Hi folks; I am wondering what the basics are that I need to know in applying the Sikkens cetol finish to the outside of a cabin I am building. Do I need to brush it on?Can I use a power sprayer? Never used one of them but spending a week or so with a brush in my hand is a little daunting. Any advice would be appreciated.
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You can brush it or spray it. I prefer to brush or roll it because it drives the stain into the wood surface. If you want good UV protection you should also apply a coat of the Cetol 23 too.
Scott.
Rent an airless sprayer at your local paint store. Probably about 60$ - 80$ bucks for the weekend.
Spray the finish on, and work it into your logs with a 4" synthetic brush. You'll want a 3.11 - 3.13 tip for this product (this will give you a 6 inch spray pattern - overlap by 50% concentrating on the seams of the logs, not the faces). The Cetol 23 is much thicker than the Cetol 1.
Use the Cetol 1 for your base coat, but ABSOLUTELY apply the 2 coats of the Cetol 23 afterwards. This is a coating system. Applying the Cetol 1 without the Cetol 23 is just a waste of money IMHO.
Sikkens (akzo nobel) suggest a single base coat of Cetol 1, followed by a top coat of Cetol 23 and then an additional top coat of Cetol 23 approximately 6 months later.
We apply both coats of Cetol 23 at the same time though (we don't wait 6 months). Apply the first coat of Cetol 23. wait until dry, and then apply the 2nd coat of Cetol 23.
You've picked a great product, but not the easiest to apply. We resort to the Sikkens Cetol 1 / Cetol 23 system when all others fail! :)
Since you are shelling out the dough for Sikkens, you might as well do it right the first time. Properly applied, this coating system outlasts all other finishes we've tried.
Keep in mind that it is VERY likely that the Sikkens Cetol system will be phased out in the next couple of years. Many suppliers are no longer carrying this product and have switched to Sikkens latest product (log and siding?)which carries a hefty $300 bucks per 5 gallon pric tag!
Good luck!
Both Sikkens and Penofin products were a short lived flash in the pan around here. They are very expensive, have to be applied in just the right conditions and require frequent maintenance. The last couple of jobs of mine that they were used on, gave poor results within a year. I regret recommending them. Many have gone back to a simple oil based stain.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match