Preparation is the most important process of coating exterior timber. It is also the most hated part, and usually the one people skip. Unfortunately, failing to prepare your timber correctly can have undesired results on the life of the coating you choose to apply.

New timber, especially hardwoods (merbau, blackbutt, jarrah, spotted gum, etc), require a 2-part cleaning process prior to coating application. But, prior to cleaning they need to be sanded.

Why? It’s straight from the mill! New and shiny!

The most common question! The answer is, quite simply, because it’s new and shiny!

When timber is milled, it is cut through high-speed blades which essentially polish the timber surface, closing the grain. When cleaning, we need the grain to be open so the cleaner can get in the pores and do its thing.

So yes, new timber requires a good mechanical sand prior to starting the cleaning prep process.

As for cleaning, the process is quite user friendly!

Sikkens Cetol BL Tannin & Oil Remover is specially formulated to prepare new exterior hardwood / decking prior to treatment. This revolutionary formula eliminates the need to wait months for new hardwood to weather, by encouraging oils and tannins to be drawn to the timber surface in 15-20 minutes.

Followed by;

Sikkens Cetol BL Deck & Wood Cleaner. A fast-acting gel that takes just 15 minutes to revitalise and brighten grey and weathered timber in preparation of new coatings.

The above process can seem quite tedious and unnecessary, but we promise it will be worth it when you have beautifully coated timber for years to come!

To see more about the cleaners in detail, click the links below;

Sikkens Cetol BL Tannin & Oil Remover

Sikkens Cetol BL Deck & Wood Cleaner