber, encapsulates the timbers natural oils and tannins,
protects the colour and protects the timber exactly.
How
often do I need to apply the oil?
Depends
on the absorption rate of your timber, as well as weather Conditions. A
guide is to "Feed it when it needs it"
See
with the eye when you think the Surface appears dry and in need of more
oil. Some parts may need more oil sooner than others as some areas are
exposed to the weather more than areas that are under cover. For frequent
maintenance, there is no need to clean the timber surface again, simply
apply a small amount of Oil on the areas that need it.
A
good rule is to protect your timber before the winter elements and before
the summer elements
As
the oil absorbs and builds up in the timber fibres the less frequent you
need to re apply.
How
long does it take to dry?
By
following the instructions carefully and not over applying, it should only
take 24 hours to dry in summer. In winter however, it can take longer and
is therefore recommended to apply on sunny days 15o - 27o
Surfaces
should be completely dry before applying. DO NOT APPLY TO WET SURFACES
Why
is my surface not drying?
This
is due to over applying. Timber will only absorb so much oil within a 2 -3
hour period. Flooding the timber does not make the timber absorb any more
oil. Therefore any wet oil that has not absorbed in to the timber will sit
on top and needs to be wiped off. This will then allow the oil to dry in
the top surface layer.
If
the surface is tacky how do I correct it?
This
can happen with over applying and where excess oil left on the surface has
dried and has not been wiped down. We recommend applying the oil over 2sq
metres at a time in order for the oil not to dry too quickly before it has
a chance to absorb in to the timber.
If
the surface has a tacky surface simply spray kerosene on the surface, this
will soften the oil and bring it back to a wet state. Scrub the surface
using Deck-Doc Oil Scouring Applicator and wipe off the wet excess oil
using dry cloths. Always work an area of 2 sq metres at a time, as hot
conditions hastens the drying time.
Questions from our Customers.
Q:
Last summer I pressure-cleaned our 15 month old LOSP treated pine deck and
applied 2 coats of your Premium decking oil. The part of the deck not
covered by the verandah is turning black . We have not had any fallout
from the sky and nothing else around the house has a black coloring on it.
What do you think is the reason for it?
Ron
J.
A: The black spots that are
caused by air borne fungal spores on the surface of the the timber. This is a common problem
during Autumn. It is more prevalent during warm Autumn
conditions. These powder like fungal spores grow
naturally on various trees and plants and can be carried great distances
in strong weather conditions. It is a common problem for gardeners as
these fungal spores settle on plants and leaves and are brought down on to
surfaces like decks with the rain.
Radiata
Pine is a very soft and porous timber and as such should
never be cleaned with a pressure washer. The high pressure forces excess
moisture in to the timber as well as dirt particles, fungal spores etc. It
is for this reason that we have developed our own timber cleaner which is
not harmful to the timber and does not leave any harmful residue behind.
As
Radiata Pine is very porous and requires regular ongoing oiling and
maintenance, I advise you to apply a fresh coat of oil using
the Deck-Doc Lambs Wool Applicator and then scrub the wet oil with
Deck-Doc Oil/Scouring Applicator. This should remove the black spots and
restore the timber to its natural colour. We recommend to test this method on a
small area using a kitchen scourer.
If
the black spots are persistent, that would
indicate there are fungal spores growing in the timber. It would then be
necessary to use our Timber Cleaner and add a small amount of household
bleach to the cleaning solution. I stress only add a small amount of bleach to a solution of cleaner in
the ratio of 5 litres cleaner solution add 1-2 capfuls of bleach. You will
notice quite a vigorous reaction. Do not be concerned it is not
dangerous or explosive. The bleach will kill any fungal spores in the
timber and the cleaning operation is the ideal preparation for re
application of oil.
We
now have available a new oil with an additional UV absorber. For treated
pine we recommend our premium decking oil with Light Colour Enhancer. This
product maintains the cosmetic appearance for longer as well as providing
the unique weather protection of our oil. This product may not be
available in your local store at present, however, if you require it, I am
sure they will get it in for you.
Q:
As you can see on the veranda decking photos, I have used Deck-doc
cleaning agent as directed on the DVD provided. The wood in Cyprus, about 10 yrs old, spaced even apart to allow water drainage. Obviously
the outside section that is grey is exposed to the rain from the South and
the West. I used the another oil initially and twice since.
Unfortunately I haven’t done it for a few years as you can see.
a)
Is sanding my only alternative now that I have used the Deck-Doc cleaning
agents?
b)
Will sanding the rest of the greyish areas damage the wood? I have two
people in different hardware stores give me two opposite answers.
c)
If I sand it back after punching nails in, will the decking oil be the
answer or do I have to use a stain?
A:
It appears that the previous coating applied to your
deck has formed a solid membrane on the surface. This membrane has cracked
considerably over time as the timber has swelled and shrunk being exposed
to the weather.
The problem appears to be that moisture has entered through these minute
cracks and settled between the membrane and the surface of the timber, creating the dark patches. The cleaner can not remove this membrane
as it is almost the same as a coat of paint on the surface.
We
suggest that the best way to remove this membrane
is by sanding.
