#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. What other types of wood preservative does Sikkens recommend?
Sikkens Log Pre-Treatment is not available in your area, we recommend using a non-film forming wood preservative with no water repellent additives.
#3. I was told to use Sikkens Log Pre-Treatment on my log home first, wait six months to one year and then clean and put on the Cetol products. I dont want the wood to grey. Will the Log Pre-Treatment prevent this?
No, Sikkens Log Pre-Treatment will not prevent the wood from graying. It does not contain any pigments so the wood will begin to grey during the six month to one year waiting period. This is not a major concern. The cleaning process we recommend will completely remove this slight surface graying.
#4. I live in California and have a new cedar sided house. I was told that we are in a VOC area. What Sikkens product do you recommend?
The Sikkens product to be used is either Cetol Log & Siding or Cetol SRD 250. The Cetol Log & Siding is a two coat system with a satin finish. The Cetol SRD 250 is a one coat system for a flat finish and a three coat system for a satin finish.
#5. I dont want to rent a power washer for the cleaning procedure. Is a garden hose OK?
No, a garden hose does not have enough pressure (normally about 60 p.s.i.) to clean the surface effectively, even with a nozzle. This will not properly remove the mill glaze, dirt, pollution, old coatings, etc. that may be found on the surface. We have done extensive testing and found this cleaning solution followed by a power washing at 500 p.s.i. is an effective way to clean the wood without hand scrubbing or sanding the entire surface (which is the most effective way to prepare the wood).
#6. I have an exterior door that has been coated with Cetol 1. I want to put an acrylic/urethane coating as a top coat. Is there a problem with that?
We do not recommend that type of product because it loses its flexibility, and it doesnt offer the durability and protection of Cetol Door and Window or Cetol 23 Plus.
#7. I want to fill the nail holes on the outside of my house. I bought a filler and would like to know if I can fill the holes with a mix of Sikkens and wood filler.
Without extensive testing we cannot tell whether the filler powder and Sikkens are compatible with each other. For this reason, we do not recommend the use of these products.
#8. I have sprayed Cetol SRD on my siding. I have overspray on the windows and field stone. What should I do?
If the overspray is still wet, wet a rag with mineral spirits to wipe off the coating. If the overspray is dry, it will be difficult to remove. It will require the use of a paint stripper/remover or it may be carefully scraped off with a razor blade. Careful use of any paint remover is important. You should consult with the manufacturer of any paint stripper you use to help you with the situation.
#9. I used Cetol 1 to stain the interior of the windows in my log home. I was informed by the dealer that you do not recommend the use of Cetol 1 for the interior. What should I do now?
Sikkens does not recommend the use of any exterior products for interior use. If it is already applied, we recommend top coating the Cetol 1 with two coats of Cetol Interior Clear of Cetol BL Interior Clear to seal the surface.
#10. I like the look of Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus products. I would like this on my picnic table. What can I use?
The Sikkens system recommended for picnic tables, wood lawn furniture, play sets, etc. is three coats of Cetol 1. This is the best system to use on unique applications. The maintenance on this system should be done every 1-2 years with Cetol 1.
#11. I would like to paint my picnic table. What product would you recommend?
The solid color product Sikkens recommends for picnic tables Rubbol Solid DEK.
#12. Can an insecticide be added to the Cetol 23 Plus?
We do not recommend adding any additives to the products.
#13. I have some teak garden furniture and want to protect it. The store told me to use Cetol Door & Window. Is this the best product to use?
Sikkens recommends three coats of Cetol 1 on garden furniture. We do not recommend Cetol Door & Window for any surfaces other than doors and windows.
#14. When should I apply the caulking when using the Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus or Cetol Log & Siding system on my log home?
The best way to apply the caulk is to put it on between the first and second coats, making sure the first coat is completely dry and the caulk is completely dry and completely cured before applying the second coat. However, it is possible to put the caulk on bare wood first and coat after, or coat and apply the caulk last.
#15. Can Rubbol Solid DEK be applied on a Fiberglass door?
Yes, first wipe the surface with liquid sandpaper, scuff the surface with a nylon scuffing pad and then apply two coats. Rubbol Solid DEK make take several days to dry.
#16. How do you remove excess product from glass?
If the product is wet, it can be removed by wiping it off with a rag soaked in mineral spirits. If it is dry, it will have to be scraped off with a single edge razor blade.
#17. We have 2,500 square feet of western red cedar to be coated with the Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus system. The paint store told me to use two coats of Cetol 1, then one coat of Cetol 23 Plus. We want to apply two coats prior to installation and then apply Cetol 23 Plus 1 ½ years later. What is the best way to apply this?
The recommended system would be one coat of Cetol 1 applied prior to installation to all sides of the wood, then two coats of Cetol 23 Plus after installation. All the coats need to be applied within one month. No coating system should be partially applied and finished 1½ years later.
#18. We are building a new log home in the late fall. We will probably only have time to apply one or two coats. We were thinking of putting on one coat of Cetol 1 and one coat of Cetol 23 Plus. The following spring we will apply the final coat. Is this acceptable?
We do not recommend just two coats for an extended period of time. The system should be finished within one month.
#19. 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.
#20. I have a contractor painting my house. I saw him mix different products and pigments into the coating. Is it OK to add pigment and/or other products to Sikkens products?
No, we do not recommend adding anything to our translucent products. The Rubbol Siding Finish, Rubbol Solid Stain, and Rubbol DEK can be tinted using some of the universal tints available. No additives should be added to any of our products as they could possibly slow down drying time, change gloss levels, affect the flow of the product, etc.
#21. I have a log home coated with Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus and need to apply a maintenance coat. Can I use Cetol SRD?
If the Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus system have been applied, Cetol SRD can not be applied as a maintenance coat. Maintenance should be done with Cetol 23 Plus or Cetol Log & Siding.
#22. If is OK to apply two coats of Cetol SRD to my home?
Cetol SRD is a single coat system. However, if the first coat does not have an even appearance (around knot areas, etc.) lightly reapply while still wet.
#23. I have cedar shingles and applied one coat of Cetol SRD 113 Cape Cod Grey. The appearance is uneven. How can I fix it?
Cetol SRD is a single coat system. However, if the first coat does not have an even appearance (around knot areas, etc.) lightly reapply while still wet.
#24. We have a new western red cedar fence and would like to use Cetol SRD. Is this a recommended system?
Yes, one coat of Cetol SRD can be used on fences. It can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed on. If sprayed or rolled, it should be back brushed.
#25. How often should I maintain the Cetol SRD system?
Cetol SRD should be weathered before recoating. Visually inspect the coating and when it appears faded spray the surface with water. If the water penetrates and the wood turns dark due to the moisture, this is an indication that its time for a new coat of Cetol SRD. If it still repels water, do not apply a maintenance coat. When reapplying Cetol SRD, the surface should be back to bare wood; otherwise the wood may look dark, blotchy, or shiny.
#26. Our house was coated with one coat of an oil base stain about 1 ½ years ago. It is developing a lot of mold and mildew, and in some of the exposed areas it has weathered off. I want to use the Sikkens translucent product on my house. What do I have to do?
In order to use any of the Sikkens translucent finishes on your home, the other product must be removed. Please refer to the Previously Coated Wood section in the Sikkens Application Guide or contact your local Sikkens dealer for assistance with removing the current product from your home.
#27. 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.
#28. 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.
#29. 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.
#30. 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.
