The main types of wood protection
Wood is not an inert man-made material. Its properties determine the behavior of wood as a material, as well as the choice of means for protection and the technology for their creation. The mere use of traditional paints is not enough to enhance the beauty of wood and at the same time protect it.
The paint is designed to completely smooth the surface. This means that both the color and texture of the surface are completely covered with paint and a new surface is created, unlike the original one. Any decorative effect is created solely by the characteristics of the paint layer (color, gloss, texture, etc.).
But how to treat a tree from rotting and moisture? A wood preservative is intended to emphasize and/or enhance the grain pattern and grain of the wood. The color of wood can also be emphasized using colorless products.
The decorative effect is created by combining the characteristics of the wood on which the agent is applied and the properties of the agent itself.
Since wood is exposed to many different influences, yet has excellent characteristics, the range of technologies and types of care products is wider and different from paint products.
The composition of the means for protecting wood from decay and moisture
The composition below is a starting point for further description of care products. There is a wide range of products for protecting wood from decay and moisture on the market, and not all of them contain the substances described below. Some specialized products may have a completely different composition.
· Binder. A material that creates a film that protects the wood and binds pigments and other components to each other and to the surface of the wood.
Pigment. Creates color (not used if a colorless product is required). Iron oxides used as pigments do not transmit UV and partly visible radiation.
· Liquid carrier – solvent or water. Reduces viscosity and simplifies application. Note. Viscosity refers to the density of the product: thin liquids have a low viscosity, and thick liquids have a high one.
· Additives.
Biocides. Protect liquid product, dry film and/or wood from biological attack.
· Desiccant. Accelerate the drying process of certain binders.
Auxiliary solvents. Increase the compatibility of certain other components and/or facilitate application.
· Thickeners. Adjust the viscosity and structure of the product in the container.
· Defoamer additives. Reduces the formation of foam in water products.
· Anti-settling agents. They prevent the precipitation of heavy components in liquid products.
Matting agents, waxes. Change the appearance or properties of the dry film, such as adjusting gloss or making the dry film water-repellent.
· Anti-drying additives. Prevents certain organic solvent-based products from drying out in the container.
UV absorbers. Colorless additives specifically formulated to absorb harmful UV radiation in dry film.
· Others. Special additional additives to give special properties.
