Surface preparation is essential

In order for Cutek CD50 to function properly it’s essential that it diffuses deeply into the timber. Anything that might prevent penetration such as an existing coating, retained moisture, or not leaving sufficient time between coats must be avoided or corrected before applying.

Preparation may involve thorough sanding or stripping to completely remove any previous film forming coating. If stripping is required, we recommend using Cutek CD33 Naked and Cutek Proclean to prepare the surface for Cutek oils.

Before using Cutek CD50, it is vital to ensure the wood is clean, dry (moisture content less than 17%) and has no existing paint, oil or stain.

Always remember that unless you want a clear finish that will lighten/silver off in a few months, it is important to mix a Cutek Colourtone into the oil before use.

Make sure you prepare your timber before applying Cutek CD50 in order to get the best results.

A significant amount of new timber is now sold with a pre-treatment or pre-coating already applied. Particular attention needs to be paid to ensure that your timber has not been pre-treated or pre-coated prior to applying CUTEK CD50. If you believe that your timber has had a prior treatment/coating applied, you will need to adequately prepare your timber with a Cutek – Step 1 Preparation Product prior to your application of CUTEK CD50. If you have any questions about this process, please contact one of our friendly technical advisers on 1300 1 CUTEK (1300 1 28835).

NOTE: This warning does not apply to any timber that has been pre-coated in CUTEK branded products.

New Wood

Ensure that timber to be coated is clean and dry. Cutek CD50 can be used on treated timber, however wood with mill glaze, or pre-treated with wax and polymer processes such as LOSP may require cleaning first with Cutek Proclean.

Old, or Previously Coated Wood

Old, dirty, stained or weathered timber should be prepared by first applying Cutek Proclean restoration agent, then power rinsing with a high-pressure washer set to under 750 p.s.i. (50 bar), with a fan jet pattern to avoid damage to the wood fibre. Once the timber is thoroughly dry, apply two coats of Cutek CD50.

Wood previously coated with a film forming product such as stains, linseed oil, paint, polyurethane, etc., must first be restored with Cutek CD33 Naked paint stripper and Cutek Proclean prior to the application of Cutek CD50. This process can be complex, so view the videos on this website for more information.

The results achieved from restoration are dramatic and rewarding – the original natural colour and beauty of wood can be restored.

Application Technique

Before you get started

Before you begin, note the hazards and precautions on this website and the can labelling, and ensure that you use the correct safety equipment as detailed in the Safety Data Sheet.

Step by step application process

Avoid contact with plants, shrubs, trees and waterways. For best results, one coat of Cutek CD50 should be applied to all faces of the wood prior to installing, with a second coat applied to the top surface once the first coat is completely dry.  Penetration time varies significantly, depending on species, temperature, porosity, and moisture content of the wood.  Thicker sections such as post, beams and logs will require additional coats, as Cutek CD50 has a cumulative effect in the wood.

Apply each coat evenly with brush, paintpad or roller.  When using Cutek Colourtone it is essential that the container holding the oil be stirred frequently both before and during use.  Two or three thin coats on finished wood and hardwoods are better that one or two thick coats.

Wood must feel completely dry and non-greasy before application of the second coat.

Cleanup

Equipment may be cleaned with soap and water or turps.  Oily rags and other oily materials may cause combustion fires.  Immediately after use you MUST (1) spread out all oily materials outside to dry, by flattening them out to their full size in an airy spot at temperatures above 4 degrees Celsius, or (2) Wash them thoroughly with water and detergent and rinse.  Remove all oil from all clothes, tools, rags and any other materials contacted during use or as a result of an accidental spill. All wash water is to be disposed of properly.

Coverage

These figures represent typical averages for common decking and cladding timbers such as Western Red Cedar, Pine, Spotted Gum, Jarrah, Ironbark, Ipe, Tiger deck, Cumaru and other Exotics, Thermal wood etc.

Cutek CD50 will gradually fade over time rather than peel, split or crack, so the rejuvenation of timber coated with Cutek CD50 is a simple fast and cost-effective process.

Cutek CD50 should be reapplied when the wood is no longer beading water, or as frequently as necessary to retain the natural beauty and colour of the wood.  Clear Cutek CD50 coat timbers require maintenance less frequently than colourtoned Cutek CD50 coated timbers.

Recoat time varies widely according to many factors including the age and porosity of the wood, species, situation and exposure to the weather. Typically, horizontal exterior smooth surfaces such as pool decks and handrails may require coating every 6 months to two years, while vertical rough sawn cladding may require maintenance less frequently.