Recommended Procedures for Cleaning, Preparation and Application

  • All wood to be coated should have a moisture content of 19% or less. 

  • After power washing, 3 good dry days is recommended before coating.

  • ALL new smooth wood should be washed with a solution of 4oz TSP, 1 quart bleach and 3 quarts water. Apply solution to wood keeping it wet with solution for 15 -20 minutes. This will allow the TSP to clean the wood AND remove Mill Glaze. Completely remove the solution using a power washer at 500-1000 psi, as not to damage the wood. Mill Glaze is present on ALL new smooth woods and will prevent penetration and absorption of any paint or stain causing pre-mature failure, peeling in large areas. The bleach will kill mildew which can be present even if it is not visible. If you apply a coating over existing mildew, it will continue to grow underneath the coating causing unsightly black stains and coatings failure. At this point, the only way to kill the mildew and remove the stains it produces is to completely remove all of the coatings and wash with bleach. A lot of time, trouble and money can be saved by always cleaning and preparing properly before the stain or paint is applied!

  • Mechanical sanding is recommended on smooth woods after power washing to ensure the grain is opened to accept the coating and to remove any damage to the wood.

  • Whenever possible, back-priming the wood is always recommended to encapsulate the board so that no moisture is able to penetrate it, thus keeping the wood more stable, which will allow longer life to the wood and give better performance to the coating. (Back-priming is when you coat all 6 sides of the board prior to installation).

  • When using the 2 coat Cetol Log & Siding product, the first coat should be applied with a brush to ensure proper film build and to better work the coating into the woods fibers. Apply a liberal coat, following the manufacturers recommendation for spread rates.

  • After the first coat has been allowed to cure a minimum of 24 hours, caulking should be done as needed, using a polyurethane or high quality acrylic latex caulk. Allow the caulk to cure per its manufacturers recommendations.

  • When applying the second coat of Cetol Log & Siding, brushing or spraying and back-brushing is recommended. Again, apply a liberal coat to assure proper film-build. This film-build will give you the best protection and the beautiful satin finish Sikkens look.

  • Home owners need to be advised that Sikkens recommends a light power washing, again using the cleaning solution, and applying a maintenance coat every 2-3 years on the South and West sides and 3-4 years on the North and East exposures. This will assure the proper film build and UV protection needed to maintain the Sikkens system.

  • Please refer to the proper Sikkens brochure for additional information.