The Cetol® System:  Cetol 1 and Cetol 23 Plus - a winning combination for exteriors.

Sikkens Procedure Guide Exert  Click here

Sikkens Log Home Application Guide , information on the preparation, application and maintenance of log homes.  Highly recommended reading!

Sikkens Recommended Procedure for New Log Homes

• If the logs have a moisture content lower that 18%, proceed with the preparation procedure below and follow the system recommendations.
• If the logs have a moisture content in excess of 18%, Sikkens Wood Preservative has to be applied and a drying period of six (6) months is required before application of the Sikkens Cetol System. (It is recommended to use the Wood Preservative after the logs are stacked.  It allows internal moisture to escape while preventing the logs from absorbing it.)
• Sikkens Wood Preservative may be applied by brush or roller.
• If weather conditions (fall/winter) do not allow for timely finishing of the exterior it is recommended to apply one coat of Sikkens Wood Preservative to provide temporary protection before the Sikkens Cetol/Cetol 23 Plus system can be applied.  In this case allow the Sikkens Wood Preservative to weather for 6 months and prepare as recommended before the Cetol 1/Cetol 23 Plus application.

*Note:  Assure the wood surface is completely dry before the application of Sikkens Wood Preservative.

PREPARATION EXTERIOR

• Clean the mill glaze:  Spray the surface with clean water to wet the wood.

Mix a solution of 4 ounces tri-sodium phosphate (TSP), or phosphate-free substitute, plus one quart liquid bleach in 3 quarts of water.  Apply this solution to the wood via a garden pump sprayer.  Allow this solution to "work"  on the surface for 20 - 25 minutes, keeping the solution wet.  (Do not allow the solution to dry on the surface.)  Agitate the surface with a stiff, short-hair scrubbing brush to help loosen up stubborn deposits.  Important:  Do not apply the cleaning solution through the siphon feed chemical injector on a power washer - the solution will be diluted and lose its effectiveness. 

 Power wash the cleaning solution from the wood with clean water via a power washer.  To prevent damaging the wood do not exceed 500 psi.  The nozzle of the washer must be a maximum of 1 foot from the surface for full effectiveness.  Do not use a zero degree nozzle.  Only use a fan pattern nozzle.  Do not let the cleaning solution dry on the wood before the final power wash rinse with clean water.

Using more pressure than recommended when power washing may result in damage to the wood's surface.

A garden hose does not provide enough water pressure.

• During the power wash procedure, assure to only apply the cleaning solution to manageable areas (i.e., not too large of an area).  Too large of an area will show problems with the cleaning solution drying too quickly in dry, warm, or windy conditions.  Working on the shaded side will reduce this problem during the heat of the day.

• Oxalic Acid Bleaching - In the event discoloration remains visible after the T.S.P. power wash treatment, it may be required to treat the log surface with a solution of 4 ounces of oxalic acid dissolved in one gallon of warm water.  This solution may be effective in bleaching out water marks, tannic acid discoloration, blue fungi, rust marks, etc.

Before application of the oxalic acid solution, wet the surface with water, apply the solution with a garden pump sprayer to the surface and allow it to "work-in" for approximately 15 minutes.  A second application may be necessary.  Some additional scrubbing may be necessary.  Power wash the acid residue away with plenty of clean water (not to exceed 500 psi of water pressure).  Allow the surface to dry thoroughly for three good, sunny days.

This oxalic acid treatment may be performed immediately upon completion of the T.S.P. power wash treatment.

• Wait 3 good sunny days (i.e., the moisture content of the logs being below 18%).

• Caulking - A high quality polyurethane or acrylic/latex caulking shall be applied to all cracks, joints, and crevices where moisture may enter into the log wall or behind trim work.  Do not use any silicone or butyl-based caulking in areas to be finished with the Cetol System.  When required, use a backer rod in areas where this is advised by the caulking manufacturer.

Refer to the "General Information" at the top of this page before proceeding.

• Apply two (2) generous coats of Cetol 1 in selected color and topcoat with one (1) generous coat of Cetol 23 Plus in selected color.  Do not thin the products and do not apply the product in direct, hot sunlight or on a surface which is moist.  Allow 24 hours drying time in between each coat.
• All three (3) coats shall be applied generously using a long-hair black china natural bristle brush.  Cross brush and finish along the wood grain, maintaining a wet edge.  The coating shall be brushed evenly, free of brush marks, sags, runs and with no appearance of poor workmanship.  Make sure all surface checks are filled thoroughly with product.

• The Sikkens Cetol System shall be applied within 30 days (after the logs have been dried for six months and have been prepared).
• After the power wash preparation procedure, immediately wash and clean windows to prevent residue from drying on glass surfaces.
• The substrate should be thoroughly dry (less that 18% moisture content) before application of the Cetol System.  Care shall be taken to make sure that all morning dew has thoroughly evaporated from the surface.  Also, enough drying time shall be allowed before the evening dew point falls in.
• The Cetol System shall only be applied in air and surface temperatures franging from 50-95 degrees, being careful not to apply in direct, hot sunlight or on a moist surface.
• Wooden windows and doors shall be finished upon delivery at the building site with a proper Cetol window/door system.  For preparation sand all windows and doors prior to application.
• Sikkens Wood Preservative will provide extra protection against fungi which is common in warm and humid climates.  This product may be be applied if the moisture content of the log exceeds 18%, but the surface should be dry at the time of application.  Only apply one coat.
• Many factors can influence the life expectancy of a coating.  Of course, product quality, nature of the wood, proper preparation and application play a major role.  But other factors such as climate, geography, humidity, altitude, amount of exposure to the elements, type and quality of wood, and quality, design and construction can affect the performance of the product.

 Maintenance Article