Exterior Finishing Tips
Finish your project professionally for best results!
· Apply finishes on windless days. Temperature should be between 50 and 70 degrees.
· Surfaces should be clean and dry.
· New structures built with unseasoned wood should air dry one month before finishing.
· Back-priming of wood products is recommended for all exterior finishes, particularly paints.
· Don’t use wire brushes or steel wool as metal particles may become embedded in the grain and can cause stains. Use stiff bristle brushes.
· Use finishes recommended for wood exteriors.
· Follow manufacturer’s directions and read warnings on toxicity.
· Don’t mix incompatible materials. Finish failures may result from mixing incompatible products or applying them over one another.
· Moisture is the most common cause of finish failures, so use proper vapor barriers, air vents and flashing in new construction.
· To avoid nail stains, use stainless steel, aluminum or top quality, hot-dipped galvanized nails.
· Periodic rinsing with a garden hose will remove dirt and grime from decking. Stubborn build-up can be removed by scrubbing with a bristle brush with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse afterward.
Redwoodi takes and holds finishes better than most other woods. For long-lasting good looks and performance, a quality water repellent finish containing a mildewcide and an ultraviolet inhibitor is recommended. For best results, the finish should be applied directly to the lumber before construction covering all sides, edges and ends. A second application is recommended when the deck is completed.
Here are some of the fine products stocked at Big Creek: