#1. Can Sikkens Log Pre-Treatment be used on a deck?
Log Pre-Treatment can be used on a deck for temporary protection when weather conditions will not allow the application of a Sikkens deck system (i.e., late fall). When weather conditions allow for application of a Sikkens system, the deck should be prepared following the normal preparation recommendation for the Sikkens system to be used. It is very important to make sure that the Log Pre-Treatment is completely weathered or removed prior to using a Sikkens deck system to ensure proper adhesion.
#2. The instructions to use Cetol DEK Finish say that I must sand after the cleaning process. This is a lot of work. Do I really have to sand?
Yes, sanding is mandatory. Since it is a film building system, it is important to remove anything that can prevent the product from penetrating and adhering to the surface, especially on walking surfaces and flat surfaces which take a lot of wear and tear, weathering and abuse. Sanding with 60 to 80 grit sandpaper opens up the pores of the wood and allows the best penetration and adhesion. Sanding with sandpaper that is too fine can actually polish the surface. The second is that sanding removes the slightly fuzzy texture of the wood which can remain on the wood after the power washing. If you are unable to, or unwilling, to sand the product you should use is Cetol SRD. Sanding is not needed to use this product.
#3. I applied Cetol DEK Finish on my porch floor a week ago. It is not drying and still tacky. What is the problem?
Cetol DEK Finish is a high solids, slow drying product which needs warmth and fresh air to cure. The drying time can increase depending on the type of wood, higher humidity, and preparation. We do not recommend Cetol DEK Finish for areas where the surface does not receive sun and fresh air. For covered/screened porches we recommend three coats of Cetol DEK or one coat of Cetol SRD. The only thing you can do is allow the Cetol DEK Finish more time to cure.
#4. When I applied the second coat of Cetol DEK Finish it turned white. What happened?
Cetol DEK Finish turns white on the second coat due to dew or moisture on the surface before it has dried. This moisture makes the surface rough and appear cloudy. To fix the situation, wait seven days to allow the coat to fully dry; lightly scuff sand the surface with 220 grit sandpaper, remove dust and apply another very light coat of Cetol DEK Finish. Do not work too late into the afternoon or evening. If this happened months ago, follow the maintenance preparation procedures and apply another light coat of Cetol DEK Finish.
#5. I am applying Cetol DEK Finish on my deck. What should I put on the railings?
Although it is possible to use a different product on the rails, we recommend using the same product. This will make it less confusing when it is time to do maintenance. Rubbol Siding Finish, Rubbol Solid Stain, or Rubbol DEK may be chosen to more closely match the rest of the house.
#6. I sprayed Cetol DEK Finish on my deck and have overspray on my vinyl siding. What should I do?
We do not recommend spraying Cetol DEK Finish. For proper application of Cetol DEK Finish use a china bristle brush. If mistakenly sprayed and the overspray is still wet wipe the coating off with a rag and mineral spirits. If the overspray is dry it will be difficult to remove and will require the use of a paint stripper/remover. However, these can cause damage to other surfaces, especially vinyl siding. Careful use of any paint remover is important and you may want to consult with the manufacturer of the paint stripper you choose to use.
#7. I would like to strip the old coating off my deck. What brand of paint stripper does Sikkens recommend?
We do not recommend any particular brand of paint removers. Contact your local Sikkens dealer for assistance in choosing a paint remover for your project.
#8. I have a deck and would like to fill the nail hole with a caulk or putty. What would you recommend?
We do not recommend any fillers or putty on a deck. Our recommendation would be to saturate enough coating to fill the nail holes.
#9. I have a deck that had three coats of Cetol 1 on it for about 6 years. The previous owner has done regular maintenance. It is in good condition but is ready for a maintenance coat. Should I use Cetol DEK Finish?
If the coating is in good condition and you are happy with the performance, we would recommend that you continue using Cetol 1. If, in the future, the coating deteriorates or will be removed, we recommend Cetol DEK Finish as a more durable system.
#10. I applied one coat of Cetol 1 on my deck and now realize that it is the wrong product. What should I do?
There are three options for your situation. Option 1: You can finish the deck by applying two more coats of Cetol 1. This is not a recommended Sikkens system and will probably not perform as well as the Cetol DEK Finish. Option 2: Allow the one coat of Cetol 1 to weather off naturally. Once down to bare wood apply one of the recommended Sikkens deck systems. Option 3: Sand or chemically strip the Cetol 1 and start over with a proper deck system.
#11. I have a wood threshold that needs coating. What Sikkens product can I use?
For a threshold we recommend two coats of Cetol DEK Finish. Allow 24 hours in between coats.
#12. I have an outdoor patio with a wooden bar top. What would be the best Sikkens product to use for UV protection and wear resistance?
The best system would be two coats of Cetol DEK Finish.
#13. I accidentally applied Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus on my deck. Actually, I applied one coat of Cetol 1 and one coat of Cetol 23 Plus. What should I do now?
Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus is a three coat system and is not recommended for a deck. In order to get durability from the product another coat should be applied. Other than removing the product and using a recommended deck system this is the only suggestion we can make. The deck products cannot be used over the Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus.
#14. I applied a maintenance coat of Cetol SRD on my deck over the Cetol SRD I previously applied. Now, a few months later, the coating is peeling down to bare wood. What is the recommendation? Why did this happen?
It is likely the original coat was weathered but still intact. The maintenance coat was applied too soon. Cetol SRD should be maintained when the initial coat is completely weathered so that the preparation will remove the old coat and the new one goes directly on the wood. To fix the problem, the deck will have to be stripped or sanded down and one new coat of Cetol SRD applied.
#15. I am getting lap marks on my deck floor using Cetol SRD. What is the easiest way to apply Cetol SRD on a deck floor?
The easiest way to apply Cetol SRD to prevent lap marks on a deck floor is to roll the Cetol SRD on and then back brush to ensure it is even. A floor pad applicator can also be used. First, roll the product on three to four boards and then use the pad applicator to even out the Cetol SRD.
#16. Can you add a sample can of another Sikkens product to the clear Cetol WB SRD base to achieve the intended color?
No. Cetol WB SRD cannot be combined with any other Sikkens product (including sample cans) to achieve a specific color.
#17. What is the benefit to Cetol WB SRD being a hybrid?
A hybrid product combines the best characteristics of alkyds and acrylics to achieve excellent penetration and extended color retention.
#18. Are the preparation and application instructions different from the oil-based SRD products?
It is necessary to consult the technical data sheet and product brochure for proper prep and application procedures.
#19. Do the Cetol WB SRD colors coincide with the color offering of the existing Cetol SRD products?
Eight of the most popular wood tones have been selected for inclusion in the Cetol WB SRD line.
