The main destructive factors that reduce the strength and visual value of wood include damage by microorganisms (fungi), etc. All negative influences are interconnected and occur most intensively at high humidity. To increase the resistance of wood to the destructive influence of the environment, an integrated approach is used, which consists in reducing and impregnating it with chemical reagents.
The use of antiseptic compounds prevents the appearance of flowers and wood-boring beetles, and also accelerates the process of restoring the structure of the product after complex cleaning or repair. The tools used are independent or factory-made. Factory mixes are considered the most effective and usually contain organic matter. They are more toxic to the body and require strict adherence to the recommendations for use.
Do-it-yourself formulations are often no less effective, but they are much cheaper. The complexity of the preparation of antiseptics for wood processing is low. It is important to use hand and face protection (gloves and masks) as there are a lot of substances to deal with. The composition of the solution depends on the goals that are set for the protection of wood, and how it is used.
Are bitumen and salt mixtures safe?
Some of the antiseptic impregnation compounds are used for deep protection of wood buried in the ground. A more gentle effect is provided by mixtures for treating the external surfaces of a house or gazebo, as well as interior decoration of the room.
Antiseptics for the most effective protection are non-aqueous mixtures based on used engine oil or bitumen. The advantages of such formulations:
- a viscous coating of heavy oil products effectively protects the product from moisture and air oxygen penetration;
- the anaerobic environment of the tree protected with bitumen stops the development of bacteria and fungi, destroying existing colonies of microorganisms;
- wood-boring insects cannot appear in wood treated with bitumen or oil. For their existence, only weakened (rotten) wood and the absence of resins and hydrocarbons harmful to any organism are needed.
Treated with heavy oil products (often with the addition of coke-chemical substances), the tree does not deteriorate in the ground for years. Suffice it to recall the telegraph poles, standing for decades without a hint of decay.
Disadvantages of the preparation and use of resin (bitumen) and oil mixtures:
- toxicity of components;
- easily flammable if prepared incorrectly;
- high soiling of formulations that are almost impossible to wash off when they come into contact with clothes;
- unpleasant odor;
- inability to use due to unpleasant odor and toxicity indoors.
Traditional mixtures for wood processing are aqueous solutions of salts - sodium fluoride and copper or iron sulfate. Their small concentrations are used to cover the external and internal parts of wooden structures and furnishings. The richer compounds help protect buried piles or planks.
Advantages of saline aqueous solutions:
- less toxicity than non-aqueous impregnations. The greatest danger is only copper sulfate (copper sulfate), which can cause severe poisoning if swallowed;
- simplicity and safety of preparation. Heating the mixture over an open fire is no more dangerous than the usual building of a fire;
- ease of transportation. Bitumen or oil is more difficult to transport to the point of use, and salts are easily transported over any distance.
The disadvantages of water antiseptics include:
- lower degree of wood protection than non-aqueous viscous mixtures;
- the ability to wash off with water after use;
- the need to apply insulating coatings to consolidate the effect.
All protective preparations should be used with caution on the territory of the household farm, especially during the harvest period. Contact of substances with fruits can lead to poisoning, therefore, the preparation and application of an antiseptic should be carefully thought out.
Impregnation for wood: the main components and the preparation process
Bitumen solution for wood processing
The preparation contains not only bitumen, but also a thinner - diesel fuel or gasoline. Bitumen containing diesel fuel will harden for a long time and will have time to more impregnate the treated surface. The use of gasoline speeds up the curing time and is beneficial when the work is under time constraints.
Bitumen thinners are sold at petrol stations and used oil can be purchased at service stations. Bitumen is bought in hardware stores or construction sites. Officially marketed bitumen is more viscous and well packaged, which improves its transportation.
When buying and using gasoline, use only metal containers. Static electricity from plastic containers can cause fire and burns .
In addition to the original components, for work you must have:
- capacity for heating bitumen;
- device (stops) for fixing the container over the fire or burner;
- metal stirrer.
The process of preparing a bituminous composition is as follows:
- bitumen is poured into a metal container and installed over the alleged source of open fire;
- turn on the burner or light a fire, gradually increasing the heat;
- the bitumen is heated until complete liquefaction, periodically stirring to dissolve the lumps;
- extinguish the fire after bringing the bitumen to a slightly viscous state and set the container with it aside;
- the solvent is added in small portions, controlling its splashing out due to heating. Gasoline will actively evaporate, so you should wait until the mixture has cooled down a little.
The proportions of bitumen and thinner depend on the initial condition of the bitumen. The main criterion is finding the final mixture in a liquid state at room temperature. The content of diesel fuel or gasoline is usually about 20-30% of the total weight, but may vary depending on the nature of the viscous component.
If the bitumen is heated quickly, the mixture may foam and overflow the edge of the container directly onto the fire. This is due to the presence of water in the bitumen. Slow heating will stop this process and allow the water to boil quietly.
The preparation time for the bitumen preparation takes several hours. Depending on the amount of work, you can do it in two hours or spend the whole day. The resulting mixture is a viscous mass that has high adhesion to any wood surface. Leaving bitumen for long-term storage is not worth it, consuming it immediately after cooling and diluting with a lighter oil product.
The mixture should be prepared exclusively on the street, so as not to inhale harmful vapors and cause an accidental fire. The bituminous antiseptic should be applied with brushes with long handles. You can also immerse a piece of wood in a container of mortar. After drying, the bituminous layer is very difficult to damage, so the products become suitable for burying into the ground.
Preparation of an aqueous mixture and the process of processing wood with copper sulfate
Solutions of salts in water are prepared by dissolving a predetermined amount of salt in heated water. Heating is necessary to increase the rate and completeness of dissolution. There are various proportions for treating wood with sodium fluoride and iron or copper sulfate:
- a weak solution of sodium fluoride is used to impregnate wooden surfaces of household structures. Its content is from 0.5 to 4% (from 50 to 400 g per 10 liters of water), depending on the purpose of the structure. Inside the house, it is enough to use less concentrated mixtures, while outdoors (gazebos, benches) it is better to use saturated solutions. For visual control of the completeness of the application, 10 g of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate) is added to the resulting solution. Intense coloring will not be permanent and will disappear soon after the surface is coated. The solution should be applied with a spray gun or a wide brush;
- for the treatment of pillars and structures buried in the ground, sulphate mixtures with a content of the target component of 10-20% (1-2 kg per 10 liters of water) are used. Such formulations require particularly careful drying and a long impregnation time in order to improve the effect of the application. The quality of the antiseptic application is controlled by the degree of color of the product, which is facilitated by the rich color of the vitriol solution. In the resulting preparation, parts of wood are soaked, which will be further exposed to negative external influences.
To prepare the water mixture, you will need a hot water source, a cooking container and a stirring paddle. The use of the solution after settling makes it possible to load it into the sprinkler, improving the uniformity of the coating and reducing the consumption of reagents. Impregnation can be applied immediately after cooling. The solutions can be stored for several days until suitable weather conditions have been established.
The preparation of aqueous solutions can be carried out at home or outdoors. At home, you need to be especially careful not to spill excess solution on things or in hard-to-reach cracks. The total preparation time for an antiseptic rarely takes more than an hour.
To avoid errors in the dosage of components, study the characteristics of the wood you are going to process. There are complex approaches to processing, including cutting off the layer of wood and varnishing the surface impregnated with salts.
Comparison of purchased and homemade antiseptics
The advantages of a DIY solution:
- lower cost;
- high efficiency in the case of bitumen or oil composition;
- less toxicity;
- minimal likelihood of buying counterfeit products.
Advantages of purchased factory-made drugs:
- highest efficiency;
- easy to prepare (ready after mixing with water or non-aqueous solvent);
- selectivity of exposure.
The choice of a wood processing tool is up to its user. The quality of the obtained wood protection when using a self-made impregnation can be inferior to more expensive factory mixtures. For use inside the house, it is advisable to buy a complex product that will have not only an antiseptic, but also a fire-fighting effect.
Do-it-yourself antiseptics are many times cheaper than ready-made commercial formulations and have good efficiency. The scope of such mixtures is not limited to outdoor work and includes a number of compositions for use inside the home. The degree of protection can be adjusted by the thickness of the applied impregnation layer and the concentration of its aqueous solution, ensuring the suppression of any damaging effects on the tree.
Protection of wood from damage and decay is a prerequisite for its normal operation as a building material. There are different methods of protection, but the most effective and popular was the method of using special impregnations for wood. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this group of drugs: from the classification and description of their action, to advice on choosing a specific product for a given situation.
Note that impregnations for wood are very different, and a variety of substances can also be attributed to this group, one way or another used or theoretically suitable for use. Mankind has known wood as a building material since the beginning of time, so a huge experience has been accumulated.
Attention! We do not consider all antiseptics and do not pretend to be an exhaustive catalog of them, we review the most relevant and presented drugs on the market today.
Main groups
As it was said, there are a lot of impregnations, so we will divide them into groups so that it is more convenient to navigate in all this diversity. As a unifying criterion, we will choose one or another distinctive feature of goods belonging to the same group, whether it is composition, scope, basic properties, or something else.
- decorative, protective and mixed;
- natural, synthetic and mixed;
- moisture resistant and water repellent;
- water-based and organic solvent-based;
- oil and wax;
- giving fire retardant properties;
- antiseptics against decay and mold;
- fire-retardant compositions;
- toning and colorless;
- for outdoor and indoor work;
- salt-based and organic-based.
If it is necessary to protect a wooden product from moisture, it is necessary to answer a number of questions:
- Where will the product be used, inside or outside?
- How will the part be used, for what purposes?
- Who and what will contact the product, will there be children or food on this list?
- What kind of humidity is expected? Will there be direct contact with water?
- What should the finished part look like?
After answering these questions, you will have an idea of the requirements that the drug must meet. Next, it remains to choose the right one.
Impregnation antiseptics
Antiseptic impregnations are, perhaps, the widest and most demanded group of goods in this class. This is due to the fact that it is the antiseptic treatment that allows you to get rid of the most harmful pests - bacteria and molds, woody insects and other biological agents that cause material corrosion.
It is known to those skilled in the art that moisture as such is not particularly harmful to wood. The problem is that it creates an environment for the development of various microorganisms such as mold and bacteria. But they are already beginning to cause serious harm: cause rotting, paint it blue or gray, eat cellulose, turning the product into dust.
Antiseptics are:
- transport such as;
- for baths and saunas, for example;
- high penetrating gels;
- For interior and exterior use;
- difficult to wash and not wash out;
- toning and colorless;
- insect type;
- to protect the ends like.
The action of antiseptic impregnations is based on the content of biocidal and fungicidal components in the composition.
Transport or temporary antiseptics are designed to protect lumber during storage, delivery and construction. They are inexpensive and quickly washed out by rains, so they serve only as a temporary measure.
The solutions may contain color pigments that will help to color the product in the desired color and highlight its natural pattern. Good for light toning.
If this is not necessary, you can choose a composition without color pigments. A bright representative of such a remedy is a colorless, difficult-to-wash antiseptic.
Preparations for interior work must meet a host of safety requirements, especially when in contact with skin or used in children's rooms. Usually, they try to use natural ingredients or their analogues.
Important! The main task of the worker is to ensure the required consumption of the product during application in order to achieve a certain concentration and penetration to the required depth.
Fire bio-protection
This group of impregnations appeared not so long ago, like many others. Here, as the name suggests, combines two types of wood protection - from fire and from biological corrosion. In other words, this product is an antiseptic with the addition of substances that prevent combustion.
To better understand the features of such funds, consider drugs and. Both products are a mixture of biocides and fire retardants, these are professional products that provide the highest group of fire safety and antiseptic protection of increased intensity. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use in areas of increased fire hazard.
Attention! As a rule, the solution slightly tints the wood in a yellowish or reddish tint, but this is not an impregnation paint, it is necessary to control the quality of processing. With further finishing, this tinting is easily painted over.
Fire retardant treatment is the key to your safety. This applies to the owners of log cabins, wooden houses made of glued or ordinary timber, owners on whose sites there are sheds, chicken coops and pigsties made of wood. Such processing is no less important for boards of roof truss systems.
Decorative and decorative-protective
Most wood stains are alcohol-based and organic solvent-based. Such drugs penetrate well into the structure of the material, but increase its flammability and combustibility. At the same time, there is a hard-to-wash tint antiseptic, which is water-based, and therefore odorless, which is characteristic of any alkyd impregnation.
Impregnants are used for deep impregnation of parts that will be used in humid rooms, as well as in the open air. They can handle furniture.
End tools
What colors of wood impregnations are found on the market
Impregnations for wood, as a rule, are used not only for the sake of protection. Beautiful noble wood of a certain species can be very expensive, while with the help of impregnation with a pigment like oak or walnut, nobility and beauty are achieved at much lower costs.
Pine, impregnated with a well-chosen product, can imitate mountain ash or mahogany, it all depends on your desire. Light wood easily darkens, and black impregnation gives the products a special charm and charm.
White or gray impregnations, husky colors and even green colors will have an equally interesting effect. Diversity makes our life brighter and richer, and the use of impregnations with different pigments will help diversify the too moderate shades of wood from which your house, fence, furniture or floor are made.
Important! Impregnation for wood is not paint, and it does not have a bright coloring effect and a huge richness of shades within the framework of tinting tables. The impregnation adds tone, emphasizes the fibers and brings out the natural natural beauty of the material.
Top 10 wood impregnations for outdoor use
The most demanded area of application of wood impregnations, especially protective impregnations, is external treatment. Most often they are used for processing the facades of wooden buildings, for opening lining or fence boards, processing doors and window frames, decking and garden furniture.
To answer the question which one is better and which one is the worst suited to your requirements, you should consider the main positions presented on the Russian market. We have compiled our own rating of impregnations, which will help you choose a worthy drug.
After impregnation treatment, silicone paint or glaze may be required for additional weather protection. If we continue our TOP 10, then we should mention the following manufacturers:
- Biotex;
- Veres;
- Neomid;
- Wood Protect;
- Lapis lazuli;
- Tex.
The assortment usually includes both colorless compositions and products with a variety of shades, for example, mahogany or rosewood. If you need a refractory impregnation, then you can buy it, only the price will be slightly higher.
Top 10 wood impregnations for interior use
Impregnations for interior work are distinguished by increased requirements for safety, composition and smell, on the other hand, inside the premises the wood is exposed to much less stress from the environment. There is no direct sunlight, rain, frost and pathogenic microflora with insects.
If you need a decorative or decorative-protective impregnation for your home, we have compiled a rating especially for you. It will help you understand which impregnation is best for your purposes and buy exactly what you need.
Table. Impregnations for interior work
Continuing our TOP 10, I would like to mention the following companies:
- Tikkurila;
- Veres;
- Woodtex;
- Pro-Deco;
- Elkon;
- Elkon-Bio.
If price is an important selection criterion for you, then you better pay attention to a Russian manufacturer. A number of companies offer impregnations that combine decent quality and low cost. An example is inexpensive but effective products.
Impregnation for wood is capable of all these factors and even give it a more aesthetic appearance.
Why do you need to impregnate wood
Wood is in great demand due to strength, environmental friendliness, hygroscopicity, sound insulation and heat capacity... In addition, the beauty and ease of processing wood puts it much higher than other materials in the manufacture of furniture, construction, decoration of houses and industrial premises.
Untreated wood collapses under the influence of many factors, therefore, numerous impregnations and antiseptics were created that protect the material:
- from fungi,
- from mold,
- from rot,
- from insects,
- from ultraviolet radiation,
- from temperature extremes,
- from atmospheric precipitation,
- from various damages,
- from the penetration and settling of dirt.
Types of impregnations depending on their basis
Any protective impregnation is intended for different purposes and place of use... In this regard, a special composition is being developed based on the main component. Due to the combination of additives, impregnations may or may not have an odor, differ in consistency and color, create a film on the wood surface or completely penetrate into the pores of the material being processed.
Water based
Water-based impregnations are available completely ready-made. They are distinguished by the absence of an unpleasant odor., therefore they are suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.
Water-based means application of the product even to a damp surface or to salt coatings, the combination of which is ineffective with solvent-based fluids.
Application is done with a brush or spray gun, vacuum method by soaking. The product dries quickly and penetrates deeply into the wood, but has one limitation - it cannot be used to process old dry material... This leads to the swelling of the latter and the formation of cracks on it.
According to their intended purpose, the substances can have antiseptic, fire-fighting and decorative properties, and protect from getting wet. They have lower wear resistance compared to other products.
Acrylic based
Acrylic based impregnations used to protect and decorate wooden surfaces both outside and inside the premises. They are environmentally friendly for humans, odorless.
Such mixtures have strengthening and water-repellent properties, are able to perfectly protect against fungus, mold and decay. After applying the impregnation, the service life of the material is increased.
The array is subject to processing at any stage of construction. The product is applied with a brush or spray bottle.
The disadvantages of acrylic impregnations include low temperature intolerance.
Salt-based
Salt impregnations are available as a powder or a ready-to-use solution. They most often used for processing truss systems in order to protect them from fungi, mold and pests. In addition, due to the settling of salt crystals, such agents effectively protect against fire.
Application with a brush is possible, but the greatest effect can be achieved only by soaking or processing in a vacuum chamber. For this reason, mixtures are rarely used in everyday life, but you can order such processing in production.
Oil based
Oil impregnations have high water-repellent properties. Them actively used to cover wooden structures and furniture, which is located on the street and is constantly exposed to atmospheric precipitation.
The disadvantages include the flammability of the mixture and the impossibility of applying other means on top of it.
Based on alkyd resins
Alkyd impregnations contain antiseptic additives, oil and wax. The mixtures perfectly emphasize the natural beauty of wood, protect it from mold, mildew and influence, both atmospheric and physical.
After application with a brush or roller, long drying time, which many attribute to a significant disadvantage of such a tool.
Bituminous based
Bituminous impregnation is a thick black mass. The mixture is based on gasoline and diesel fuel. Most often, the product is made independently and is intended exclusively for external work due to its high toxicity and pungent odor.
Any kind of wood can be processed, even dried wood. After application, a dense protective layer is formed, which prevents the development of harmful bacteria and fungi, and the attack of insects.
The composition assumes protection from moisture, but high flammability.
Silicone
Silicone impregnation has all the positive characteristics of other types of funds: water-repellent, antiseptic, UV protection and biodegradation. At the same time, the mixture does not form a film, allowing the mass to breathe.
It is applied in any convenient way. Sold as concentrated or simple liquids.
Types of impregnation for the intended purpose
Impregnation for wood can have different characteristics according to the type of impact. In each case, the one that suits the most is selected.
Antiseptics
Antiseptic properties of impregnation are aimed at protecting wood from rotting and the formation of fungus and mold, from attacks of various insects. Their individual components exclude the influence of biological factors.
A good antiseptic is highly resistant. It penetrates deeply into the structure of the material, has no unpleasant odor and is completely harmless to people. For protection during storage and transport, surface spraying is performed. Soaking is recommended during installation.
Fire protection
Acid formulations are the most reliable in this matter. This provides additional strength of the material while maintaining hygroscopic characteristics.
Alkaline impregnations are used much less frequently. They violate the structure of the tree and are not at all suitable for the treatment of visible surfaces.
Saline solutions are considered the most ineffective. Over time, salt crystals appear on the surface and spoil the appearance of the product.
The fire protection layer on external surfaces is valid for 2 years. For internal work - 5 years. The principle of operation is that the substances that make up the impregnation melt under the influence of high temperatures and form a thin film that prevents the ingress of oxygen.
Frost resistance
Frost-resistant liquids are designed to preserve the properties of wood at a temperature of about -40 ° C... They have antiseptic and protective properties.
Water repellent effect
Due to the presence of wax and oils in the composition, an absolute protection of wood from moisture penetration... Since the massif is destroyed even by hydrogen in the air, almost all impregnations have this effect, but there are also special means that are designed for surface treatment in baths and saunas, for external work.
Decorative properties
Decorative impregnation for wood, most often acrylic, is used in order to emphasize the natural texture of the array... For decorative purposes, choose funds with the desired shade, matte or glossy film that forms after drying.
Complex impregnations
Most of the impregnations has many properties at once, differs in a complex composition, available in the form of concentrates.
The most popular are antiseptic impregnations with water-repellent and fire-fighting properties.
Which impregnation is better
A wide range of products can make the choice in favor of any one difficult, so you need to immediately distinguish the desired effects from the composition. In addition, the correct application of fluids for the type of interior or exterior work is important.
For interior work
When choosing an impregnation for wood processing, which will or has already been installed indoors, first of all, they pay attention to the environmental friendliness and safety of the solution. These requirements are met by water-based products with natural solvents and oils.
Conventionally, all products in this line can be divided into 3 groups:
- antiseptics, which are designed to protect against decay, the formation of mold and mildew, temperature extremes, changes in shape and color;
- moisture-proof, with which the baths are treated to protect the array from constant exposure to high temperatures and moisture;
- fire retardant, significantly or completely reducing the risk of fire.
For outdoor work
When processing wood that will be constantly on the street and exposed to exposure to various harmful and atmospheric factors, the use of more aggressive impregnations is recommended. At the same time, harm to health and environmental friendliness, due to the work on the street, fade into the background.
First of all, an antiseptic impregnation is used, which not only prevents various microorganisms from living and multiplying in the structure of the tree, destroying it, but also preserves its appearance, since the material turns black during the life of bacteria and fungi.
If the surface was previously given the desired shade, the impregnation should protect from ultraviolet radiation.
Important! The most caustic impregnations are bituminous. The mixtures are used to treat load-bearing structures. After applying them, the tree is not afraid of moisture or attacks of microorganisms. Even rodents are not afraid of him.
Colour
If you plan to preserve the natural shade of the wood, the mixture is selected colorless and has a number of protective characteristics. To give the array the desired shade more expensive species are used colored impregnation for wood. This should not be confused with simple painting and impregnation. In the first case, an opaque background of the color is formed, and in the second, transparency is preserved and the structure is visible.
It is impractical to engage in tinting. It is easier to choose the impregnation you like most in the store using the shade card.
Application is carried out in any convenient way in several stages, between which there is a pause for the time of complete drying of the previous layer.
Bituminous. In addition to the main component, you will need gasoline or diesel fuel.
Production requires an open flame, a large metal container and a long stirrer. Solid bitumen must first be melted, stirring constantly and controlling the presence of undissolved lumps. Then the container is set aside or the fire is extinguished under it and the mass is allowed to cool slightly. The solvent is gradually added and kneaded to the required consistency. When using gasoline, it must be borne in mind that it evaporates quickly.
Heating the bitumen mass should be carried out slowly in order to avoid foaming and overflowing over the edge of the container. The cooking process may take different time, depending on the volume of the mass.
The finished product is capable of hardening, so it must be consumed immediately, adding a solvent if necessary.
You can cook at home cheap antiseptic from water and copper sulfate... Like any saline solution, such a mixture is made by dissolving in water in a given ratio, which depends on the type of wood:
- For the treatment of household structures or objects inside the house, a weak solution is sufficient, which contains up to 4% salts, no more than 400 g per 10 liters of water.
- For outdoor furniture, a more concentrated mixture is recommended.
- For the treatment of pillars or structures dug into the ground, the solution is prepared from 1-2 kg of vitriol per 10 liters of water. The coating is carried out more thoroughly and in several stages.
- To control the application of a weak liquid, add a little potassium permanganate to it. The treated area will be immediately visible, and the toning will disappear over time. More concentrated solutions will take on a tint due to the color of the salts.
The whole process consists in adding vitriol to hot water and stirring until it is completely dissolved. After cooling, the solution can be applied with a brush or spray. The ready-made mixture is stored for several days, if use immediately after preparation is impossible due to weather conditions or other individual reasons.
The production of water-based saline solutions is also carried out indoors. The main thing is to make sure that they do not fall on things or in hard-to-reach places and cracks.
The construction market is filled with all kinds of impregnations for solid wood or finished products from it. All of them differ in characteristics, action and service life, and can be cheap or reach a high price range.
When choosing, it is necessary to be guided solely by the need for their application and what effects should be realized after their application.
In addition, you should avoid purchasing goods from unknown manufacturers, especially when it comes to impregnations that will be used for interior work.
Of all building materials, wood has been the most popular for many centuries. And this is no coincidence, this is a beautiful, environmentally friendly, easy-to-process material with excellent heat-shielding properties. However, wood also has weaknesses. It is highly flammable, sensitive to moisture, mold and insect resistant.
The logs are moldy 
Initial attack by carpenter beetles
When building objects from wood, you need to carefully choose the means to protect it from fire, decay and wood borers. We recommend using special protective compounds. There are plenty of wood preservatives on the market. Your choice depends on which surfaces you want to protect and what kind of processing result you want to achieve.
Impregnation for wood: types and features of their application.
The best way to protect wood is wood impregnation. It can be:
- (protect against mold, rot, blue stain, algae, woodworm beetle);
- Fire retardants (fire retardants will protect against ignition and fire spread);
- Biopyrens - fire retardants, antiseptics - combined double-acting preparations (protect both from fire and mold);
- (they will give the wood a noble shade and can additionally protect it from UV, mold, precipitation - depending on which components are in the composition)
What is the advantage of using wood impregnation in comparison with varnishes, paints, oils and other types of protective compounds?
Firstly, the impregnation is able to penetrate deeper into the layers of wood and, thus, to exert its preventive or therapeutic effect not only on the surface, but also inside the wood.
Secondly, wood impregnation usually does not form film coatings that impede free moisture exchange with the environment.
Modern impregnation for wood is produced by different manufacturers on different chemical bases, which affects the scope of its application.
Let's highlight the main types of impregnations:
Water based impregnation.
These impregnations, in turn, are subdivided into saline and non-saline formulations.
To begin with, consider salt-based impregnations.
On a salt basis, you can find both antiseptic and fire retardant compounds. Salt impregnation for wood is most often used inside non-residential premises, where the decorative component is not very important. These can be attic rooms, rafter systems. Salt formulations are produced both in the form of a powder, which must be diluted with water before use, and in the form of a ready-to-use solution.
Salt-based wood impregnation is often inexpensive. Salt powder formulations are easy to prepare right at the processing site, their salt components are easily soluble in water. Salt crystals that settle on the surface of the wood are a good fire protection.
However, salt impregnations also have serious disadvantages that should be warned about:
Salt treatment is a complex and time consuming way to protect wood. As a rule, the consumption of saline impregnation for ensuring fire protection of wood is on average 500-600 g / m 2. This means that this consumption must be applied in 4-6 coats with interlayer drying. It should be noted that such a large volume of wood can be taken by dipping or autoclaving methods. The latter method is used most often for industrial processing of wood and materials based on it; it implies pressing a protective composition into the pores of wood under high hydraulic pressure in a vacuum chamber. Surface treatment of wood with salt impregnation using a brush or roller is ineffective and will not provide long-term protection;
The high cost of processing 1 sq.m. at a low price per 1 kg. For processing by dipping or autoclaving methods, a much larger amount of composition is required than with surface application;
Salt impregnations are easily washed out by atmospheric precipitation. The components of these impregnations are genetically foreign to wood. Molecules of the protective composition do not interact with wood and, over time, are easily rejected by it;
Salt impregnations are corrosive to metal surfaces. When applying salt impregnation to wood, it is necessary to protect the metal surfaces from the ingress of the salt composition. Particular care should be taken when processing roofing structures, which will subsequently be covered with metal tiles or corrugated board, despite the special protective coatings of roofing materials;
Salt components absorb moisture well, are excellent adsorbents, which also contributes to the rapid washing out of the salt composition from the treated surface;
Salt impregnations after a short time form efflorescence and spoil the appearance of the treated surface. Efflorescence can even show through the finishing coat, especially on a transparent coating.
Non-salt water based impregnation.
They belong to a new generation of flame retardants. They are characterized by high versatility and also have their own application features. Non-salt impregnations are used both indoors and outdoors. Among non-salt water impregnations, one can also find fire retardant impregnation and antiseptic. These impregnations are well suited for both dry and damp wood. Water-based wood impregnation can be used as a stand-alone product or applied to wood previously coated with salt impregnations.
Non-salt impregnations have beneficial advantages:
High fire retardant efficiency at low consumption from 180 to 400 g / m2. At a consumption of 400 g / m 2, the treated wood becomes a low-combustible and hardly flammable building material, which does not spread flame during a fire. This allows the use of treated wood for decorative finishing of walls, ceilings and floor coverings of public buildings, where untreated wood cannot be used;
Non-salt impregnation treatment can be carried out in any way convenient for you. Even with superficial application of impregnations by brush or roller in 3-4 coats, maximum fire protection can be achieved. You can also use spraying, dipping, or autoclaving techniques. It is advisable to choose a brush with artificial or mixed (natural + artificial fibers) bristles;
Thanks to the unique “technology of wood-related substances”, non-salt impregnations penetrate well into the wood by 2-3 mm, are firmly fixed in the treated surface and are not rejected by it. Therefore, non-salt impregnations are difficult to wash out and provide a long service life of the fire-retardant effect on the treated surface;
Non-salt impregnations do not form efflorescence on the surface, do not spoil the decorative appearance of the structure;
These impregnations can be applied even at subzero temperatures, which allows the construction season to be extended.
Application of a water-based impregnating compound 
Organic impregnation
Impregnation for wood on an organic basis, including with the addition of natural oils and waxes.
Their main advantages:
Deep and fast penetration into the structure of the tree - they protect the material not only on the surface, but in deep layers;
Formation of a water-repellent and water-resistant coating.
These impregnations can be applied with a brush or roller. The brush can be chosen with both artificial and natural bristles. Among such compositions, you can find both antiseptic agents and protective and decorative materials that will give the wood a beautiful look, protect it from darkening under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, precipitation, cracking and deterioration. Organic-based impregnations effectively protect both old and new freshly sawn wood. Their only drawback is toxicity, so you need to work with such impregnations either outdoors or in well-ventilated rooms.
Mixed base impregnation for wood.
What should be understood as a mixed base? This is when, for example, oils or alkyd components are dissolved in water. The latter type is characterized by smaller alkyd molecules, which penetrate almost twice as deep into porous surfaces and, in comparison with traditional acrylic emulsions, the adhesion of the treated surface increases.
How to choose an impregnation for wood?
To do this, you need to answer a few questions:
What object do you need to process? This is a house, a bath / sauna, outbuildings, a garage, a vegetable store, country furniture, etc.;
What surfaces of the object will be processed? These can be walls inside or outside, ceiling, floor, attic structures, lower rims of buildings, temporary scaffolding, interior or exterior details;
What material are the surfaces to be treated? These can be wooden, brick, concrete, stone surfaces, textile materials;
What is the purpose of the processing? What needs to be ensured as a result of processing? Let's say that you are faced with the task of imparting fire-retardant properties to wood, protecting it from mold, rot, preventing their reappearance or ensuring the water-repellent properties of the treated surface, etc. Of course, the additional properties of impregnations, which will give additional useful surface qualities, will definitely not be superfluous. It must be remembered that there are no universal protective equipment;
In what conditions the treated surfaces will be used (outside, indoors, in risk areas). For example, when processing structures in the open air, resistance to weathering is very important. For internal work, it is necessary to select protective compounds, which form coatings that are safe for humans and animals. When processing surfaces in risk areas (places with high humidity, floors and lower rims of buildings, places of contact with soil, surfaces exposed to direct action of precipitation, water or mechanical friction, places of moisture condensation (dew point)), it is better to give preference to impregnations with enhanced antiseptic properties;
Do you need a surface tinting and will there be a topcoat? Is an abrasion resistant coating required? If further surface finishing is planned, then you should make sure that the protective impregnating compound is compatible with the selected paint and varnish material.
When choosing an impregnation for wood protection, be sure to pay attention to the manufacturer. How long has it been on the market? Are the properties declared by the manufacturer confirmed by certificates, test reports, conclusions of independent laboratories? Do construction professionals use this manufacturer's products? Are protective compounds of this or that manufacturer used to preserve cultural and historical monuments and ensure safety at facilities with a mass gathering of people?
It should be remembered that a correctly selected wood impregnation will increase the service life of both individual wooden structures and the entire object as a whole.
Wood as a building material has a number of advantages, but it is very vulnerable to the influence of negative external factors: sunlight, rodents, insects, moisture and decay.
To improve the strength and durability of wooden structures, they are treated with special compounds - impregnations, which are designed to protect the surface layer of wood from various adverse effects.
How important is impregnation for wood?
Useful information:
To make sure once and for all that it is necessary to protect wood, which is under the constant influence of an aggressive external environment, it is enough just to compare photographs of identical structures - processed with a special composition and remaining in their original form.
Classification of impregnations for wood
By the main substance
Water based impregnation
They are considered the most versatile. The principle of operation is the creation of a protective layer due to the deep penetration of the impregnation into the wood. Surface application can be done with the following tools: brush, roller, spray gun, vacuum chamber. They can have various functional purposes: fire retardant, antiseptic, moisture-repellent, decorative.
Advantages:
- The possibility of using both indoors and on the facade of structures
- Wet wood processing capability
- Fast drying
- Odorless
- Safety and environmental friendliness
- Ease of application of the composition
Disadvantages:
- Impossibility of processing dry wood due to its swelling
- Short duration of action
Acrylic impregnation
They are used at all stages of construction - both for protecting untreated wood and for finishing in order to give the surface the desired color or texture. Impregnation can be done with a brush or spray gun.
Advantages:
- Possibility of using both for processing the facade of wooden houses, and for interior finishing of floors, ceilings and walls
- Reliable protection against fungus, insects, moisture and decay
- Lack of toxic substances in the composition
- Preserving the natural texture of wood
- Water repellent properties
- Low price
The disadvantages include the inability to use at low temperatures
Solvent based impregnations
They serve to protect wood from various destructive factors: mold, mildew, decay, changes in color and surface texture. Significantly extend the service life of wooden structures. Surface treatment is done with a brush or roller.
By destination
The scope of possible application depends on the substances that make up the impregnation. For example, toxic, bitumen-based fluids with a pungent odor or biocide content should not be used indoors. So, according to the functional purpose, impregnation for wood is divided into:
Antiseptic
Protect wood from the effects of negative biological factors: fungus, mold, wood pests (grinder beetles, bark beetles, wood borers) and insects. Prevents the appearance of rot.
Fireproof
Frost resistant
Due to the presence of special chemical compounds, wood will retain its properties at temperatures down to -40 ° C.
Water repellent
Protect wood from the damaging effects of moisture. The effect is achieved due to natural wax or oils that are part of the impregnation. This is especially important when arranging the interior of saunas and baths, where high humidity is constantly maintained.
Decorative
Popular wood impregnation products
Dufa
Contains adsorbents that perfectly fill all the internal cavities of the tree. There were cases when they tried to sheathe the wood treated with this composition with clapboard - so it was impossible to drive in nails normally! In addition, this tool is relatively inexpensive.
Neomid
Domestic impregnation-antiseptic, known for more than 20 years. Ideal for protecting facades, bath rooms and wooden floors. According to the manufacturer, it remains effective for about 5 years. Then you need to do the processing again. The main advantage is that with good quality, the price of the product is relatively low.
A good antiseptic suitable for inexpensive wood species. Excellent resistance to moisture penetration, the development of fungus and mold, the appearance of woodworm beetles. Most often used as a primer.
Belinka
Antiseptic of a Slovenian manufacturer, which appeared on the domestic market 19 years ago and during this time has gained immense popularity. Provides protection from literally everything: sunlight, moisture, dirt, pests, fire. Very easy to apply and harmless to health.
Antiseptic with toning properties. It has proved itself to be excellent in Russian conditions.
Senezh
About 20 different impregnations are produced under this brand, suitable for the treatment of ends, roofs, walls, stairs and other wooden structures. The lineup includes products for protection against frost, fire, insects, decay and moisture. In a temperate climatic zone, it remains effective for 10 years.
A slightly controversial tool that causes a lot of controversy among woodworking specialists. Possesses excellent water-repellent properties. Consumers who used this impregnation for its intended purpose were delighted. However, those who did not look at what was indicated on the package were not completely satisfied with the purchase.
Tikkurila
The products of the Finnish manufacturer, which have a wide range of models, in which you can find impregnation for absolutely any conditions. Has excellent water repellency and biocidal properties.
Pinotex
According to experts, a very high quality product. Although it is not cheap. Thanks to the polymer base, it perfectly resists the penetration of moisture, dirt and biogenic influences.
- When choosing an impregnation for wood, it is important to pay attention to several aspects, and first of all, to the price of the material. The more any product costs, the more profitable it is to counterfeit it. In this regard, the funds produced by domestic manufacturers (Senezh and Neomid) seem to be safer. Their cost is low, which means that it is not very profitable to counterfeit these products, although the quality of these products is practically not inferior to the best branded samples of Western manufacturers.
- Before deciding which impregnation is best for you, consider whether additional surface tinting is needed. After all, impregnations are multifunctional, that is, they can perform several tasks at once - not only to protect wood from certain influences, but also to give the coating a modified appearance. Considering this point, you can save a little.
- Next, you need to estimate the amount of work and, in accordance with this, calculate the required amount of impregnating material.
- Before buying, check for any cloudiness or rainbow spots on the surface of the liquid. If there is, it means that the product contains diesel fuel. Better to refrain from buying such products. Most likely, this is either a low-quality impregnation, or an outright fake.
- For a faster and more uniform application of the impregnation to the surface, it is better to use a spray gun, although in the absence of this tool, you can work with a brush or roller.
- Be sure to wear a respirator! The 100% health guarantee on the product label is nothing more than a marketing gimmick. Any antiseptic impregnation contains volatile benzene fractions. Their vapors are harmful even in low concentrations.
We dare to hope that the information collected in this publication will help you make the right choice of impregnation for wood, which will significantly extend the life of the structure you have erected, will not harm your health and will significantly save you money.
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