The keys to success in coating a structure with NatureColor®, NatureOne® or any other wood finish product.
Surface preparation – uncoated new wood.
A clean porous dry surface is important. It is the same as waxing a car, you would never dream of applying a wax on a dirty car. It is the same when coating a structure; you want your wood finish to adhere to the wood and not the dirt.
For rough sawn wood, use a stiff bristle brush to remove loose dirt and fibers before coating. If the wood is dirty, weathered or contains mildew, spray with TSP/Bleach/water solution and power wash. See General Preparation Application Guide for ratios and procedures.
On a smooth wood surface it is very important to open the wood cells and allow penetration of stain. This ensures good adhesion. The best surface preparation method is to sand with 60 to 80 grit sandpaper and remove sanding dust with a brush or vacuum. If this is not possible, spray with a TSP/bleach/water solution and power wash and allow 3-day dry time (surface moisture needs to be below 18% with NatureColor® and 21% with NatureOne®).
Applying product at the correct rate
“Stretching out the product” or putting the product on too thin does not save the customer product in the long run. We know from the U.S. Forestry studies that it is the amount of durable product left on the surface that protects the wood from weathering. Building a surface film prevents fading and intrusion of moisture. Apply as much product as the wood allows without running or dripping.
Caulk all seams
Caulking prevents moisture from seeping into the wood. Dry wood is more stable and doesn’t provide the environment for mildew and fungus growth. It is the constant wetting and drying, swelling and shrinking that weakens the cell structure and accelerates weathering.
Applying the maintenance coat on a timely basis.
Sunlight dries out the wood finish and the coating becomes fragile. Recoating freshens the coating allowing the coating to move with the wood and continue to protect the wood from the elements – keeping the home looking new – year after year.