Which impregnation is best for wood outdoors - let’s understand the topic

Wood as a material will never lose its relevance. But to maintain its beauty and durability, the surface must be periodically subjected to protective treatment.

In outdoor conditions, impregnation for outdoor use is used for this purpose. Thanks to it, the tree becomes resistant to bad weather, insects, and fire.

The main thing is to choose the impregnation that suits your design and is suitable for its purpose.

Why impregnate wood?

The material is popular in construction due to the following advantages:

• environmental friendliness;
• hygroscopicity;
• heat capacity;
• sound insulation;
• aesthetics (even without additional finishing);
• ease of processing and installation;
• affordable price.

However, a wooden structure that is constantly located on the street is destroyed over time under the influence of:

• ultraviolet rays;
• high humidity;
• fungus, mold;
• insects, bark beetles;
• precipitation;
• dust, dirt;
• sudden changes in temperature;
• damage;
• fire.

To prevent spoilage, an impregnation was developed.

It is needed to extend the service life of the material by forming a protective layer on the surface or penetrating deep into the structure.

The drugs are produced in a narrowly targeted manner, when some resist moisture, others – fungus (antiseptics), others – fire (fire retardants), there are decorative ones and more. Complex action impregnations are also available. They are more expensive, but more effective.

It is recommended to work with the product at a temperature of +10 degrees. It will absorb evenly and dry quickly.

In addition, impregnation can be an excellent base for painting. The paint applies well, giving the wood the desired color.

How to prepare bioprotection for wood at home

You can make an antiseptic for a wooden surface with your own hands. A popular recipe is the use of bitumen and gasoline (diesel fuel). It is also necessary to prepare a metal container, a metal spatula and support elements for fixing the container above the fire.

It is advisable to work outside, it will be safer. Perform the following steps:

1. Bitumen is placed in a prepared container.
2. She is transferred to the fire.
3. The bitumen is heated until completely dissolved; with a spatula, mix it well until it has an even consistency.
4. Continue the process until a weak viscosity is obtained, then remove the containers from the heat.
5. When the bitumen has cooled, gasoline is added to it in small portions to make it easier to mix.
6. Apply the product with a brush or roller.

Differences between hand-made antiseptics and ready-made ones from the factory

Self-prepared compositions have a number of positive aspects when compared with purchased impregnations: inexpensive, oil and bitumen compositions have a good degree of efficiency, less toxicity.

Factory ones are better in quality. They are easy to use and do not require long cooking. They selectively affect the tree.

A popular recipe is the use of bitumen and gasoline.

What you need to know about wood species when choosing impregnation

Depending on the type, trees have different degrees of resistance to biodestruction:

1. The weakest. This includes linden, alder, and aspen.
2. Weak resistance. Solid elm, maple, birch and beech sapwood.
3. Medium resistant. These include fir, larch, and spruce.
4. Sustainable. Ash, pine, solid oak.

Based on absorbency, rocks are divided into 3 categories:

1. Difficult to impregnate. Ash, solid oak and beech, spruce.
2. Average. Linden, alder, aspen, solid pine.
3. Lungs. Beech, birch, pine sapwood.

It is important to note that when choosing raw materials for construction outside, the key factor remains the resistance of the rock to destruction, so you need to choose the most resistant ones.

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Wood rot is a serious problem. The damage caused by these biodestructive processes cannot be restored; the lost strength characteristics cannot be returned. Therefore, it is not worth experimenting or looking for inexpensive products from unknown manufacturers, because at this time the wooden material will continue to deteriorate. It’s better to turn to Neomid for help at the first signs of mold or rot; their compositions will quickly and effectively eliminate an unpleasant and dangerous problem.

Classification of impregnations for external use by purpose

According to this parameter, funds are divided into several types. Let's look at the features of each of them in more detail.

Anti-darkening

A change in the color coating of raw materials is caused by infection with a fungus. This most often happens when wood is stored outdoors for a long time or in constant contact with the ground.

It is important to understand that budget protective impregnations have a limited service life - from 3 to 6 months. More expensive formulations continue to operate after 1–2 years.

The drug must be difficult to wash out or cannot be washed out with water. A striking example is the domestic impregnation brand “Senezh”.

Material already infected with fungus must first be bleached, that is, the cause of infection - fungus or mold - must be eliminated.

For treatment in outdoor conditions, it is allowed to use products containing chlorine. But a significant disadvantage of such compositions is that the impregnation not only burns out harmful microorganisms, but also destroys the wood structure.

Preparations with active oxygen have proven to be much more effective. They destroy fungus without harming the material and do not emit harmful substances.

From moisture and rotting

These are solutions with water-repellent properties. Penetrate deep into the structure. Prevents deformation and rotting of raw materials under the influence of moisture.

Their advantage is that after applying the composition the wood continues to breathe.

The service life of the protective layer is 1-3 years. After its expiration, it is recommended to recoat the material.

High quality impregnation will prevent the material from cracking as it dries. This is especially necessary on the end parts of log houses.

In addition, look for the presence of ultraviolet filters in the composition. Their absence will lead to a reduction in the effect of the product, and the treated surface will begin to darken.

For load-bearing structures

These include:

• rafter systems;
• beams, partitions;
• ceilings;
• walls;
• base;
• basements.

Photo: treatment of the rafter system with a spray bottle.
To reliably protect such elements, the preparation must have the following properties:

• antiseptic;
• fungicidal;
• do not wash off with water;
• increase fire resistance.

They are often colorless, water-based liquids.

The disadvantage of inexpensive impregnations is that they paint the surface a greenish tint. Expensive preparations do not change the shade of wood.

When using indoors, it is important to pay attention to the composition so that it does not contain toxic substances.

Decorative

Compared to others, the purpose of these stains is to add beauty to structures and products. With their help, it will be possible to perform high-quality imitation of noble breeds.

Most acrylic-based products are environmentally friendly. They make the surface elastic, waterproof, add shine, protect the surface from ultraviolet rays, and at the same time act as an antiseptic. They have a wide range of colors.

Frost-resistant

It is recommended to purchase for external wood processing in the northern regions of the country. Withstands air temperatures down to –40 degrees.

Can be applied in the cold without loss of working properties. They tolerate repeated freezing and thawing normally.

Sun protection

They also act as antiseptics. They contain a filter against ultraviolet rays, which serves as reliable protection for the tree. Bright colors do not fade in the sun or fade over time. The surface does not crack due to temperature changes.

Article: how to build a pergola from wood

Fire retardants

This is the name given to the preparations that make the raw material highly flammable. Prevents combustion in case of fire.

The most effective products are those that combine fire and bioprotection. Penetrate deeply into the structure or form a film. They may change the color of the coating, but not the texture of the wood.

When purchasing fire retardants, check for quality certificates and fire safety reports.

Basic means of combating rot

The industry offers consumers several types of products to combat wood rot. When choosing one option or another, consider the main type of impact:

• to protect against rain, snow, moisture from the soil of gazebos, pergolas, verandas and terraces, it is better to choose special paint and varnish compositions;
• Vapor and waterproofing membranes and films will protect against the appearance of condensation and its destructive effects. The option is ideal for baths, bathrooms, rooms with constant high humidity;
• High-quality drying, but without artificial heating, will help remove excess moisture from any source. It is important to emphasize that the effect will be very short-lived.

The only advantage is minimal investment of money;

• A one percent solution of copper sulfate, if it does not completely eliminate rot stains, will slow down their development for several months. It will have to be processed at least once a year.

Antiseptics and varnishes are the main means of combating rot

Antiseptics are suitable for use regardless of the cause of mold and mildew. They are recommended for use both at the construction and design stage, and during operation, when fungus has already appeared and they need to be preserved.

When choosing an antiseptic, it is important to consider whether it is intended for external or internal work. The point is not only in the number of working components, but also in the toxicity of the composition.

Sergey Yurievich

Construction of houses, extensions, terraces and verandas.

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Varnishes and paints. They not only protect wooden products from mold, but also give an attractive appearance and emphasize the structure of the material. The disadvantage is the high price and long processing time, taking into account drying and the need to apply several layers.

Famous manufacturers

Below is a list of manufacturing companies whose products are in greatest demand.

Belinka

Country of origin: Slovenia.

Engaged in the production of impregnations for the protection and decoration of wood. This:

• transparent antiseptics;
• penetrating primers;
• azure multilayer impregnation with the addition of wax;
• azure decorative impregnations;
• paints.

Belinka has official representative offices throughout Russia.

Aquatex

A Russian company that produces several types of combined impregnation compositions:

• “Aquatex Extra” - based on wax, oil;
• “Aquatex primer antiseptic” is a non-washable antiseptic;
• "Aquatex" - decorative with bioprotection and others.

Each contains an ultraviolet filter.

Aquatex does not produce products with biopyrene protection.

Tikkurila

The Finnish concern produces many series of paint and varnish products. Products with antiseptic protection, against insects, ultraviolet radiation. They have an environmentally friendly composition. Some antiseptics can be tinted.

Senezh

Russian trademark.

Specialization - production of impregnations for processing wood and decking boards.

The list of products includes:

• biopyrenes;
• preservative solutions;
• antiseptics;
• decorative;
• protective compounds.

There are tinted solutions. The price is affordable.

NEOMID

Russian manufacturing company.

The products are considered one of the best on our market for protecting wood and decking boards from fire and moisture.

On average, antiseptic protection lasts 10 years, and against fire – 7 years.

To control the quality of processing, a tinting pigment is included.

Can be used in residential buildings, bathhouses, gazebos, summer kitchens.

Final Recommendation

By the way, last year, an old friend of mine bought impregnations for his new home from a dealer. The first thing he liked was communicating with the consultant. According to a friend, he understands very well when it comes to choosing impregnating agents for wooden structures. And second: the price of the product turned out to be quite acceptable, which is important for many buyers.

This is not an advertisement - just a consultation, which is always useful. For residents of Moscow and the Moscow region, I recommend this company for the sale of Neomid impregnations. Moreover, the company is specialized, sells retail at wholesale prices and has been on the market of high-quality wood protection products for several years.

That's all for now. I hope this was informative? If yes, then recommend the article to your friends and subscribe to the news. I wish you all good luck, health and peaceful skies. Bye!

Wisdom Quote: What is not true cannot be great.

Tips for choosing

When purchasing, we recommend paying attention to the following points:

1. Purpose and place of use. Indoors, it is worth taking environmentally friendly water-based formulations with natural oils. They are produced in the form of a concentrate. There are no special restrictions for outdoor work.
2. Availability of quality certificates. Without them, the likelihood of purchasing an effective product is minimal.
3. Determine the reason for processing. There are narrowly targeted impregnations on sale that protect only from moisture, insects or fire. The optimal purchase would be a complex drug that combines several properties at once.
4. If you want your product to look beautiful, take time to choose the color. Check to see if the product can be tinted.
5. Take the drug with a reserve, since concentrates from different batches may differ in tone.
6. You should not buy impregnation in the markets. The conditions for storing and transporting goods there are practically not observed. There is a high risk of purchasing a fake.
7. Study the instructions for use, namely the service life of the coating. Most products retain their properties for no more than 3-5 years. Inflated figures are a marketing ploy.
8. Don't forget about application methods. There are impregnations that are used only by soaking the wood.
9. Don't forget to wear a respirator while working.

For outdoor use, it is recommended to use universal, complex action products that simultaneously resist bad weather, insects and fire.

Processing rules

Processing boards with impregnation does not cause any particular difficulties. However, there are several rules that must be strictly followed to achieve the desired result and maintain your own health:

1. It is imperative to protect all vulnerable areas of the human body that will be in direct contact with the solution (hands: eyes, respiratory organs).
2. Before processing wood to prevent it from rotting, it is necessary to prepare it for work: clean it of dust, grease or previously applied paint.
3. The board is carefully processed using a brush with metal bristles.
4. It is best to wash the surface using detergents.
5. It is equally important to let the wood dry thoroughly.
6. Before impregnating the wood, carefully read the instructions for its use on the packaging.
7. It is recommended to start with the end parts of the board, cuts and areas that are already damaged.
8. If there is a need to apply the product in several layers, it is necessary to allow time for the previous layer to dry completely. Typically this period of time is 2–3 hours.