Timber doors, windows, trim and interior cupboards
Timber is a dimensionally unstable material which expands and contracts with changing moisture content. Exterior timber surfaces erode by ultra violet light, normally changing to a grey colour leaving cellulose fibres exposed on the surface. Timber also provides a source of nutrient for mould growth. A protective system for timber needs to combat these three sources of aggression, viz. water, ultra violet light and mould.

Some timbers contain resins and oils which can affect the performance of paint - i.e. resin pockets in pine which can soften and bleed through paints; oils in teak which can prevent penetration and adhesion of paint; anti-oxidants in totara and matai which inhibit the drying of oil-based paints.

Reconstituted timber products are subject, to a greater or lesser degree, to the same degradation as timber. The majority of these products contain wax to improve water-resistance and wet-strength. These waxes can be dissolved in hydrocarbon solvents present in oil-based paints and then be deposited on the film surface when the solvent evaporates. This wax layer can upset the gloss and finish of the paint system and seriously retard the drying of oil-based paints by blocking the ingress of oxygen needed for curing.

Surface preparation:

  1. Remove all moss and mould:
    Thoroughly clean down to remove all loosely adhered material. Treat areas of moss or mould infestation with Resene Moss & Mould Killer, correctly diluted with clean water. Leave for up to forty eight hours to achieve full kill.

    For heavy infestations further applications may be needed. Wash thoroughly with clean water to remove all residue.

  2. Sand timber surfaces:
    Always sand along the grain to remove minor imperfections and any loose surface fibres. Loose fibres can be assumed to be present if the timber is left exposed to the weather for more than one week. Remove dust.

    Sharp edges on timber are very difficult to apply paint to, as paint tends to flow away from edges, leaving weak spots. For best results these sharp edges must be sanded to a rounded profile.

    NB: All sanding dusts can be harmful and appropriate protection should be worn. In particular dust from old lead or chromate based paint can be injurious to health if inhaled or ingested. Seek expert advice if the presence of these materials is suspected.

  3. Optional:
    Resene TimberLock is a multi functional timber treatment that improves the dimensional stability of the substrate, as well as improving its fungal, water and ultra violet light resistance. Its use improves the durability of subsequently applied topcoats. It is especially recommended on cedar and old weathered timber that is to be painted.

    Apply to bare areas, one coat of Resene TimberLock Preserver/Conditioner at the spreading rate of 5-10 square metres per litre depending on the timber porosity.

    Allow twenty four hours to dry. Remove excess Resene TimberLock by wiping with a turps dampened rag. Follow label instructions at all times.

  4. End grains:
    Always coat end grains (i.e. underneath the doors) as this prevents moisture penetration into the timber surface which will eventually crack the paint film.

  5. Moisture:
    Generally timber should not be coated when its moisture content is above 17%. Contact Resene if this is suspected.

First coat:
For a painted finish, prime the timber with Resene Quick Dry Acrylic Primer Undercoat at approximately 12 square metres per litre.

Ensure all nail holes, damaged or split timbers are filled with a suitable filler and applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Spot prime filler when dry, with Resene Quick Dry Acrylic Primer Undercoat. If the surface you propose to paint is already painted and in good condition, then you can go straight to the Topcoats below.

NB: If staining is evident after the application of Resene Quick Dry Acrylic Primer Undercoat, apply a further coat of Resene Enamel Undercoat.

Topcoats:
We recommend you proceed with two coats of either Resene Enamacryl (Gloss) or Lustacryl (Semi-Gloss) - waterbased enamels at approximately 12 square metres per litre. These products perform like solventbased paints with the added benefits of non-yellowing, fast drying and low odour when compared to solventbased paint.

Follow label instructions at all times.

Clear/stained finish:
Because of their low UV resistance, clear finishes in exterior environments are not recommended. For interior joinery and once the surface preparation is completed - apply three coats of Resene Aquaclear.

For a stained finish use Resene Waterborne Colorwood, reduced if necessary to the desired colour with Waterborne Colorwood Reducing Base. For a natural finish, the colour of the timber is enhanced by the application of Waterborne Colorwood Reducing Base first. Follow this with the three coats of Resene Aquaclear.

Follow label instructions at all times.

Cleaning up:
Cleaning up waterbased paints is different to solventbased paints - click here for detailed instructions on clean up.