CUTEK® Restore, CUTEK® Quickclean and CUTEK® Wood Stripper can be stored for many years after initial use. To store correctly, store in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight; lid must be airtight. Keep from freezing.

After use, CUTEK® Colourtones generally do not require storing because they are a one-use product. If the Colourtone can contents have solidified, do not use the Colourtone. Instead, dispose of the can and contents according to local regulations.

Based on their causal factors and nature, wood discolourations can be put into two major groups, microbial and non-microbial discolourations. In our experience, non-microbial discolourations are not as well understood as microbial ones despite their common occurrence.

Microbial Colour Changes

Microbial discolourations are caused by micro-organisms. Many wood discolouring fungi/bacteria such as blue stain fungi, mould fungi, and bacteria, may produce dark or coloured stains when exposed to the right conditions of nutrient, moisture and light.

Non-microbial Colour Changes

Non-microbial discolourations can be mechanical (e.g., burn marks, dirt), chemical, biochemical or photochemical but may also have both chemical and microbial involvement. Analysis of these stains can be complex as many factors may be involved such as exposure to light and oxygen, substrate/coating pH, species, external contaminants, presence of metal ions and moisture content.

Discolouration and Extractives

All timber contains “extractives” which are chemicals that are solvent and/or water-soluble compounds that can be highly reactive. Extractives are non-structural chemical components that are mostly produced during heartwood formation. Extractives are extremely varied in their chemical nature and embrace many different classes of organic compounds, including tannins and other phenolic compounds, resins, essential oils, fats, terpenes, flavanoids, quinones, carbohydrates, glycosides and alkaloids.  These extractives can be a major contributor to timber discolourations. For example, some common polyphenol extractives exposed to oxygen and light, oxidise to form quinones and other complex polymers. Generally speaking, dark timbers tend to lighten and light-coloured wood tends to go yellow. Specific changes are very dependent on specific environmental conditions and species of timber.

Water Stain Discolouration

Exposure of raw wood to water can mobilize and cause leaching of water-soluble extractives presenting as unsightly water stain rings when the timber is dry. Water stain can be quickly and easily removed with CUTEK® Restore.

Natural Silvering of Wood

Uncoated exterior timbers that are exposed to UV sunlight breaks down the lignin in the cellulose causing photochemical degradation. This is what causes timber that is bare or coated in clear CUTEK® Extreme CD50 to lighten/silver over time. The specific shade of grey and rate of change is dependent on species, exposure aspect and coating format used. If you wish to slow the rate of “silvering off” of your exterior CUTEK® oil coated wood then it is vital to add a CUTEK® Colourtone to your CUTEK® Extreme CD50 oil prior to application in all coats. Exterior timber that has “greyed off” may be quickly and easily restored to fresh looking wood by using CUTEK® Restore.

Initial Colour Change Caused by the Application of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 to New Wood

CUTEK® Extreme CD50 applied to new timber can initially change the colour of the wood considerably, usually darkening the timber. This is due to the CUTEK® oil filling all the voids/pores in the timber and “wetting it out”. Typically, CUTEK® oil coated timbers will have a higher refractive value than air, hence the darker appearance upon initial coating. A quick and easy way to check what the colour of your freshly oiled CUTEK® wood will look like is to splash some water on the timber and observe the colour. Additionally, we can supply a free CUTEK® sample testpot to help you determine the suitability of colour for your own project.

Discolouration caused by Alkaline Materials

Alkaline substances and chemicals such as bleach and alkaline adhesives etc, can react with timbers high in polyphenolic tannins to produce stains. These resulting stains can often be distinguished from iron stain as they are usually brown in colour whereas iron stain typically has a black/blue appearance.

Discolouration Caused by Iron Stain

Iron stain is an unsightly blue–black or grey discoloration that is often incorrectly described as “mould” because of its frequently “spotty” appearance. Iron stain can occur on nearly all woods; however, some timbers are particularly prone to iron stain because they contain large amounts of tannin-like extractives. The discolouration is usually caused by a chemical reaction between extractives and iron content in steel products, such as nails, screws, and other fasteners. Steel used in contact with wood must be protected from corrosion by using stainless steel or processes such as hot dip galvanising. Problems with iron contamination can come from traces of iron left on wood from cutting, grinding or slicing; cleaning the surface with steel wool, wire brushes, or iron tools; using finishes stored in rusty containers; and using previous iron-containing or iron-contaminated finishes. Iron dust from metalworking and even plant fertilizers can be sources of iron along with removal of old rusted guttering, handrail construction and contact by steel capped boots. Merely striking wood with a hammer can cause iron stain on some timbers. Urine on wood floors will also hasten the reaction with iron and wood extractives, producing the typical iron stain discolouration. Unprotected timbers that get wet on or off site prior to fixing are particularly vulnerable as the water-soluble extractives are more readily mobilised to react with any iron contamination. Iron stain can be quickly and easily removed with CUTEK® Restore.

Discolouration in Timber with High Leucoanthocyanin Levels

Some timbers can contain high levels of naturally occurring tannins called leucoanthocyanins which normally appear colourless. In rare circumstances, the application of a higher acid value glue or coating (such as CUTEK® Extreme CD50) can cause the leucoanthocyanin tannin to chemically change into anthocyanins and other derivative compounds. These compounds can then appear in the visible region of the light spectrum, showing more commonly as an attractive red note enhancement of the underlying substrate, however more rarely purple, blue, bluish green through black hues may be visible in some areas. The actual colour of the stain is a function of overall pH and environmental factors such as heat, light levels, enzymes, and oxygen. Not all woods are susceptible.

Natural features of timber like this show why it is important to choose suitable timbers for the intended environment, coating format and end use application. If you suspect that this may be a problem for your project, order a free CUTEK® sample testpot to help determine the suitability of our products for your project.

Other Possible Discolourations of CUTEK® Exterior Oil Coated Timbers

CUTEK® Extreme CD50 contains a small amount of copper salts that may impart a faint green hue on some very light or white coloured timbers. This is more likely to occur in internal applications or in areas not exposed to UV light. Some commonly used light coloured timber species used internally where this may be an issue are Hoop Pine, Hemlock, Tasmanian Oak and Victorian Ash (list not exhaustive). We have a copper-free product called CUTEK® Euro (available by special order) which is extensively used as an alternative to CUTEK® Extreme CD50 in these instances . For more information regarding this option, please contact our friendly technical support team who will be able to assist you with your project.

To determine if CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Euro is appropriate for your timber, order your free sample here or contact us for further advice.

Remedial Treatments

CUTEK® are experts in remedial treatment products and processes for many types of wood discolourations and stains. If you have a specific issue that you would like advice on, please contact us for further information.

A significant amount of new timber is now sold with a pre-treatment or precoating already applied. Particular attention needs to be paid to ensure that your timber has not been pre-treated or precoated prior to applying CUTEK® exterior timber oils. If you believe that your timber has had a prior non-CUTEK® treatment/coating applied, you will need to adequately prepare your timber (See STEP 1: Prepare) prior to your application of  CUTEK® exterior oils. If you have any questions about this process, please contact one of our friendly technical advisers on 0800 1 CUTEK.

NOTE: This warning does not apply to any timber that has been precoated in CUTEK® branded exterior oil products.

CUTEK® Extreme CD50 contains a small amount of copper salts that may impart a faint green hue on some very light or white coloured timbers. This is more likely to occur in internal applications or in areas not exposed to UV light. Some commonly used light coloured timber species used internally where this may be an issue are Kaihikatea, Radiata Pine, Hoop Pine, Cyprus and Douglas Fir (list not exhaustive). We have a copper-free product called CUTEK® Euro (available by special order) which is extensively used as an alternative to CUTEK® Extreme CD50 in these instances. For more information regarding this option, please contact our friendly technical support team who will be able to assist you with your project.

To determine if CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Euro is appropriate for your timber, order your free sample here or contact us for further advice.

Stains On Wood Due to Natural Causes

Wood is a natural material that contains a wide variety of compounds that are termed “extractives”. While they are not part of the essential wood structure, they contribute to natural colour, odour, durability and moisture absorbency of a particular species, and may comprise of polyphenols, terpenes, oils, fats, gums, resins and waxes.

Extractives can leach to the surface of the wood and stain the wood.

Stains On Processed Wood Arising from Damage To The Living Tree

If the protective bark on a tree is ruptured the tree will respond by forming protective compounds. Any ruptures potentially expose the tree to invasion by a variety of organisms. If these compounds and organisms are exposed to oxygen and weather it may cause an unsightly stain on processed wood.

Stains Due to Chemical Changes In Wood Extractives

As wood grows streaks or blotches of different shades can occur. It’s these variations that add character to the wood and enhance its decorative value. However, when processed wood is placed in the environment and exposed to oxygen and light these natural colour variations can significantly change. Often blonde woods acquire a yellowish tint and red woods become browner.

Stains And Leaching Due to Water

If processed wood is exposed to moisture in the environment some of the extractive may leach to the surface, and dissolve, creating watermarks. If the extractive runoff the surface of the wood they can actually stain surrounding surfaces like concrete, tiles and pavers.

Tannins (polyphenols) in particular are likely to react with alkaline surfaces such as concrete to form an unsightly red/brown stain.

In New Zealand, Macrocarpa, Totara, and imported timbers such as Merbau and Vitex are particularly prone to causing such staining. If left alone to weather, the level of extractive runoff will reduce and result in a significant reduction in ongoing staining over time. Chemical cleaning and removal of these stains is a simple and easy process with CUTEK® Restore.

Stains Caused by Chemical Reaction with Iron

Many wood species have a high tannin content. If the wood gets wet the tannins can react with iron to form black and insoluble iron stain.

This can cause dark discolouration’s that can appear suddenly. These stains are often caused as a result of contact with a steel blade or tool during processing or fixing. The stains are limited to the surface and can be cleaned and removed easily.

In New Zealand we have noticed timbers like Macrocarpa and Western Red Cedar are particularly susceptible to this issue. More information on iron stain is available in the tab labelled Iron Stain.

Pre-Cleaning Susceptible Woods

If you’re using wood with a high level of extractives and fixing it in a wet environment, we recommend a pre-clean using CUTEK® Restore prior to coating with CUTEK® Extreme CD50.

While we can’t offer a 100% guarantee due to the varied nature of wood, in our experience a pre-clean helps reduce the chance of stains and helps minimise any stains that do occur.

Removing Stains and Leachate

Easily remove iron tannates on wood and leachates on adjacent surfaces with CUTEK® Restore. Follow the procedures in the CUTEK® Restore factsheet for the best result.

As a substitute for hardwood floors bamboo can be an attractive choice. It looks great and as a renewable resource is an environmentally friendly option. Engineered bamboo offers stability and good looks too.

However, bamboo isn’t wood and behaves very differently. It needs a much higher level of care and a different approach to make sure it’s protected and stays looking its best for as long as possible.

We recommend using CUTEK® Extreme CD50 on bamboo. Other CUTEK® oils are not suitable for bamboo.

Bamboo is a grass, and doesn’t contain the extractives that give durability to many woods. It’s also very hygroscopic, meaning it takes up moisture rapidly and can also dry out very quickly, especially in direct sun. This makes engineered bamboo very susceptible to unsightly black staining moulds and significant surface erosion when exposed to rain and sun meaning that it will split/check and go grey/black rapidly if not properly protected.

Additionally, because engineered bamboo absorbs and releases moisture very quickly, most traditional wood coatings, deck stains and oils don’t last very long on fully weather exposed material.

We have observed that what may work reasonably well on wood for 6 to 12 months can often fail on bamboo material inside 12 weeks from time of application.

In our many years of testing, observation and user feedback, we have found that some engineered bamboo products are just not suitable for full weather exposed applications, despite manufacturer’s claims.

If you’re using CUTEK ® Extreme CD50 on bamboo we recommend following this process for best results.

It’s important to be aware that there are many engineered bamboo products on the market, of widely varying quality. CUTEK® Extreme CD50 may or may not work on your chosen engineered bamboo product despite following our recommendations.

• Inspect your bamboo surface on a regular basis after coating and clean with CUTEK® Restore or CUTEK® QuickClean at the first sign of mould or surface erosion/splitting, followed by a reapplication of a thin coat of CUTEK® Extreme CD50. This must be done as frequently as is necessary.
• If installing a bamboo deck that has been factory precoated with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 it will need at least one thin coat within one month of install. If mixing in a CUTEK® Colourtone to alter the existing colour, then two coats will be needed for adequate colour build. A further coat should be applied within 6 months, and another after 12 months.

New bamboo decking which has not been precoated with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 should be coated on all sides before installation, and given two further coats with a CUTEK® Colourtone within a month of installation, following the application procedure on the label.

A further coat should be applied within 6 months, and another after 12 months.

• If using strand woven bamboo this product can contain glue which varies in quality. CUTEK® Extreme CD50 will not penetrate the glue in strand woven bamboo as it forms a physical barrier. Some products are very prone to surface expansion and become very rough. If this occurs, sanding back to a flat surface using 80 grit paper is the best preparation prior to application of CUTEK® Extreme CD50.

Clear CUTEK® Extreme CD50 can be used without a CUTEK® Colourtone, and will fade to a very light natural matt colour over a couple of months, but will resist greying for some time before needing to be recoated. To maintain a ‘freshly oiled’ look, more frequent oiling is required.

IMPORTANT NOTE

While the procedures detailed above have proven in some cases to produce a satisfactory result in the decorative coating of engineered bamboo in many countries and are detailed in good faith to assist people, we do not, and are unable to, offer any warranty or performance guarantee of any type (including but not limited to any warranty or performance guarantee in respect of coating longevity, mould/fungi degradation, and splitting/delamination) for the use of any CUTEK® products on any bamboo substrate.

This is due to the wide variation in the quality of products in the engineered bamboo market including variations in manufacturing processes, varying quality control, varying efficacy of preservative/treatment processes, origin of the raw bamboo, time of bamboo harvest, quality of the glues, place of manufacture etc.

Some manufacturers choose to specify CUTEK® oils as suitable for their engineered bamboo product, but this does not mean that we are included or involved in any independent warranties issued or implied by a specific manufacturer or distributor in relation to their product.

It’s important to understand that CUTEK® is a unique penetrating oil system designed to enhance the natural colour and grain of wood. CUTEK® is sold as a clear oil which can be used to protect the wood from moisture and moisture related movement such as cupping, warping and splitting. Using just the clear oil will protect the wood, providing stability and structural integrity while allowing it to naturally lighten to produce a silver weathered patina over time. The soft natural lightening and silvering of the wood represents a low care option and is becoming an increasingly popular way to leave wood in weather exposed settings.

CUTEK® Wood Stripper is the perfect choice to remove existing coatings in an easy and safe manner.

Because of the wide variation in coatings to be stripped it is vital to test CUTEK® Wood Stripper before starting your project. This will help you determine how much time you’ll need to leave CUTEK® Wood Stripper on the timber and how much product you will need for the job.

Iron stain, is an unsightly blue–black or grey discoloration that is often incorrectly described as “mould” because of its frequently “spotty” appearance. Iron stain can occur on nearly all woods, however some timbers are particularly prone to iron stain because they contain large amounts of tannin-like extractives. The discolouration is usually caused by a chemical reaction between extractives and iron content in steel products, such as nails, screws, and other fasteners. Steel used in contact with wood must be protected from corrosion by using stainless steel or processes such as hot dip galvanising. Problems with iron contamination can come from traces of iron left on wood from cutting, grinding or slicing; cleaning the surface with steel wool, wire brushes, or iron tools; using finishes stored in rusty containers; and using previous iron-containing or iron-contaminated finishes. Iron dust from metalworking and even plant fertilizers can be sources of iron along with removal of old rusted guttering, handrail construction and contact by steel capped boots. Merely striking wood with a hammer can cause iron stain on some timbers. Urine on wood floors will also hasten the reaction with iron and wood extractives, producing the typical iron stain discolouration. Unprotected timbers that get wet on or off site prior to fixing are particularly vulnerable as the water-soluble extractives are more readily mobilised to react with any iron contamination.

Testing For Iron Stain

A simple test can be used to determine whether wood discolouration is caused by iron. Apply undiluted CUTEK® Restore, scrubbing into the stained wood surface. If the solution removes the stain after approximately one hour, then iron is present on the wood. If the solution does not remove the stain, try applying bleach to the stained area. If the iron stain is spotty, try to view the stained wood under a 10x magnifying glass. “Chunky” discoloration is usually a result of molten metal and looks like clinkers from a grinding operation. Stain that resembles slivers or flakes could be from steel wool. An even discolouration throughout the stain indicates that the iron was in solution when it contaminated the wood, probably in a contaminated finish or iron contaminated water.

Removing Iron Stain

It is easy for iron to contaminate wood, as there are so many possible sources of iron contamination on a building site that are often not initially recognised. To remove iron discolouration, scrub stained timbers with undiluted CUTEK® Restore and leave to soak for one hour. After one hour thoroughly wash the surface with fresh water (preferably with a power washer) to remove excess CUTEK® Restore. It is very important to rinse the CUTEK® Restore off thoroughly because if all sources of iron are not removed or protected from corrosion, staining will occur again. In other words, treatment with CUTEK® Restore is only a temporary solution if iron remains on or in the wood. CUTEK® Restore reacts with iron tannates to form a colourless complex. In time, the residual unrinsed CUTEK® Restore/iron complex will break down, permitting the iron to react with the extractives to form a dark-coloured stain again.

Shrinkage and swelling may occur in wood when the moisture content of timber is changed. Shrinkage occurs as moisture content decreases, while swelling takes place when it increases. Volume change is not equal in all directions. The greatest dimensional change occurs in a direction tangential to the growth rings. Shrinkage from the pith outwards, or radially, is usually considerably less than tangential shrinkage, while longitudinal (along the grain) shrinkage is so slight as to be usually neglected. The longitudinal shrinkage is 0.1 to 0.3%, in contrast to transverse shrinkages, which is 2-10%. Tangential shrinkage is often about twice as great as in the radial direction, although in some species it may be as much as five times as great. The shrinkage is species dependent and can be typically 5 to 10% in the tangential direction and 2 to 6% in the radial direction. Dried timbers that are coated with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 are less susceptible to dimensional changes because the deeply penetrating hydrophobic (water resisting) nature of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 minimises the free absorption and desorption of liquid and gas phase moisture therefore assisting with maintaining the dimensional integrity of moisture stabilised timbers.

Factors Affecting the Dried Appearance, and Dimensional Integrity of Wood

Factors that significantly affect the drying, appearance and dimensional integrity of dried timbers are:

• The species; because of the variations in physical, mechanical and moisture transport properties between species.
• The thickness of the timber; because the drying time is approximately proportional to thickness and, to some extent, is also influenced by the width of the timber.
• Whether the timber boards are quarter-sawn, back-sawn or mixed-sawn; because sawing pattern influences the distortion due to tangential and radial shrinkage. This leads to warping, cupping, bowing, twisting, spring and diamonding. (see image)
• Defects that arise due to uneven drying such as rupture of the wood tissue, checks (surface, end and internal), end splits, honey-combing, case hardening and collapse.

Wood is divided, according to its botanical origin, into two kinds: Softwoods from coniferous trees and hardwoods from broadleaved trees. Structurally softwoods are generally simple in structure and lighter whereas hardwoods are generally complex in structure and harder. Softwood (like pine wood) is much lighter and easier to process than the heavy hardwood (like fruit tree wood). The density of softwoods generally ranges between 350-700 kg/m³, while hardwoods are 450-1250 kg/m³. Both consist of approximately 12 % moisture. Due to the more dense and complex structure of hardwood, the permeability is very low in comparison to softwood, thus making it more difficult to dry. The timber of living trees and freshly felled logs contains a large amount of water, which often constitutes more weight than the actual wood. Water has a significant influence on wood. Wood continually exchanges liquid and gas phase moisture (water) with its surroundings, although the rate of exchange is strongly affected by the degree wood is sealed. Dried timbers that are coated with deeply penetrating hydrophobic (water resisting) CUTEK® Extreme CD50 demonstrate a dramatically slowed rate of moisture exchange.

Why Do We Dry Timber?

Drying, if carried out promptly after the felling of trees, protects timber against primary decay, fungal stain and attack by certain kinds of insects. Organisms, which cause decay and stain, generally cannot thrive in timber with a moisture content below 20%. Several, though not all, insect pests can live only in green timber. Dried wood is less susceptible to decay than green wood (above 20% moisture content). Apart from the above important advantages of drying timber, the following points are also significant:

• Dried timber is lighter, and hence the transportation and handling costs are reduced.
• Dried timber is stronger than green timber in most strength properties.
• Timbers for impregnation with preservatives have to be properly dried if proper penetration is to be accomplished, particularly in the case of oil-type preservatives.
• In the field of chemical modification of wood and wood products, the material should be dried to a certain moisture content for the appropriate reactions to occur.
• Dry wood works, machines, finishes and glues better than green timber. Paints and finishes last longer on dry timber.
• The electrical and thermal insulation properties of wood are improved by drying.

Fibre Saturation Point

Fibre saturation point is a term used in wood mechanics and especially wood drying, to denote the point in the drying process at which only water bound in the cell walls remains – all other water, called free water, having been removed from the cell cavities. Further drying of the wood results in strengthening of the wood fibres, and is usually accompanied by shrinkage. Wood is normally dried to a point where it is in equilibrium with the atmospheric moisture content or relative humidity, and since this varies so does the equilibrium moisture content.

Equilibrium Moisture Content

Wood is a hygroscopic substance. It has the ability to take in or give off moisture in the form of vapour. The water contained in wood exerts a vapour pressure of its own, which is determined by the maximum size of the capillaries filled with water at any time. If the water vapour pressure in the ambient space is lower than the vapour pressure within wood, desorption takes place. The largest sized capillaries, which are full of water at the time, empty first. The vapour pressure within the wood falls as water is successively contained in smaller and smaller sized capillaries. A stage is eventually reached when the vapour pressure within the wood equals the vapour pressure in the ambient space above the wood, and further desorption ceases. The amount of moisture that remains in the wood at this stage is in equilibrium with the water vapour pressure in the ambient space, and is termed the equilibrium moisture content or EMC.. Because of its hygroscopicity, wood tends to reach a moisture content that is in equilibrium with the relative humidity and temperature of the surrounding air. The EMC of wood varies with the ambient relative humidity to a lesser degree with the temperature. EMC also varies very slightly with species, mechanical stress, drying history of wood, density, extractives content and the direction of sorption in which the moisture change takes place (i.e. adsorption or desorption).

Moisture Content Of Wood In Service

Wood retains its hygroscopic characteristics after it is put into use. It is then subjected to fluctuating humidity, the dominant factor in determining its EMC. These fluctuations may be more or less cyclical, such as diurnal changes or annual seasonal changes. In order to minimise the changes in wood moisture content or the movement of wooden objects in service, wood is usually dried to a moisture content that is close to the average EMC conditions to which it will be exposed. These conditions vary for interior uses compared with exterior uses in a given geographic location.

In New Zealand, the climate varies from one region to another, and as such, EMC can differ depending on the location and season. In New Zealand’s Costal regions due to high relative humidity (RH), the EMC can be relatively high, often in the range of 12% to 16%. Coastal regions such as Northland, Auckland, and the West Coast of the South Island may exhibit these characteristics. Inland and Alpine areas such as Central Otago or Canterbury Plains which can have cold and dry winters might experience lower EMC values, possibly around 8% to 12%. Rainforest regions like the West Coast of the South Island, which is largely rainforest, might have higher EMC values due to the consistent high humidity. New Zealand’s summer, especially in the northern parts, can be humid. During this season, the EMC can be on the higher side. Conversely, during the cold, dry winter months, especially in the South Island, the EMC can be considerably lower.

However, the EMC may be as low as 6 to 7% in dry centrally heated houses and offices or in permanently air-conditioned buildings. The primary reason for drying wood to a moisture content equivalent to its mean EMC under use conditions is to minimise the dimensional changes (or movement) in the final product. Dried timbers that are coated with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 are less susceptible to dimensional changes because the deeply penetrating hydrophobic (water resisting) nature of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 minimises the free absorption and desorption of liquid and gas phase moisture.

STEP 1 > PREPARE

Before Applying

Because of the variations in coatings to be stripped, it is vital to test CUTEK® Wood Stripper BEFORE starting your project. This will help you determine how much time you will need to leave CUTEK® Wood Stripper on the timber and how much product you will need for the job.

NOTE: CUTEK® Wood Stripper may need to be applied more than once to thick paint or film form coatings with many layers.

Safety and precautions

Before you begin to Prepare and Protect your timber, note the hazards and precautions and ensure that you have obtained and know how to use the correct safety equipment as detailed in the Safety Data Sheet.

When using CUTEK® Restore, all adjacent surfaces and vegetation must be adequately protected. It is also important to be aware of the potential for wind drift into areas with cars or pedestrian traffic when rinsing. Water flush all equipment, vegetation, paths, concrete, asphalt and other adjacent surfaces before and after contact.

Coverage

Spreading rate is approximately 1 Litre of CUTEK® Wood Stripper per 3m² of surface area to be stripped.

NOTE: this can vary significantly depending on the type and thickness of the paint or wood coating being removed.

Application

Apply CUTEK® Wood Stripper evenly with a brush, roller or lambswool applicator to dry wood, rubbing into the grain. Reaction time is approx. 30-60 minutes. Keep area wet and activated by applying more CUTEK® Wood Stripper or by agitating the application area with a brush, roller or lambswool applicator. CUTEK® Wood Stripper makes surfaces slippery so DO NOT walk on the application area until CUTEK® Wood Stripper has been removed.

Test periodically with a paint scraper to determine when the old coat is stripping cleanly off the timber. When this happens, the stripped surface is ready for rinsing. We suggest that you try to strip only 1 square metre first to perfect your technique.

Removal

Once CUTEK® Wood Stripper has loosened the coating, it must be power rinsed off thoroughly. For best results, power rinse with a high-pressure washer set to
approximately 50 bar (750 p.s.i.) with a fan jet pattern. REMOVAL WITH A GARDEN HOSE IS NOT SUFFICIENT.

CAUTION must be used when cleaning soft timber. Reduce the pressure or adjust distance from the substrate to avoid damaging the sapwood. It is important to adjust your cleaning process as to avoid damage to the wood fibre.

Clean from the lowest point and work upwards methodically using long even strokes in the direction of the grain. DO NOT use “turbojets” on timber.

Certain types of wood surfaces may leave a raised grain effect after stripping is completed. Sanding or poly pad scrubbing may be required to smooth out this
condition.

After stripping the timber, clean your wood with CUTEK® Restore to remove residual CUTEK® Wood Stripper and rejuvenate the substrate and enhance the grain. See CUTEK® Restore for instructions.

Clean Up & Disposal

Equipment may be cleaned with CUTEK® Quickclean or soap/detergent and water. All wash water, containers/contents should be disposed in accordance with local
regulations

STEP 1 > PREPARE

It is important for the user to pre-determine the suitability of CUTEK® Quickclean for its intended application. ALWAYS do a test area prior to applying to any large sections. As surface types and conditions can vary significantly, pre-testing will enable you to accurately estimate the dilution, time and amount of CUTEK® Quickclean required to complete your project, and enable you to perfect the cleaning technique that works best in your situation

Safety and precautions:

Before you begin to Prepare and Protect your timber, note the hazards and precautions on this label and ensure that you have obtained and know how to use the correct safety equipment. CUTEK® Quickclean is a hazardous chemical. It is important to refer to the health and safety considerations listed in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) prior to commencement of your project.

When using CUTEK® Quickclean all adjacent surfaces and vegetation must be adequately protected. It is also important to be aware of the potential for damaging wind drift into areas with cars or pedestrian traffic when rinsing. Water flush all equipment, vegetation, paths, concrete, asphalt and other adjacent surfaces before and after contact.

How to Apply:

Important: CUTEK® Quickclean is a powerful general-purpose outdoor cleaner that should be diluted. Dilution and coverage can vary depending on the type of surface being cleaned and the build-up of dirt/grease on the substrate. Always pre-test prior to making a full mixture to determine if dilution being used is effective in cleaning on your specific surface.

Application:

Dilute the CUTEK® Quickclean concentrate with water as required and complete a test patch to ensure that the dilution being used is effective in cleaning.

Wet your substrate with water prior to applying CUTEK® Quickclean. Apply CUTEK® diluted Quickclean liberally with a brush, roller, lambswool applicator or broom. Let CUTEK® Quickclean do the work by leaving it on the surface for 5 to 15 minutes depending on the severity of dirt/soiling/grease. It may be necessary to scrub stubborn stains moderately with a stiff fibre brush.

Removal:

Once CUTEK® Quickclean has cleaned the substrate, it must be water rinsed off thoroughly. For best results, power rinse methodically with a high-pressure washer set to approximately 50 bar (750 p.s.i.) with a fan jet pattern.

CAUTION must be used when power rinsing to avoid damage to the wood fibre and ‘furring up’. Adjust your cleaning process by reducing the pressure or adjusting your operating distance from the substrate to avoid damage.

Clean from the highest point and work down methodically using long even strokes in the direction of the grain. DO NOT use “turbojets” on timber.

For situations where strong water washing is not practical, wash off with clean water from a bucket or a garden hose using a light scrubbing action with a stiff brush.

Clean-Up:

Equipment may be cleaned with water. Ensure wash water is disposed in accordance with local regulations.

STEP 1 > PREPARE

It is important for the user to determine the suitability of the CUTEK® Restore for its intended application. ALWAYS test product on a small test area prior to applying to any large sections. As the species and condition of timber can vary significantly, testing will enable you to accurately estimate the dilution, time and volume of CUTEK® Restore required to complete your project.

Safety and precautions:

Before you begin to Prepare and Protect your timber, note the hazards and precautions and ensure that you have obtained and know how to use the correct safety equipment as detailed in the Safety Data Sheet.

When using CUTEK® Restore, all adjacent surfaces and vegetation must be adequately protected. It is also important to be aware of the potential for wind drift into areas with cars or pedestrian traffic when rinsing. Water flush all equipment, vegetation, paths, concrete, asphalt and other adjacent surfaces before and after contact.

How to Apply:

CUTEK® Restore is a powerful timber restoring agent and can be used diluted or undiluted. Dilution and coverage can vary depending on the smoothness and density of your timber as well as the severity of staining and/or weathering. Always test to determine if your chosen dilution is effective in the restoration of your specific timber.

Application:

If required, dilute the CUTEK® Restore concentrate with water; refer to dilution guidelines and complete a test patch to ensure the right dilution for your timber.

Wet your timber prior to applying CUTEK® Restore. Apply CUTEK® Restore liberally to wetted timber with a brush, roller, lambswool applicator or broom.

Let CUTEK® RESTORE do the work by leaving it on the surface for 1 hour to 24 hours depending on the severity of staining or discolouration. It may be necessary to
scrub stubborn stains moderately with a stiff fibre brush.

Removal:

Once CUTEK® Restore has cleaned the timber, it must be water rinsed off thoroughly. For best results, power rinse with a high-pressure washer set to approximately 50 bar (750 p.s.i.) with a fan jet pattern. REMOVAL WITH A GARDEN HOSE IS NOT SUFFICIENT.

CAUTION must be used when cleaning soft timber. Reduce the pressure or adjust distance from the substrate to avoid damaging the sapwood. It is important to adjust your cleaning process to avoid damage to the wood fibre.

The longer that CUTEK® Restore is left on the substrate, the greater the rinse time required. Clean from the highest point and work down methodically using long even strokes in the direction of the grain.

Note: certain types of wood surfaces may leave a raised grain effect after pressure washing is completed. Sanding or poly pad scrubbing may be required to smooth out this condition.

DO NOT use “turbojets” on timber.