Frequently asked questions

What is Wood-X?

Wood-X is an umbrella brand for a range of wood care products. The core products are wood oils i.e. Wood-X Cedar Oil and Wood-X Deck Oil. These are non-film forming, viscous MINERAL oils and designed to penetrate into absorbent, chemical preservative exterior timber products such as Western Red Cedar weatherboards, fascia’s, boards, beams and mouldings.

Wood-X wood oil coating will improve the dimensional stability of naturally durable exterior hardwood timbers, including decking. Wood oil migration into dense, less absorbent hardwoods will be shallower and progression slower by comparison to lower density, more absorbent timbers.

Typical uses

  • Timber weatherboard
  • Wall shingles
  • Roof shingles*
  • Structural Posts and Beams
  • Hardwood and Cedar Decking
  • Outdoor timber furniture**
  • Fascia
  • Mouldings
  • Timber Garage Doors
  • Boards
  • Fences
  • Pergolas

*Drinking water should not be collected from Wood-X coated surfaces
**Allow the oil to thoroughly penetrate the timber surface before use

Is it toxic / safe to use?

Although the toxicity of Wood-X wood oils is very low compared to alternative coatings in the market, we cannot anticipate the health status of a potential user. Here therefore are the key health advisories for Wood-X wood oils. Please be aware that the wording on the labels of any pail of paint, stain, or wood oil are very similar in message i.e. there are chemicals in this product, some of which may be injurious to your health so be careful with its use.

With respect to Wood-X wood oils ….

  • Contains powerful fungicides. Avoid skin contact. If any skin contact occurs, wash skin immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. Do not scrub the skin
  • Wear protective full body over wear and elbow lengths, PVC gloves during handling and application.
  • Protect eyes from contact with the oil. Use safety glasses with side shields as a minimum precaution. If eye contact occurs, thoroughly wash with fresh, cold water for at least fifteen minutes and seek immediate medical attention if required.
  • Keep away from heat and open flame. Keep containers closed when not in use
  • Avoid breathing vapour. Use with adequate ventilation.

Ingredients CAS No. TWA

Mineral Turpentine 1 – 10% Mixture 217 mg/m3 as x NZ OSH (WES) 2002

2,2,4-trimehtyl-1.3-pentanediol monoisobutyr 1 – 10% 25265-77-4 None establish

2-(thiocyanatomethylthio) benzothiazole < 1% 21564-17-0 None establish

Ingredients cont contributing to classification >60% 55406-53-6 None establish



How much stain do I need per m2?

Coverage of Wood-X penetrating wood oils is dependent on surface condition, timber type, air temperature and other factors. The following is an approximate, typical guide.

How is it applied? By Brush, Rag, Roller, Spray or Other?

Apply by brush, roller or spray. Saturate the surface of absorbent timbers with Wood-X migrating wood oil at the typical coverage rates for the various substrates listed above. Apply more sparingly to dense timbers e.g. hardwood.

During application, stir or shake the contents of the container frequently to ensure even distribution of colour through the clear base.

Wood-X will penetrate or diffuse into the timber surface most readily when the coating is warm, the timber surface and atmospheric condition are warm and dry. Conversely, application and penetration will be slowest during damp, cold climate conditions. For best practice, store Wood-X containers in warm surroundings prior to use and apply in a warm, dry space.

Spray: Use airless, low pressure spray with a coarse spray tip.

Brush: For speed and efficiency use a wide, quality bristle brush for rough surfaces.

Roller: Use a long nap or suitable sponge roller for Band sawn or Rough surfaces.



How do I clean up brushes etc?

Clean up: Clean up with mineral turpentine and/or hot water and detergent. Use a clean, dry absorbent cloth to wipe initial excess or to complete the cleaning process.



Do I need to coat the unseen back of the boards?

Yes. The need to control natural moisture flow in and out of the timber is equally important for the back or unseen face as it is for the board ends, edges and visible, outer face.



How soon is it touch dry?

As Wood-X Wood Oils are mineral oil based, they do not dry. However, as the coating soaks into the timber it will appear or feel at the touch to be ‘dry’ on the surface.

Dry to touch (minimum)


24-48 hours on Band Sawn face WR Cedar.


Extended periods on Dressed surfaces and hardwoods, particularly during unfavourable drying conditions.



Will it help retain the original timber colour?

In exterior applications subject to the impact of moisture and UV light, the answer is No. The natural base colour and porosity of any timber will affect the appearance of the Wood-X colour toned coating. It will typically appear darker on both darker and/or more absorbent timbres and lighter on lighter toned and/or less absorbent timbers. With timber species that generally include a distinct range of colours within and between individual pieces (e.g. Western Red Cedar) it is advisable test coat a section of these base timber colours for the best appreciation of the likely overall appearance of your finished project.

‘Clear Base’ imparts no obvious colouring to the timber surface other than to initially darken darker timbers and initially brighten or lighten, lighter coloured timbers.



Can I add a tint to clear base after initial coat, or change original tint, going darker etc. if I don’t like selected tint?

Yes to both questions. Additional Wood-X tint pots can be purchased.



Why do you recommend Wood-X wood oils over other products on market?

Every exterior coating product has its own unique features. We prefer Wood-X for a number of reasons. Amongst these are its excellent Biocide package, high quality and proven tints (colour tones), high grade oil content that speeds its penetration and therefore ‘dry to touch’ time (Wood Oils actually never truly dry!). We also prefer the wide (and expanding) range of colours available.



Ongoing maintenance: How soon before I should have to recoat Clear Base Wood-X wood oil?

Wood-X ‘Clear Base’, unlike the colour toned option, imparts no obvious colour to the timber surface other than to initially darken darker timbers and lighten or brighten lighter coloured timbers. The need for re-coat or maintenance will then come down to the individual clients’ preference for continuance or otherwise of the products water shedding and anti-fungal properties.



Ongoing maintenance: How soon before I should have to recoat colour tinted (toned) Wood-X wood oil?

It will depend on your application.

Wood-X penetrating wood oils should be maintained or re-coated when their properties have deteriorated. Colour fade and loss of ability to ‘bead’ water are good indicators. Both factors will be heavily dependent upon degree or surface exposure to direct weathering, timber finish, timber type, Wood-X colour and amount of Wood-X wood oil originally applied to the timber. In simple terms, when colour or water repellent properties have been reduced, then maintenance should be carried out.

In instances where previously Wood-X coated timber has deteriorated to a point where restoration of the coating and timber surface is required, please refer to the ‘Wood-X coated timber overdue for a re-coat’ section of the current Wood-X Technical Data Sheet.



Guide Re-Coat Periods for Wood-X Colour Toned on Western Red Cedar Weatherboards



Can I apply a traditional Exterior Oil Stain such as Resene Waterborne or Solvent based Woodsman over timber previously coated with Wood-X?

The short answer is ‘possibly, but likely not without difficulty and only with a long passage of time since the last application of Wood-X’. The preceding Wood-X coating would need to have deeply penetrated (this takes some time), any residual, professionally removed and the surface cleaned before application of any Oil Stain could be considered. In such cases we recommend trial coating small test areas first before any decisions are made with respect to widening the job scope. Guidance should be sought from the stain manufacturer.



Can I apply Wood-X over a pre-existing oil stain e.g. Resene WB Woodsman?

Yes, but only with effort. The preceding coating would need to be professionally removed from the timber surface before Wood-X application could be considered. In such cases we recommend trial coating small test areas before any decisions are made with respect to widening the job scope.



What preparation is needed for re-oiling?

Refer the current Wood-X Technical Data Sheet. There are a number of factors to consider, all of which are covered in the TDS.



When should I re-oil?

Wood-X penetrating wood oil should be maintained or re-coated when its properties have deteriorated. Colour fade and loss of ability to ‘bead’ water are good indicators. Both factors will be heavily dependent upon degree or surface exposure to direct weathering, timber finish, timber type, Wood-X colour and amount of Wood-X wood oil originally applied to the timber. In simple terms, when colour or water repellent properties have been reduced, then maintenance should be carried out.



Is Wood-X environmentally friendly?

Wood-X is not classified as a …

Poison

Toxic substance

Corrosive agent

Flammable substance or

Eco-Toxin

Wood-X has very low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s). These compounds have potential to damage the environment when they evaporate off a liquid Oil, Stain or Paint when it is being applied.

Precautions

  • Contains powerful fungicides. Avoid skin contact. If any skin contact occurs, wash skin immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. Do not scrub the skin
  • Wear protective full body over wear and elbow lengths, PVC gloves during handling and application.
  • Protect eyes from contact with the oil. Use safety glasses with side shields as a minimum precaution. If eye contact occurs, thoroughly wash with fresh, cold water for at least fifteen minutes and seek immediate medical attention if required.
  • Keep away from heat and open flame. Keep containers closed when not in use
  • Avoid breathing vapour. Use with adequate ventilation.
  • Drinking water should not be collected from Wood-X coated surfaces e.g. Shingles
  • In areas where rain water may pass over freshly coated Wood-X surfaces before entering guttering, disconnect adjoining rainwater down pipes from waterway access and direct out on to bare ground for at least two heavy rain periods.
  • In areas where rain water may pass over freshly coated Wood-X surfaces, excess oil residue may initially run off onto adjacent surfaces. This will cease as the coating migrates into the timber and pigment binds to the surface. Take care to check compatibility with Wood-X oils of adjacent surfaces prior to coating and ensure run off, if any, does not mark or contaminate surrounding areas and/or materials.
  • Do not contaminate waterways by cleaning of equipment or disposal of waste material
  • Avoid contact with plants and animals.



Does Wood-X contain VOC’s

Yes, at 67g/L total. Wood-X therefore has very low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s). These compounds have potential to damage the environment when they evaporate off a liquid Oil, Stain or Paint when it is being applied.

The VOC’s present in Wood-X are …

Toluene – 2 g/L

Methyl Carbitol – 3.7g/L

White Spirits – 61.4g/L



Can I apply Wood-X to walls above rain catching roofs

Yes, you can but down pipes should be disconnected and left to flow safely out on to the ground for at least two periods of heavy rainfall being allowed to directly impact and/or wash down on to and over the coated boards. The general guidelines are …

  • Drinking water should not be collected from Wood-X coated surfaces e.g. Shingles
  • In areas where rain water may pass over freshly coated Wood-X surfaces before entering guttering, disconnect adjoining rainwater down pipes from waterway access and direct out on to bare ground for at least two heavy rain periods.
  • In areas where rain water may pass over freshly coated Wood-X surfaces, excess oil residue may initially run off onto adjacent surfaces. This will cease as the coating migrates into the timber and pigment binds to the surface. Take care to check compatibility with Wood-X oils of adjacent surfaces prior to coating and ensure run off if any, does not mark on contaminate surrounding areas and/or materials.
  • Do not contaminate waterways by cleaning of equipment or disposal of wastes



Does Wood-X have and expiry date after purchase?

No. On every occasion after allowing to settle and before use, the product must be shaken and stirred vigorously and thoroughly to bring all constituents back into uniform suspension.



Is there an issue with dark tinted Wood-X formulas?

Dark toned colours will have reduced longevity as they naturally attract accelerated UV degradation and heat. Periods of excess and prolonged exposure to heat may unduly stress the timber substrate and lead to the expression of seasoning characteristics, particularly when the coating is overdue for a maintenance coat e.g. surface checking, cupping, twisting etc.



Will it stain my clothes if I brush up against a wall?

Potentially so. Abrading or rubbing up against the surface should be avoided, particularly in the early weeks after application and when the oil coating has aged and maintenance is overdue. Band sawn timber surfaces are recommended over dressed or smooth timber surfaces for several reasons, including their ability to hold the surface pigments with more resilience.



If so, how long until it won’t?

Wood-X wood oils are made up of mineral oil, biocides, a small amount of solvent and a very small amount of resin. The resin is there to help the Wood-X colour tint pigments bind to the outer surface of the timber, while the oil penetrates into the timber. If oil does not fully penetrate into the timber, it will not allow the resin holding the colour pigments to set. That is, these colour pigments are left vulnerable to pick up from clothing or any absorbent or scouring material that brushes up against the oil and pigment combination.

Once the oil penetrates into the timbers subsurface, the resin and pigments are then exposed to naturally present oxygen. Exposure to oxygen dries the resin through an oxidation process, helping to bind the colour pigments to the surface timber fibres.

Over time, as the UV from the sun breaks down both the resin and the outer wood fibres (surface wood fibres) the slow process of coating erosion occurs. These loose, eroding fibres and or pigments can also come off on clothing, more so in a dry state (late in the weathering cycle) as opposed to wet oil (early and mid-cycle)

The main issue we come across is when someone puts too much oil onto a surface, either by over vigorous application or by prematurely over coating a previously coated Wood-X surface. In both cases the wood oil cannot penetrate the timber surface, leaving coating (oil and colour pigments) vulnerable to premature failure through ‘Wash down’ and surface abrasion (anything that brushes up against the surface).



If I live close to the Sea, is Wood-X ok for that environment?

Yes, but you may find that periods between re-coats are lessened due to the physical impact of blown sand, sea salt and water (abrasion). Exposure to UV, reflected heat and light will be greater therefore have a more detrimental influence on any coating in this environment i.e. reduced life span of any coating.



Why do you need to coat all 6 sides?

For moisture control i.e. for timber stability and coating performance. The need to control natural moisture flow in and out of the timber is equally important for the back or unseen face as it is for the board ends and visible, outer face.



Can I get some samples of the colour on a piece of Cedar?

Of course. Have you selected, or do you have in mind a Cedar product for your end use?



Can I buy the Wood-X from a merchant or Paint supplier?

Yes. Call 0800 WOODOIL (0800 9663645)



Can I use a Wood-X colour based stain on my hardwood deck?

No. Only ‘Clear Base’ and sparingly applied in this situation.



What are the advantages of oiling our deck with Wood-X Clear oil rather than not oiling our deck at all? Is it a necessity?

No, it is not a necessity. It’s a strong recommendation for enhancing timber stability and inhibiting the expression of seasoning characteristics in the timber. In applying the oil sparingly to all six sides of the decking you will be slowing the timbers natural tendency towards moisture uptake and release i.e. by default you will be reducing the potential incidence of surface crazing (checking and splits), bow, cup, warp etc.



Does coating the hardwood deck with Wood-X Clear Base Deck oil stop the deck from Silvering off?

No



Can I apply Wood-X to my Pine Plywood cladding?

Under test. Please check with the manufacturer of your plywood for guidance meanwhile.



I have had good experience in the past with another Wood Oil styled coating. Why should I change to Wood-X?

If you are happy with the performance of your existing choice, we are confident you will be at least as happy with the Wood-X Cedar Oil. With the technical support and experience of Resene we have endeavoured to advance Wood Oil coatings on three fronts.

  • Base Oil quality: A more highly refined oil was selected in preference to cheaper options as a means to noticeably improve the penetration and therefore surface dry time, of Wood-X Wood Oil. The value of this feature cannot be understated, for so long as the Oil remains in excess on the timber surface it remains vulnerable to wash down and as a result, unavailable to provide the full benefit that only subsurface water repellent oil can.
  • Biocide package: Internal testing and critical evaluation lead to the specification of a Resene biocide package with a long history of proven service in New Zealand conditions.
  • Colour Tones or Tints: Just as with the Biocide package, the best choice based on comparative evaluations, historic field performance and internal exposure testing was a special blend of tint bases from Resene’s Colourant Research and Development Lab.



I wish to lay an independently supported hardwood decking over a torched on butyl rubber membrane. Can I apply Wood-X Clear base hardwood decking oil in this situation? What are my options here?

Our recommendation is that you check with your Butyl rubber supplier. Our earliest observations are that provided the Wood-X wood oil coating can be effectively wiped and cleaned from the butyl rubber surface immediately after coming together, the butyl membrane surface will be fine. However, informal testing through the immersion of butyl rubber in Wood-X Wood Oil and other similar Wood Oils has led to a softening and disintegration of the rubber. Whilst the long term performance of Butyl rubber membranes exposed to medium-long term settling of Wood-X Wood Oil are yet to be proven, the immersion test results if indicative, are not encouraging.



Is Wood-X, either Clear Base or Colour Toned compatible with Hermpac’s Aluminium External/Internal/Cavity Closer flashings?

Yes. There is no reaction between the aluminium and the Wood-X coating.



What is the expected shelf life of a container of Wood-X?

Lid on correctly (firm and tight) we expect no degradation over a 3 – 5-year period. Storing oil / paint etc. should always be on a wooden shelf as opposed to concrete floor, as the latter by virtue of being a heat sink, suffers more extreme temperature changes.



How will I know when my pail of Wood-X has expired?

The coating will have one of all of the following characteristics …

  1. A sticky skin on the surface.
  2. A thicker consistency.
  3. An opaque, milky appearance.



How should Wood-X be stored?

Wood-X Should be stored with the lid firmly in place, on a timber shelf or base in a well ventilated, dark area between 15 – 20 Degree Celsius. Wood-X must not be stored directly on to a concrete floor. Prolonged, intermittent exposure to direct sunlight and temperature extremes must be avoided as this could lead to a breakdown in the storage container and reduced life of the coating contents.



My Western Red Cedar weatherboards are to be supplied pre-coated by Machinecoat (NZ) Ltd. Will the pre-finished boards, fascia etc. look the same as the brush out Colour Toned sample on Cedar supplied to me?

The answer is Yes and No. Western Red Cedar is famed for a number of attributes including a wide range of grain patterns and natural colourings (light straw through reds to rich chocolate browns). Wood-X Cedar Oil with colour tone added is formulated to enhance Western Red Cedar’s natural, visual characteristics of colour and grain. The single, initial factory applied coat of Wood-X will enliven the timbers appearance with a fresh, oily or wet look and tend to dominate the selected colour tone in many, but not all boards. Oil take up between different boards may also vary somewhat with their density or grain orientation.

While initial coat will penetrate the timber surface and provide the additional benefit of moisture control, it also creates a base for subsequent coats to build colour tone volume and visibility. That is, it may only be with additional coats of Wood-X colour tone applied to our current guidelines that your Western Red Cedar cladding will take on a more uniform, true to colour appearance to your brush out sample.

For your reference, Machinecoat (NZ) Ltd. provides the following advisory with respect to final Colour versus Colour brush outs and Timber density.

“The finish colour of your order will match with reasonable likeness any sample Colour Swatch or Brush Out available from Machinecoat (NZ) Ltd. allowing for exposure to light and heat, timber grain, base colour and texture, sheen, area size, proximity and relationship to other colours and degree of transparency. It is likely that slight colour variation may occur in mixing and coating your order.

Due to the varying density of timber, a Dressed Face (DF) timber surface may result in a patchy appearance once coated. It may take a site applied second or third coat to even up the broader colouring. The second or third coats must be applied to manufacturer’s specifications.”



Is it okay to use a dark colour Wood-X to coat my Cedar weatherboards?

Yes, but you need to be aware of the possible implications of doing so. A dark colour will attract undue heat and increase the incidence of instability in the cladding. Also, the expected performance of dark coatings is less than that of lighter colours.