Frequently asked questions
On this page, we have collected the questions we are asked most often. The answers can be found below the question. If you can't find an answer to your question, please contact us at online@remmers.co.uk
General
1. Are Remmers wood coatings microporous?
Remmers wood coatings are “breathable” which allows a degree of flexibility in the coating. This ensures that the coating will not crack during the varying seasons, when moisture, low temperatures and heat will affect the dimensional stability of the coating system.
2. Do Remmers have topcoats which will not blister or block?
Yes, Induline DW-601 Aqua Stop has the latest technology, which has a faster moisture transfer time, reduced curing times and a harder finish.
3. Do Remmers have a range of products suitable for Accoya?
Yes, Remmers have worked very closely with Accsys (Accoya) to provide a range of external translucent and opaque systems, which offer long-term durability and performance.
4. Do Remmers manufacture a preservative basecoat?
Yes, Remmers have a clear preservative, base-stain preservative and an opaque basecoat preservative.
5. Why should we use an end grain sealer?
To minimise moisture ingress from the end grain. It is strongly recommended that 1-2 coats are applied to all exposed end grain. This will assist in maximising the stability and performance of the joinery and the coating system.
6. What colours are available in opaque?
Remmers are able to provide a vast range of colours including; RAL, NCS, British Standard, Remmers own Colour Collections, however many other colours are available on request.
7. How long will the external coatings last before maintenance is required?
There are varying factors which contribute as to when maintanence will be required, this can be discovered in Remmers maintenance guides. A few of these factors are; location, timber species and whether a translucent or opaque finish has been applied. We always recommend regular inspection and frequent cleaning of the joinery is carried out, as this will help to reduce the maintenance periods.
8. What is the correct way to store joinery items?
Where possible, joinery items should be stored on stillage frames and off the ground. It is strongly advised that joinery items are not stored in ground contact. All tight- fitting wrapping must be removed on site to allow the free flow of air and reduce the potential for moisture to build up between the wrapping and the joinery.
9. What happens if joinery items are left uncovered or unprotected?
Joinery items should not be left uncovered or unprotected. Failure to undertake such protection can lead to water standing on horizontal or non-water shedding surfaces which will result in the possibility of excessive water uptake on the items. If metal box containers are utilised as a means of storage on site, care must be taken to ventilate such storage containers to avoid creating conditions of extreme temperature. Avoiding the containers being painted in dark colours reduces solar heat gain on the surface of the container and reduces the risk of them getting too hot. Protective films and tapes are sometimes used on site during transportation & installation. Only use suitable materials as some are not compatible with the coating.
Temperature conditions
1. What temperature should Remmers wood coatings be stored at?
Coatings should be kept at a temperature greater than 5°c when in storage. Simple measures such as keeping product on pallets and off concrete floors will help to reduce the chances of the paint going below 5°C.
2. What temperature should Remmers wood coatings be applied at?
The temperature of the coating should be at 15-20°c at the point of application. Ensuring coatings are above 15°C for application may require storage cupboards that are heated, depending on the temperature control in the factory. Equipment such as spray pumps too should be kept at the same temperature of 15-20°c. One simple way to ensure the pump is at a high enough temperature is to run hot water through it before use.
3. What happens if the temperature in the factory is too low when applying Remmers wood coatings?
The coating temperature should be at 15- 20°c when applying. If the temperature in the factory is too cold at the point of application then the coating will become more viscous and less likely to adhere to and absorb into the substrate. Low temperatures on the substrate can lead to moisture on the surface. This moisture will subsequently interfere with adhesion and reduce absorption of the coating.
4. What happens if the temperature in the factory is too low when drying Remmers wood coatings?
Ideally, the factory temperature should be increased to 30°C and the humidity should be reduced to 30% gradually during the drying process. If the polymer used to bind the coating together is not dried at a sufficiently high enough temperature it will not form the correct dry film layer. Additionally, poor flow of the coatings can lead to poor contact with the substrate and poor levelling of the dry film. Drying after the settling period should be conducted at 20-30°C at a relative humidity 30-50%. It is highly advisable to keep items above 15°C for a period of at least 72 hours prior to exterior exposure of the joinery item. This will assist with through drying or curing and reduce issues with early water uptake.
5. What happens if the temperature in the factory is too high when drying Remmers wood coatings?
If the factory temperature is too high at the point of drying, skin will form in the outer layer of the coating resulting in mud cracks or other surface cracks and defects, as the wet material under the skin dries and puts stresses on the skin above. Additionally, if the temperature is too high then the paint film will start to dry before it has had time to flow out resulting in an unsightly orange peel effect.
6. What happens if the wood coating is not sufficiently dried?
If the coating system is not sufficiently cured, water can pass through the coating more easily leading to problems with water uptake. However, if the primer is sufficiently dry but the top coat is not, then moisture can be absorbed by the top coat leading to small bubbles being formed in the coating film.
7. How can I stop solar heat gain on wood coatings?
To stop solar heat gain on wood coatings, it is recommended to avoid dark finishes on timber substrate wherever possible, but mainly on resin rich timbers such as pine, larch and douglas fir. However, if black or very dark colours are an essential aim to use stable timbers, then Accoya is particularly suitable in this regard.
8. How can I prevent condensation in swimming pool wood coatings?
The pool humidity must be carefully controlled in order to help prevent condensation, protect the room fabric and provide a comfortable atmosphere for users of a swimming pool hall. For this to be achieved, the maximum humidity levels within a pool hall should be between 55% and 65%. A swimming pool hall will require a form of moisture extraction to control relative humidity by removing unwanted water vapour from the hall air. On top of this there is also the issue of ensuring that items in the pool area are sufficiently warm to stop the dew point being reached. With insufficient heating control, surfaces such as the glass on the windows will fall below the dew point and condensation will form on them.
Weather deterioration
1. How can I prevent my clear exterior wood coating from weather deterioration?
Clear coatings have a limited lifespan and under UV exposure, have a tendency to become brittle. It is possible to prevent damage and deterioration by introducing clear UV light absorbing additives or pigments into the coating so that they can delay the onset of the inevitable breakdown. This can extend the life of the clear coating to as much as 2 even 3 years, with lightly pigmented finishes in certain sheltered exterior exposure conditions. In more intense, less sheltered exposures more regular maintenance may be necessary. Regular maintenance of the surface using the Remmers Care set for windows will help maintain very light colour translucent finishes. For further information on clear or highly translucent coating options we recommend you talk to one of the Remmers wood coatings Technical Team.
2. How can I prevent colour disfiguration in outside oak wood?
Oak has a tendency to rapidly discolour to a grey appearance when exposed to UV light. The high concentration of tannins (or extractives) present can lead to unsightly dark discolouration. Due to its natural beauty and distinctive grain structure, the preferred option for oak is a very light coloured translucent or even clear coating to preserve this appearance. This results in much shorter periods of longevity from the coating system especially when clear protection is employed.
3. How can I prevent cracking in outside oak wood?
Oak has a very open grain structure and is rich in water-soluble tannins, meaning it has a natural tendency to crack. The lower the moisture content, the worse the potential for moisture-related movement. Therefore the ideal moisture content of the exterior joinery when leaving the factory is between 12-16%. Coatings can be utilised however with sufficient UV protection, to prevent degradation of the oak surface (clear coatings are not suitable for this purpose. Using high performance end grain sealers such as Induline SW-910 on all cut ends can help to reduce moisture ingress and prevent tannin staining.
4. How can I prevent moisture related movement in exterior timber?
Where possible, use more dimensionally stable timbers and aim to reject incoming timber with a moisture content of lower than 12%. The lower the moisture content the worse the potential for moisture related movement. High quality timber coatings such as the Remmers Induline systems and effective adhesives can slow down the uptake and release of moisture drastically reducing the incidence of open joints and cracks.
5. How can I prevent contamination and moisture from other building materials?
Particular care must be taken where plaster & renders are adjacent to the finished item to prevent timber discolouration & staining from contact with such materials. Remove plaster and other building materials contamination as soon as possible with a mild solution of detergent and rinse with clean water.
6. Why are there white milky spots on my wood surfaces?
A small amount of solvent is present in a water based coating called a coalescing solvent. This allows the resin in the coating to form a continuous and smooth weather protective film. As the coalescing solvent is providing this vital film forming function, it is gradually lost from the coating. Any coalescing solvent that is still present in the film can react with any appreciable moisture that gets into the film. It is this reaction that causes the white milky spots on wood.
7. Do milky spots have a damaging effect on wood?
No, milky spots are not defects and there is no reason to worry. Most importantly, nothing needs to be done about it. As the water dries from the coating, the milky spots will subside. Once the coating is fully through dried the milky spots will not return even after heavy rainfall.
Site condition requirements
1. What are the site condition requirements for joinery items?
Joinery stored on site must not be left in ground contact. Any water must drain off the surfaces and the joinery must not be left in puddles or other such similar under water conditions. Special masking tapes should be used and removed immediately after the completion of the work. Failing to remove the tape from the joinery may result in damage of the coated substrate. Consistent air humidity above 70% in the room will result in timber swelling and may result in joinery damage. During the construction phase moisture resulting from wet plaster and concrete has to be removed using intensive ventilation.
2. How can I prevent resin exudation and tannin staining?
Site conditions are a critical contributing factor to tannin staining, as incorrect site storage or poor joinery design features with water traps will allow in moisture. This moisture subsequently activates tannins and stains the wood. Therefore a properly dried and cured coating is essential, with each coat being thoroughly dried between coats.
For complete protection use specialist tannin-inhibiting coatings such as Induline ZW-425. Contact Remmers technical team for advice on the correct coatings.
