Wood impregnation

There are so many varieties of wood impregnation that even experts can get confused by the variety of products. Moreover, wood can be impregnated in a variety of ways, and there is no one universal protection measure.

How to choose wood impregnation? How to impregnate? It all depends on whether you want to change the color of the wood, whether you are impregnating it to protect it from fire, insects and microorganisms, or simply want to protect the wood from moisture. Also wood impregnation is divided into products for indoor and outdoor use.

Therefore, the first step when choosing an impregnate should be a meticulous study of the information from the manufacturer.

Wood impregnation - technical classification

From a technical point of view, wood impregnation is divided into salt impregnates, water-based impregnations, coloring impregnates and solvent-based impregnations. Regardless of the type, all products used for wood impregnation must have documents confirming their compliance with the necessary standards. When working with impregnations, you should also take care of your own safety. Thus, you will need, at a minimum, work clothes and rubber gloves.

Keep in mind that "fireproof" impregnates do not completely protect wood from fire, but they can significantly limit the spread of flames. When choosing an impregnation for protection against microorganisms, you should pay attention to the list of target types of fungi and mold that the impregnate can effectively combat.

Salt impregnation of wood

It is usually used to protect wood from insects and fungi, and to increase the fire resistance of wood. Sometimes these preparations contain dye. Such wood impregnation is initially a powder that should be diluted with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. The salt impregnation should penetrate deeply into the structure of the wood, so it is best to place the impregnated wooden elements either entirely in the solution or use a special chamber under pressure. If the wood is to be outside after impregnation, it is recommended to additionally protect it with a paint and varnish coating.

Water based impregnation

This type of impregnation is used mainly to protect wood from insects, microorganisms and moisture. The impregnation can be applied with a brush or spray. Impregnated wood can be used outdoors or inside buildings. This wood impregnation resistant to adverse weather conditions. The impregnation process itself should be carried out in good weather so that the preparation has time to dry. Water-based impregnations can be used as a primary impregnation or as additional safety measures for wood previously impregnated with salt impregnates. In terms of solution consumption, about 0.25 liters of impregnation are required for each square meter of surface.

Solvent based impregnation

Ideal for processing outbuildings, fences and other elements of landscape architecture. Protects wood from insects, microorganisms and excess moisture. It is highly toxic until completely dry, so this impregnation is applied only outdoors. The impregnation can be applied with a brush. As a rule, wood impregnation Solvent-based is a colorless solution, but there are colored impregnates, mostly brown. Impregnated surfaces can be covered with any varnish or paint.

Wood staining

Its task is to visually highlight the natural texture of wood. Impregnations of this type are intended for use both outdoors and inside buildings. Often contain fungicides, insecticides, and alkyd resin-based adhesives. There are also preparations based on acrylic resins. It is most convenient to use a soft brush to apply such impregnations. If impregnation is carried out on surfaces located inside the building, it will be enough to apply two layers of impregnate. It is recommended to additionally protect wood located outside with paint and varnish. Keep in mind that with each subsequent layer of impregnation, the wood darkens.

Some practical tips

In order for the impregnation to perform its task well, it must penetrate deeply into the structure of the wood. Before impregnation, the wood must be thoroughly cleaned and degreased. Impregnation of damp wood makes no sense. The paint and varnish coating also prevents the penetration of preparations into the wood fibers. Only wood that will not be subject to further carpentry should be impregnated.