Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Finish

Additional Resources for Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Finish:
• Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Finish Tech Data Sheet
• Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Safety Data Sheet (Spanish)
• Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Safety Data Sheet (French)
• Cetol DEK Finish CPSC Certificate of Compliance

Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Application Methods
• Long Haired Natural Bristle Brush.

Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Finish Dry Time
• Drying Time – 24 hours minimum at 68°F and 65% relative humidity. At temperatures below 50º F (10º C) or conditions of high humidity the drying time will be extended.
• Proluxe Cetol DEK dries to touch in approximately 6 hours.
• Dries to recoat in 24 hours additional coat may increase these times.
• Wait 7 days after applying the second coat to replace furniture.
• Low temperature, high humidity, thick films or poor ventilation will increase these times. Avoid heavy abrasions immediately following application.

Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Preparation Instructions
• All wood surfaces must be thoroughly clean, dry and free of dirt, grease, grime, mildew, mill glaze and previous coatings before applying Proluxe Cetol DEK Finish.

New, Uncoated Deck Surfaces - Prepare wood surfaces by mechanically sanding with 60 – 80 grit sandpaper.

Weathered, Uncoated Deck Surfaces - Cleaning Recommendations:
1. Spray all wood surfaces with clean water, completely wetting the wood.
2. Generously apply a cleaning solution of four(4) ounces of 100% powdered Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) or phosphate-free substitute with one (1) quart of liquid bleach and three (3) quarts of water to the wood surfaces with a garden sprayer or a heavy nap roller cover.
3. Let the solution dwell on the wood for 15-20 minutes as you scrub the surface with a hard bristle brush to help remove mill glaze or weathering. Do not allow solution to dry on the wood surface.
4. Power wash cleaning solution from the wood with plenty of clean fresh water using 500-800 psi with the nozzle 8-12 inches from the surface for full effectiveness of the cleaning and to prevent damage to the wood.
5. Allow the surface to dry for 48 hours, or to have a moisture content of 18% or less before finishing.
6. All horizontal surfaces must be sanded using 60-80 grit sandpaper. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain and remove sanding dust.
7. Proluxe Cetol DEK Wood Finish should be applied within one week of preparation for horizontal surfaces (decks).

Special Notes:
• Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK is not manufactured with lead or mercury containing materials.
• For application on exotic hardwood, immediately prior to applying wipe surface with acetone.
• New pressure treated lumber requires a six-week drying period. Water-repellant lumber requires one year of weathering prior to application.
• Weathered grey wood or wood affected with blue fungi or rust from nails may be treated after the surface preparation by applying a solution of four ounces of oxalic acid crystals in a gallon of warm water. This solution should be allowed to sit on the affected areas for 15-20 minutes before the final rinse with clean water. Let dry 3 days before coating.
• It is always recommended to perform a full system color test on a sample of the wood.
• Previous coatings must be removed prior to the application of Proluxe Cetol DEK Finish.

New Wood - Clean and prepare all wood surfaces as specified above. Pressure treated wood must be properly seasoned, dry with a moisture content of 18% or less and free of salts and other water soluble materials before applying stain. Water-repellent treated lumber requires one year minimum of weathering prior to cleaning and application.

Exotic Hardwoods - Ipe, mahogany, iron wood, tiger wood and teak woods exhibit a dense cell structure which may reduce the ability of a coating to penetrate the wood surface. Clean and prepare all wood surfaces as specified above. Immediately prior to applying coating, wipe surface with acetone.

Previously Coated Wood - Previous stains, varnishes or sealers must be completely and thoroughly removed prior to application of Cetol DEK Finish. After removal of previous coatings, clean and prepare surface as specified above.

Checking Moisture Content Before Staining:
• Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Finish cannot be applied when the moisture content of the wood is over 18%.
• If applied on wood with over 18% moisture content, mold and mildew may grow beneath the finish which may cause peeling, cracking and failure over time.
• It is recommended to use a Moisture Meter to test the moisture content of your wood before starting your staining project. A good moisture meter can be purchased am most hardware or home improvement stores.

Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Finish Application Information
• Test wood for absorbency by sprinkling water on the surface – if water is absorbed within 30 seconds – 2 minutes, depending on climate, the surface is ready for finishing. If water is not absorbed, wait 30 days and re-test.
• Before starting, test your color choice on a small area, applying all coats required.
• Stir thoroughly with a drill mixer such as a Shurline 5 Gallon Paint Mixer before and periodically during application. Intermix all product together before starting to avoid color variance.
• Brushing is the preferred method of application, using a high quality china bristle brush.
• Apply when the surface and air temperature is between 50° F (10° C) - 90° F (32° C).
• Do not apply in direct sunlight, if rain, snow, heavy dew or low temperatures below 40° F (4° C) are expected within 48 hours.
• Do not thin.
• After preparation, apply 2 coats of Cetol DEK Finish, waiting a minimum of 24 hours between coats.
• First coat must be applied to all six sides, saturating all end grains, nail holes and cracks in the wood.
• The first coat must be thoroughly dry before application of the second coat. If possible, back prime with the first coat. During application, saturate all end grains, nail holes, cavities, and cracks in the wood.
• Brush on a liberal coat and maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks. Brush in the direction of the wood grain starting at one end of the board or log and continuing to the other end of the board or log.
• TWO COAT APPLICATION IS RECOMMENDED FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE.

NOTE: Tannin containing woods such as redwood, red cedar, mahogany, douglas fir, etc. contain tannic acid which tends to migrate to the surface and discolor the stain, especially noticeable when using white or light colors. The discoloration is not harmful and can usually be removed. Apply a cleaning solution of four (4) ounces of oxalic acid to one gallon of warm water using a garden sprayer or a heavy nap roller cover. Allow solution to dwell on surface for 20 minutes then thoroughly rise with clean water. DO NOT ALLOW solution to dry on wood surface.

Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Cleanup & Shelf Life
• Clean all tools immediately with mineral spirits.
• Clean spills right away with a damp cloth.
• Shelf Life: 5 years maximum - unopened.

Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Maintenance Instructions
• Proper maintenance starts with visual inspection.
• One coat of Cetol DEK Finish must be applied every 12 -18 months. For exotic hardwood, one coat of Cetol DEK Finish must be applied every 12 months.
• As weathering, exposure conditions, altitude, and applications can vary, maintenance may be needed sooner and should be performed when visually necessary, regardless of timeframe.
• To identify the changes caused by weathering, we recommend saving a coated board from your project and storing it indoors. This can be used to periodically compare to your exterior surface to determine when cleaning, maintenance or replacement are needed.
• Before application of a maintenance coat, prepare the surface using the previously mentioned TSP solution but reducing the solution to 2 ounces of 100% powdered Tri-Sodium Phosphate or phosphate-free substitute.
• Let the surface dry 3 days after power washing. Apply 1 coat of Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Finish.
• If Carpenter Bees are present and have drilled any new holes, it is best clean the area and seal the bee hole. Please check out our Carpenter Bee Stain Additives for preventative solutions.
• An annual cleaning of the structure with a log wash such as Perma Chink Log Wash or TruClean EX House Wash helps to prevent any accumulation of dirt, pollen, dust and airborne contaminates.

Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Finish Application Do’s and Don’ts

Application Do’s…
• Prepare your wood properly for stain and finish application. Mill glaze, the shiny surface created when lumber is planed, may keep coatings from penetrating.
• First coat must be applied to all 6 sides.
• Intermix different batches/cans together to ensure color consistency.
• Apply when the surface and air temperature is between 50ºF and 95ºF (10ºC and 35ºC).
• Saturate all end grains, nail holes and cracks in the wood.
• Apply an even coat using a long haired natural bristle brush.
• Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks.
• Stir well before using with a drill mixer (Shurline 5 Gallon Paint Mixer). Do not shake if using product the same day.
• Back prime (if possible).

Application Don’ts…
• Do not apply over previously coated surfaces. All previous coatings must be completely removed, except structures already coated with Sikkens Proluxe Cetol DEK Finish systems.
• Do not apply when the surface is hot to the touch.
• Do not apply when dew or frost is present or expected within five (5) hours.
• Do not apply in wet weather.
• Do not apply when moisture content of the wood is greater than 18%.
• Do not thin with any mineral spirits or paint thinner.
• Do not apply on unventilated/skirted decks or areas subjected to high moisture.
• Do not apply on decks less than 2 ft. clearance from the ground.
• Do not apply on covered porches or enclosed porches.
• Do not thin.
• Do not apply by rolling or spraying.