The author of the article is Dariusz Wróbel
Wood is undoubtedly a beautiful building material with high aesthetic values. Its properties and appearance make it a popular building material, used both inside and outside buildings.Wooden fences, garden furniture or gazebo structures, however, are exposed to weather conditions.In order to preserve them value, it is therefore necessary to properly protect the raw material.
Impregnation is an effective method of wood protection against moisture, UV radiation and pests. The role of impregnation can be compared to priming the wall before painting it - the preparation deeply penetrates the wood, protecting it from the inside and outside, and protects it against fungi, blue stain and insects.
A simple method that allows for permanent protection of this raw material and emphasizing its aesthetic values is impregnation using the painting method.You can do it yourself, remembering about proper preparation of the substrate and careful execution of the individual stages of work.
Stage 1 - preparation of the substrate
The surface to be impregnated should be dry and free from contamination. If there are stains or grease on the surface, it should be washed with gasoline and dried.The wooden substrate should also be smooth - it will facilitate the application of the impregnation and will highlight the pattern of wooden rings.
To smooth the surface, it is best to use sandpaper with gradation from 150 to 200, and its grain should be matched to the degree of unevenness of the surface. A good solution is to sand the entire element to be impregnated, which will allow for a uniform color of the wood.You should also remember to thoroughly remove the dust that has arisen during sanding - preferably with a brush, and then again - with a damp cloth.
Stage 2 - Application of the first layer
Before painting, the impregnation agent should be carefully mixed in its original packaging. The recommended ambient temperature during operation is 5 to 25 ° C.For impregnation using the painting method, it is best to use a brush designed for solvent-based products.If you paint with a universal paint, it will be a good idea to sand its hair with fine-grained sandpaper.
This will soften the ends and remove loose bristles. We spread the impregnation with a brush on a large surface of wood in no more than 10 minutes.When the surface starts to become dull, rub the preparation along the grain of the wood with a semi-dry tool, starting from the places that were painted first. This will ensure an even color. The elements painted in this way should be left to dry for 12 hours.
Stage 3 - Intermediate sanding
When the first layer of the impregnation is completely dry, perform the so-called interlayer grinding. Some wood fibers could rise after the first painting, creating a rough surface.Sanding the coating will even out, which will strengthen the adhesion of the next layer of the preparation.Inter-layer sanding should be done with sandpaper with a gradation of about 320. After After the treatment, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned of dust. A vacuum cleaner is best suited for this.
Step 4 - Second layer application
Apply the second layer of the impregnation evenly over the entire surface, remembering to rub it with a semi-dry brush.As the wood takes on the next layer more slowly, the trimming step should be carried out a little later. Starting the treatment too early may lead to discoloration. The drying time of the second coat is approximately 12 hours.
After finishing the work on the wood, thoroughly wash and dry the tools.You can use a thinner for oil-phthalic products to clean them.The impregnation made according to the above guidelines allows you to bring out the natural charm and structure of the wood, while effectively protecting it.
