There are two aspects to consider
(a) First and most important is TOTAL PROTECTION of the timber
DECK-DOC is the only product that will repel moisture being absorbed into the timber for several years. The oil absorbs into the timber and seals from the inside as well as the outside. This feature is important as it protects the timber against wood rot and fungal damage such as mildew and algae. Equally important the oil will encapsulate the timber and retain the natural oils and tannins therein, preventing the timber drying out, cracking, splitting and warping. The tannins determine the colour of the timber, so protecting the tannins and keeping them in will retain the timbers natural colour.
DECK-DOC’s Revolutionay Oiling System will protect for years will never crack or peel.
IF WATER DOES NOT BEAD ON THE SURFACE THE TIMBER IS UNPROTECTED
(b) Second THE COSMETIC APPEARANCE of the timber
The desire to have the cosmetic appearance of the timber looking at its best all the time. As with all things exposed to the weather they become dirty with accumulated dust, grime and air borne pollution. We wash and polish our motorcars to keep them looking good, so to we need to care for our outdoor timber.
After time timber can appear grey because of dirt build up. It is not the timber that has turned grey, it is the accumulation of dirt built up on the surface
The dirt build up needs to be cleaned off from time to time. Refresh with a light coat of oil and the cosmetic appearance will came back to like new as the oil is protecting the colour in the timber fibres.
If timber is not exposed to the full weather elements and has some protection, the cosmetic surface and the natural beauty can be easily maintained by occasionally cleaning the surface by lightly sweeping with an oiled Lambs Wool Applicator and Oil Scouring Applicator.
SOLID COATINGS VERSES ABSORBING COATINGS
SOLID COATINGS: These coatings leave a solid membrane on the surface, will solidify and with constant movement of outdoor timber will ultimately break down in a short period of time resulting in the coating cracking and peeling causing damage to the timber. It will absorb moisture, dry out, and lose its tannins (colour). The maintenance in restoring this timber is costly as it will require mechanically sanding back the timber
ABSORBING COATINGS: Natural oil absorbing coatings brings out the timbers natural colour and beauty, and only needs enhancing and enriching with repeat applications and does not require costly maintenance.
DECK-DOC’s UNIQUE OILING SYSTEM:
Moves with the timber, encapsulates the timbers natural oils and tannins, protects the colour and protects the timber exactly.
Depends on the absorption rate of your timber, as well as weather Conditions. A guide is to “Feed it when it needs it”
See with the eye when you think the Surface appears dry and in need of more oil. Some parts may need more oil sooner than others as some areas are exposed to the weather more than areas that are under cover. For frequent maintenance, there is no need to clean the timber surface again, simply apply a small amount of Oil on the areas that need it.
A good rule is to protect your timber before the winter elements and before the summer elements
As the oil absorbs and builds up in the timber fibres the less frequent you need to re apply.
By following the instructions carefully and not over applying, it should only take 24 hours to dry in summer. In winter however, it can take longer and is therefore recommended to apply on sunny days 15° – 27°
Surfaces should be completely dry before applying.
DO NOT APPLY TO WET SURFACES
This is due to over applying. Timber will only absorb so much oil within a 2-3 hour period. Flooding the timber does not make the timber absorb any more oil. Therefore any wet oil that has not absorbed in to the timber will sit on top and needs to be wiped off. This will then allow the oil to dry in the top surface layer.
This can happen with over applying and where excess oil left on the surface has dried and has not been wiped down. We recommend applying the oil over 2sq metres at a time in order for the oil not to dry too quickly before it has a chance to absorb in to the timber.
If the surface has a tacky surface simply spray kerosene on the surface, this will soften the oil and bring it back to a wet state. Scrub the surface using Deck-Doc Oil Scouring Applicator and wipe off the wet excess oil using dry cloths. Always work an area of 2 sq metres at a time, as hot conditions hastens the drying time.
Lanolin (wool grease) acts as a natural deterrent to Insects including termites. However, it will not guarantee that termites won’t penetrate the timber in all situations.
See instructional videos here.