Section 9900
Exterior Finishes

Section I - Exterior Wood Finishing

All exterior wood to be finished must be free of dirt and other surface contaminants. Do Not assume that new wood is free of contamination. All exterior new wood must be cleaned before coating.

A. Clean new, exterior wood siding as follows:

  1. Mask windows and protect plants from overspray of cleaner and brightener by masking with 3M film, covering with drop clothes or prewetting prior to application.
  2. Mix the Wood Iron Maintenance Cleaner according to directions for cleaning new wood.
  3. Apply Wood Iron Maintenance Cleaner liberally to all wood surfaces. Wood Iron Maintenance Cleaner solution can be easily applied with a Hudson or other pump up sprayer.
  4. Mist or dampen the surfaces that have cleaner on them just before washing if the cleaner has dried.
  5. Set pressure washer pressure setting at 1,000 psi maximum. Temperature between 50-100 degrees Fahrenheit.

    CAUTION: Pressure washing can damage wood. Be familiar with the proper pressure and technique before operating the equipment.

  6. Wash walls from the bottom up. Deck railings should be washed first then deck floors.
  7. After the surface is washed rinse completely. Rinse walls from the top down. Rinse rails first and then deck floors.

B. Brightening and Sanitizing new, exterior wood as follows:

  1. Mix the Wood Iron Brightener according to directions for brightening.
  2. Apply the Brightener/Sanitizer solution to clean, slightly DAMP wood.
  3. Apply the solution liberally to all wood surfaces. Wood Iron Brightener can be applied with a Hudson or other pump up sprayer.

    Note    : Applying Wood Iron Brightener to dry pine may create a yellowing effect. Make certain that the Brightener is applied to slightly damp wood. If yellowing occurs it is reversed by re-applying Wood Iron Maintenance Cleaner to the affected area and rinsing again.

  4. When wood does not change after additional brightener is applied the surfaces are ready to rinse.
  5. Rinse from the top down on walls. Rinse deck rails first and then deck floors.

Note: Some mineral stains such as rust may not come completely out. To remove these types of stains completely it may be necessary to reapply the Wood Iron Maintenance Cleaner mixed double strength and try again OR sand until completely gone.

C. Application of Wood Iron OR Wood Iron Exterior Wood Finish to new wood.

  1. Preparation: See Cleaning and Brightening of new wood.
  2. Wood must be completely dry and free of blemishes and surface contamination.
  3. Mask all items not receiving finish such as windows, prefinished gutters, and painted surfaces.
  4. Protect plants, trees, concrete, flowers or other items with drop clothes.

    Note: Check all areas before applying the finish. Wood should be free of splintering, fuzziness, felting, banding marks, mud, boot marks, darkened areas around nails or screws, water marks or signs of a previous finish if the wood is being restored.

  5. Shake the can of tint and then add it to the Wood Iron or Wood Iron clear base. One or two cans of tint per 5 gallons of clear base are recommended.
  6. Test the color to determine that it is the color of choice in an obscure area.
  7. Follow all directions on the label at all times. Consult with the local Wood Iron Representative about tinting. Or call 1-888-966-3476 for suggestions.
  8. Add 1 ounce of Insecticide CPF-2D from Walla Walla Environmental to every gallon of tinted Wood Iron Wood Finish.
  9. If spraying with an airless, use lower pressures. Pressure setting should be 500-800 psi to prevent excessive overspray and wasting of product.
  10. Tip recommendations: Balusters 2:11 reversible Decking & Smooth siding 5:17 reversible Rough Wood 5:21 reversible Restored open rough wood 5:31 flat
  11. Other devices acceptable for application are pump up sprayers, brush and/or roller with ½" nap.

    Note: The objective is to saturate the wood to its deepest possible level. DO NOT APPLY WOOD IRON EXTERIOR WOOD FINISH IN DIRECT SUN LIGHT. Direct sun will catalyze the finish before it can penetrate. DO NOT VARNISH THE SURFACE YOU ARE COATING. Wood Iron and Wood Iron Wood Exterior Finishes are designed to be penetrating oil finishes.

  12. Apply one wet-on-wet coat. Start by spraying vertical surfaces at approximately 200 square feet per gallon or a rate that wets the wood. Allow the wood to soak for 5-10 minutes.
  13. Repeat the application over the same area as before. If the product is running excessively do not apply more.
  14. Back brush the last application to assure evenness and penetration. Back rolling is acceptable when possible.
  15. After brushing and/or or rolling the product into the wood check for seepage, drips or runs.
  16. Brush out any areas that exhibit runs or drips.
  17. Double applications to all end grain areas including balusters, log ends, and all cuts when exposed.
  18. Some woods and textures of wood will not absorb as much as others. Be prepared to back brush smooth woods a second time if necessary.
  19. If penetration is not occurring after back brushing wipe ALL excess off before finish cures.
  20. If product has started to cure, apply mineral spirits to thin or remove it.
  21. If product has cured, lacquer thinner will be necessary to remove it.
  22. Check all areas. The final look should be an even, satin finish, free of blotchiness or patchy or shiny areas.

CAUTION—FIRE DANGER: Wood Iron Exterior Wood Finish contains natural oils. Natural oils can spontaneously combust if disposed of improperly. NEVER leave oily rags out in the sun. NEVER pile oil rags together. NEVER fail to control the proper disposal of the oil soaked rags. Dispose of all oil soaked rags in water. Immerse the rags and LEAVE THEM IN WATER. See label cautions and MSDS recommendations.

Note: Log homes will require a first coat the first year and a second coat within 12-18 months. The reason for the second coat is due to the fact that all wood will "climatize" and "check" (open up) a great deal in the first 12-18 months of exposure. This creates openings in the wood that were not there during the initial coating. The visible results of "climatization" are: faded look to the finish, micro-cracks and checks and open areas where accelerated weathering will take place. The second coat procedures are the same as the first coat procedures. The product usage for the first and second coat will be approximately the same.

Copyright 2001 Wood Iron