Wood Treatments
Sapstain Controls:
Sapstain Control Info
Timber-Tec
TM-5 First Treat
Non-Sapstain Wood Treatments:
Cobra Rods
Pentacryl
PeneTreat
Sansin Boracol
Sikkens Log Pre-Treatment
Endgrain Sealers:
Sealtite 60
Log-Gevity Endgrain Sealer

Sapstain Control is used to protect peeled logs from mold and stain causing fungi. Mold, mildew, and sapstain increase the wood's ability to hold water, thus increasing chances of decay.
Tips for Applying Sapstain Control
1. Logs should be decked at least two feet above ground level.
2. Keep the area under the logs free of grass, weeds, or anything that would prevent air circulation.
3. Leave space between logs to allow air circulation.
4. Apply the sapstain control late in the day so there is less chance of evaporation before it has penetrated the log surface.
Note Timber-Tec, and TM-5 are compatible with PeneTreat, however, PeneTreat should be applied FIRST. If the sapstain control has already been applied to the logs, the preferred method is to apply PeneTreat after the final rinse before applying finish to maximize the amount of material in the wood.

Why Use Sapstain Control?

As house logs or timbers are peeled or sawn, their surfaces are susceptible to sapstain fungi. Fungi are tiny, threadlike organisms, which utilize wood, or carbohydrates stored in wood cells, for food. Besides food, fungi require the presence of air (oxygen), water and warm temperatures to survive and grow. These fungi, as they move through the wood, can leave behind a colored stain of blue, black, red or brown. It is most commonly known as Blue Stain.
sapstain log
This computer enhanced cross section outlines the sapstain inside the wood. A sapstain control product was used to stop the sapstain from reaching the outer surface.
 
These are Permanent discolorations and can be either an asset or a detriment, depending on expectations. These stains do not affect the wood's strength, but it is nature’s first step at preparing wood for future rot. This sapstain occurs in the wood while mildew (black) or mold (white) grows on the surface of logs or timbers and aids in the absorption of water into the wood.
 
To help prevent these fungi from entering wood, spray the wood within 24 hours after peeling with Timber-Tec, TM-5, or another sapstain control.
Do not spray prior to rain, for the spray will be washed off or diluted.
One last note is that species like Balsam Fir, Spruce and Cedar are not as susceptible to sapstain as are the pines. Aspen and high moisture woods may need higher concentrations of sapstain control and more frequent applications.

Sapstain Control FAQs

Sansin BoracolTimber-Tec by Sansin. A concentrated, penetrating wood protection system, offering an effective guard against weathering, providing active UV protection, while offering lasting decay resistance. Suggested for use on logs, timbers, and wood joinery products. Timber-Tec is intended as a priming application for logs 24-48 hours after being drawknifed and should be applied to clean logs that are not in ground contact. Timber-Tec can not be applied over preSansin Timber-Tecviously finished or stained wood. Timber-Tec is available in two transparent formulas: M-30 provides the natural light color of fresh pine and C-20 is a clear concentrate that provides a light honey color to the wood once it has dried. Timber-Tec contains solids that penetrate well, creating dimensional stability and water repellency. Timber-Tec provides active U.V. protection keeping wood pure during the construction phase, while offering lasting decay resistance. Note: If applied by spraying, Timber-Tec must be back brushed for proper application.Ground Only Timber-Tec must also be power washed off of the logs before applying finish. Coverage: Mix 1:1 with water. 100-200 sq. ft. per gallon.
Technical Data | MSDS

C-20 5-gal. Makes 10 gal. PR200-TTC20-5G $259.20
M-30 5-gal. Makes 10 gal.
PR200-TTM30-5G $259.20


TM-5 First Treat A concentrate that can be diluted with 2 parts water, or 1:1 for high moisture woods such as Norway Pine or Aspen. TM-5 First Treat is designed for dipping, though spraying works well. If you choose to dilute at 2:1, it may require monitoring logs for additional coatings if needed. Application: Apply one coat within 24-48 hours after logs are peeled. Coverage: 200-400 sq. ft. gal., depending on dryness and porosity of wood. Note: Sanding areas after coating will leave light areas.

1-gal. Clear (Makes 2-3 gal.)
P204-TM5FT4 $40.85
5-gal. Clear (Makes 10-15 gal.)
P204-TM5FT5 $199.25
5-gal. Honey (Makes 10-15 gal.)
P204-TM505H $199.25

To Place an Order
Call Toll Free
1-800-359-6614

Prices subject to change
without notice.
Non-Sapstain Wood Treatments
CobraRods are concentrated borate rods that can be placed in rot and insect prone areas such as sill logs, log ends, lower notches, and lateral joints, to insure penetrating rot resistance during the construction phase of a log home. The use of these rods is also an effective treatment in log restoration work. Log home restoration contractors are finding log rot in homes as little as 5-6 years old due to design flaws and water damage. These rods are a time proven preventative maintenance wood treatment that, once in place, protect logs for the life of the home and greatly minimizes costly log repair or replacement later on. Read more about CobraRods for restoration here...
Cobra RodsCobraRods are a safe, low cost, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA - US) approved decay protection and prevention system for wood. They are a wood preservative, fungicide, and insecticide that's safe to handle and made entirely of a unique Boron and Copper Hydroxide complex. The addition of Copper Hydroxide provides extended protection from fungus species not affected by borates, effectively providing more protection then Impel Rods.

CobraRods are a solid cylindrical rod that is 7/16" in diameter (use a 1/2" drill bit for installation) and comes in 2", 3", and 4" lengths. The rod is a deep green color and has a glass-like look and feel. When used for logs, the rods can be "plugged" with caulking or chinking to aesthetically hide them. CobraRods can be used in logs, landscape timbers, deck joists, posts, and other places where moisture is present. Treatment cycle is 8 to 10 years if wood moisture is 20% or higher. CobraRods are placed into holes drilled in wood at specific high risk locations (such as at the groundline or near joints and exposed endgrain) and are dependant upon moisture in the wood to work. Below are the preventative application and spacing tables for both horizontal and vertical wood timbers.
For restoration treatment of wood timbers with existing decay click here.
Can not be sold or shipped to Canada or Hawaii.
Installing CobraRods (PostGuard) PDF
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Installing CobraRods (PostGuard) Video
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Sansin BoracolSansin Boracol 20-2
An inorganic, water-diffusable boron treatment that uses boric acid - a natural decay inhibitor - to fight fungi and insect infestations. Moisture is an essential ingredient for mold growth, so using a water-borne anti-fungal treatment like Sansin Boracol is particularly effective. The natural moisture of the wood itself carries the boric acid through the wood fibers to saturate and protect any wet areas. With a far wider spectrum of activity than conventional preservatives, it can move deep into timber and even penetrate heartwood. In addition to organic surfaces such as wood, Boracol works to prevent mold on inorganic materials like stone or concrete. Sansin Boracol is effective in preventing and killing dry rot, wet rot, white rot, fungus, or insect attacks. It is recommended for use on roof, floor or structural timbers, joinery, joist ends, brickwork, and door and window framing. Boracol is odorless, non-staining, non-flammable and easy to apply to both new and existing structures. Coverage: Approximately 300 sq. ft. per U.S. gallon, depending on surface porosity and application method. Clean-up: Soap & water.
Technical Data | MSDS
1-gal. pail
P2004020-1GAL $82.40
5 gal. pail
Call for Quote
PeneTreat
PeneTreat is a preservative that is highly toxic to wood-destroying insects and fungi as well as preventing infestation when properly applied; yet the treated wood is nontoxic to humans or animals. Mix PeneTreat at the rate of 1 lb. (1 loosely packed quart) to 1 gallon of warm water. Wood must be clean and bare; free of dirt, wax, and surface finishes, and between 40°-90° F. (surface temp). Apply PeneTreat at the rate of 1 mixed gallon per 150 sq. ft. of wood surface. Apply a second coat 4 to 24 hours later. Thoroughly soak cut ends. Coat the logs with a water-repelling finish after applying.
Coverage: 6-gallon size: 27 gallons of a 10% solution will cover 4,050 sq. ft. of log surface. 31/2-gallon size: 15 gallons will cover 2,250 sq. ft. of log surface. Tip: mixing with warm water helps the salts dissolve faster. Clean-up: Soap & water.
Technical Data | MSDS

6-gal. pail (25 lbs.) makes 27 gal. mixed.
PR190-25PENETR $127.44
3 gal. pail (14 lbs.) makes 15 gal. mixed.
PR190-14PENETRE $77.74
Can not be sold or shipped to Canada or California.

pentacrylPentacryl is a wood stabilizer used by woodcarvers and woodturners to keep green wood from cracking, checking and splitting during the drying process. When the wood is completely dry, it can be stained and finished with either waterborne or oil base products. Pentacryl is also non-toxic.

Directions: for best results, the wood should be wet as in its green state. If the surface of the wood has dried out, wet surface thoroughly by soaking or wrapping in a wet towel for several hours. Use Pentacryl at room temperature. Shake well before using and read directions completely. There are two methods that can be used. Method #1 is to brush Pentacryl on the wood. Method #2 is to soak the wood in a Pentacryl solution. The brushing method is most preferable if the wood is to be carved over a period of time. The soaking method is recommended for small items that are to be carved in a short period of time.

Method #1 (brushing): after carving is finished for the day, brush on repeated coats of Pentacryl until the wood will no longer absorb anymore. Next, wrap the carving in a dampened cloth and cover with plastic. Repeat process after each day’s carving. When carving is completed, periodically apply coatings of Pentacryl again, until the wood will no longer absorb anymore. End grain areas require more applications of Pentacryl due to higher absorption. Method #2 (soaking): the soaking method is recommended for small pieces that are to be carved in a short period of time, although it can be used for larger pieces. Be sure to keep wood damp prior to soaking with Pentacryl. Place carved piece in a plastic, fiberglass or glass container (metal containers are not recommended). Be sure to cover entire piece with Pentacryl (do not dilute). The allotted time for soaking should be 24 hours for each inch of thickness. After soaking the allotted time, drain and proceed to drying.

Drying time varies depending on relative humidity, temperature, and type of wood and size. Ideal drying conditions are 50-70° F with relative humidity at 40-60%. Do not dry in direct sunlight, extreme or direct heat, nor under 30% or over 70% relative humidity when possible.
Technical Data | MSDS Quart $18.95
1-gal. $54.95

Sikkens Log Pre-TreatmentSikkens Log Pre-Treatment is a clear waterborne exterior treatment which stabilizes wood, minimizing splitting and cracking. Sikkens Log Pre-Treatment will keep out excess moisture while allowing moisture vapor in the wood to escape gradually. Use as a temporary coating applied before the application of Sikkens Cetol Siding Systems. May be used on: Exterior Lumber, Logs, Smooth and Rough Sawn Siding. If you plan on using a borate wood treatment, apply first and then apply Sikkens Log Pre-Treatment. (See application guide for full details.) Gloss: Flat. Application Temp: 40°- 95° F. Coverage: 200–400 sq. ft. per gal. Cleanup: Warm soap and water.
1 gal.
5 gal. 1-5 pails
$27.95
$129.75


End Grain Sealers
Sealtite 60 Log-Gevity™ End Grain SealerLog-Gevity™
End Grain Sealer
provides the ultimate protection against the intrusion of moisture and water to sawed ends of logs and lumber. Excess moisture that finds its way to cracks and voids will ultimately cause the finish to fail and encourages wood decay. The sawed ends of logs and lumber are the most susceptible to such cracks and voids due to the fact that the log has been cut open at these ends. In fact, the immersion of a butt end of a sawed log in water will increase its’ total mass by 12% in less than one hour. End Grain Sealer has been specifically designed to counteract such moisture penetration.
Coverage:
Approximately 75-100 sq. ft. per gal.
1-gal. Pail
P012-LE00B $53.01
5-gal. Pail
P012-LE00C $260.01
Log and Timber End Coating
A water-based end coating that slows checking and splitting during seasoning periods by preventing rapid and uneven loss of moisture.

Application: Brush, swab or low pressure spray. For best results, end surfaces must be thoroughly covered by the coating. Do not apply to wood during or just before a rain or where water will wash the wet coating. Allow to dry before exposure to water.

Coverage: Approximately 100 sq. ft. per gal. If sprayed, over-atomization should be avoided as this might lead to evaporation, causing the solids to be deposited in dry form.
MSDS

5-gal. Pail P097-ST6005CLR $83.05
To Place an Order: Call Toll Free
1-800-359-6614
Prices subject to change without prior notice.