Applying a saturator is an essential step in preserving the beauty and longevity of wood decking and cladding. However, for the saturator to be effective, it's important to follow certain application rules, particularly the drying time between 2 coats. Find out how long it takes between 2 coats of saturator.
The benefits of wood saturator
To ensure the longevity and aesthetic appeal of a wooden deck, it's vital to protect it and maintain it frequently. The elements (rain, snow, etc.), stains and UV rays can cause discolouration and premature ageing of the wood. This is where the application of a wood saturator comes in. Wood saturator is a fluid product whose composition allows it to impregnate the material in depth. It creates a protective barrier against the elements and nourishes the wood at the same time. Unlike wood stain, saturator is a protective product with no film-forming effect unless too many coats are applied. It prevents the decking, cladding and garden furniture from "greying" or discolouring. This preserves the natural wood effect and beautiful appearance of decking and cladding. Anova Bois offers a wide range of high-quality products adapted to a wide variety of wood species, including :
- autoclaved wood,
- exotic woods,
- classic softwoods,
- greyed woods...
Should be pointed out that not all types of wood are equal when it comes to saturator impregnation . Exotic woods, such as ipe or teak, tend to be more dense than local woods, such as softwoods or hardwoods. In particular, softwoods such as pine are very porous and often require two coats of saturator for perfect impregnation. Furthermore, the more porous the wood, the faster the product penetrates. So, for less absorbent woods, a single coat may be enough for optimum saturation.
Follow the advice and application stages carefully
There are a number of equally important stages in the application of wood saturator.Clean the surface to be treated
Cleaning the surface is a vital step for optimum effectiveness. Whether it's a new or old terrace, exotic or local wood, take the time to prepare it carefully. To do this, start by cleaning the surface with a cleaning product and a brush to remove dust and residual dirt. This can also help to remove old varnish, stain or paint from the surface. Rinse thoroughly and leave to dry for at least 24 hours.
Degreasing wood
Degreasing is a necessary treatment for old surfaces. When wood changes appearance and becomes grey from exposure to the sun, it is essential to remove the greyness. To do this, you'll need to use a degreasing product that can be easily sprayed over the entire surface of the terrace. Leave the product to work for around 20-30 minutes. During this time, you can scrub the surface with a broom to increase the effect of the cleaner. Then rinse thoroughly with water and leave to dry for at least 24 hours before applying a saturator.
Applying the saturator
Before applying the saturator, it is essential to mix it thoroughly to ensure that the product is fluid and homogenous.
Make sure the wood to be treated is completely dry. Using a brush, apply the liquid to the surface of the decking, stretching it out strip by strip. Depending on the type of saturator you choose, the method and drying time may vary.
Oil-based saturators can be applied wet-on-wet if the first coat has not had time to dry. Water-based saturants can be applied wet-on-wet or wet-on-dry. The latter often tend to dry much more quickly.
For these types of products, the drying time is often between 2 and 8 hours.
As a general rule, however, the drying time between 2 coats of saturator should not exceed 24 hours. The idea is above all to avoid dust or rain settling between 2 coats. This could have a considerable impact on the finish.
Furthermore, if you notice that the surface is already saturated after the first coat, there's no point in applying for a second, as the product will no longer penetrate.
Advice and precautions to take
For optimum results, it's important to take certain precautions when embarking on a saturator application project. First of all, it's essential to select the right saturator. There are many different types available. Some saturators are easy to apply, others less so, such as oil-based products. Some saturators are 100% oil and tend to stick after application. Similarly, you need to make sure you wipe the treated surface with a cloth after each coat of oil, which can be laborious.
What's more, you also need to pay attention to the weather conditions when applying wood saturator. Humidity can have a significant influence on drying time. The colder and wetter it is, the longer the drying time. On the other hand, the warmer and drier it is, the shorter the drying time. At the height of summer, it's best to avoid the heat peak during the day when applying saturator, as the temperature in contact with the wood can rise above 40 or 50°C, which is too high for saturator to work properly.
