Installation Guide

6
VASCULAR STRUCTURE: At a microscopic level, the grain structure of the wood substrate is like
a stack of drinking straws and can absorb water more than 50 times faster than the other surfaces of a
board. Priming all cuts mitigates water absorption & helps ensure a long lasting project.
PRIME ALL CUTS BEFORE INSTALLATION: This includes cuts that cannot be seen or may not
be directly exposed to weather.
All cuts must be reprimed. Prior to installation, all trim board surfaces exposed by jobsite field cuts
must be reprimed. In wet climates, also treat field cuts with a paintable water repellent preservative
and a latex top coat.
Unprotected cuts of any wood product absorbs water, (even faster on vulnerable end grain). 100%
acrylic-latex primer is acceptable as long as it is able to properly cure according to the primer
manufacturer’s instructions. However, where temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit either
during application or within the curing period, use an alkyd oil wood primer to coat all jobsite cuts.
Trim Boards with cuts coated with alkyd oil primer can be installed before drying without
compromising the coating’s effectiveness. Above 50 degrees, a high quality 100% acrylic-latex
primer will suffice to coat exposed end grain if allowed to dry before installation. With either primer,
follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
NOTE: If <35
○
in colder weather (below 35
○
F), follow these steps:
1. Precut the trim and take it into a heated building where the temperature is maintained above
50
○
Fahrenheit.
2. Ensure the trim is dry and then prime the cuts with a 100% acrylic-latex primer.
3. Allow the re-primed trim to dry overnight and then proceed with installation.
Q. PAINTING THE TRIM
Pain
t Primed Trim Boards with two coats of high-quality, 100% acrylic-latex interior/exterior
paint
(depending on application) as soon as possible after installation, preferably within 30 days after
installation, according to industry best practices. The surface must be free of dust, dirt or mildew
before painting. Wash away any foreign material with water and a mild detergent, and allow the
surface to dry before painting. Apply paint according to manufacturer’s specifications and
recommended spread rates and number of coats. Do not use paints with vinyl-based resin
combinations. Brush application of primers and top-coats ensures best coverage and protection.
CAUTION:
Wood dust produced by sawing, sanding, or machining wood and wood products can be hazardous.
• Wood dust is flammable and presents a possible explosion hazard.
• Wood dust may cause respiratory, eye, and skin irritation.
• Wood dust from some tree species may cause dermatitis or allergic response.
• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies wood dust as a nasal carcinogen
in humans.
• The National Toxicology Program (NTP) classifies wood dust as a human carcinogen.
MAINTENANCE