#1. I have a log home which is four years old. The coating looks good but I think it is time for a maintenance coat on the south side. I have one log that is very dark in appearance. What is causing this?
If only one log is dark this usually indicates a problem with moisture, or worse, decay. Check the log by sticking a knife or screwdriver into the log. If it can easily be pushed into the wood, then the wood is rotted and the log will have to be replaced. If the wood is solid, check the moisture content of the wood with a moisture meter. Try to locate the source of the moisture.
#2. I built a log home and it needs to be chinked. Should I apply the Sikkens wood finish first, or should I chink first?
Follow the normal preparation and cleaning procedures. Then apply the Sikkens system and allow it to cure for a couple of weeks. At this point the chinking can be applied for best results. Most good quality chinking is compatible with Sikkens products.
#3. Is there a caulk I can use on my log home that matches the color of Sikkens products?
Sikkens recommends the use of 100% acrylic or urethane caulk to be used with our products. We do not offer endorsements of any particular brand of caulk. Many caulk companies make different colors in their caulk. We recommend you test some of the colors to see how closely they match the color of the applied Sikkens product.
#4. 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.
#5. 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.
#6. 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.
#7. I cleaned my log home with the Sikkens recommended solution. After the logs dried they were streaky. It looks terrible. What can I do now?
When applying the cleaning solution to vertical surfaces (siding, log homes) it is a good idea to start spraying the solution from the bottom up; then, when power washing wash from the top down. In your case, the solution ran down the surface of the logs which caused the streaking. To correct this, use four ounces of oxalic acid with one gallon of warm water and power wash. This should remove the streaks. If they are too severe, the only other option is to sand the wood with 80 grit sandpaper.
#8. I do not want to rent a power washer for the cleaning step. 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).
#9. 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.
#10. Can an insecticide be added to the Cetol 23 Plus?
We do not recommend adding any additives to the products.
#11. 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.
#12. 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.
#13. 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.
#14. 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.
#15. 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.
#16. I bought five gallons of Cetol SRD for my log home and applied one coat after proper preparation. Last week I saw the Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus and the Cetol Log & Siding systems and would like to apply one of these systems to my home. Can I put it over the Cetol SRD?
We do not recommend either system over Cetol SRD. To apply the Cetol1 and Cetol 23 Plus or Cetol Log & Siding system, we recommend letting the Cetol SRD weather for a few years and then use the cleaning/power washing procedure to get the surface back to bare wood. Then you may begin with either system. Otherwise, the surface would need to be sanded or chemically stripped to remove the Cetol SRD.
#17. 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.
#18. 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.
#19. 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.
#20. 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.
#21. 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.
