Instructions / Assembly

Redwood Finishes
Uses
Decks/Walkways ■■■■
——— ———
Fences ■■■ ■
——— ———
Planters/Retaining Walls ■■■ ■
——— ———
Seating ■■■■
——— ———
Tables ■■■■■
———
Garden Shelters ■■■ ■ ■
———
Effect
Color Natural Driftwood Selected Selected Selected
———
Grain Visibility High Medium Medium None None
———
Application
Recommended Coats* 2 1-2 2 2 2
———
Primer Required None None None None Oil/Alkyd
———
Refinish—Years 1-2
———
2-5 2-5 5-10
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Non-toxic formulations Traffic bearing formulations Certified Kiln Dried lumber only
*Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
Water
Repellents
w
/
Mildewcides
Bleaching Oils
and Weathering
Stains
Semi-
Transparent
Stains
Solid-Color
Stains
Latex Paints
Lacquers/
Varnishes
California
Redwood
Association
405 Enfrente Drive, Suite 200
Novato, CA 94949-7206
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Toll Free 888 Cal-Redwood
www.calredwood.org
Redwood — our renewable resource
3/01
Finishes
Finishes will enhance the performance of
any exterior wood project, so it is important
to coat all surfaces with a water repellent
wood preservative before installation.
For example, it is necessary to coat
sawn ends of posts and the back sides
of ledgers before they are put into place
and hidden by other parts of the deck.
Clear Water Repellents Clear water
repellents with mildewcide can stabilize
redwood’s color at a buckskin tan if
applied regularly.
Bleaching Oils Unfinished redwood
tends to darken, then ultimately weathers
to a soft driftwood gray. To achieve an
immediate weathered appearance, a
bleaching oil can be applied.
Decking Stains To achieve a lasting
redwood color or any other hue, a water
repelling, oil-based deck stain may
be used. Be sure that the stain is
recommended for walking surfaces.
Naturally Weathered Left unfinished,
redwood will first darken and then will
weather-bleach to a soft driftwood gray.
Over time, this no-maintenance option
results in a look that is preferred for a
rustic appearance.
Do
Use water repellents, stains and
bleaching oils which contain mildewcide.
Make sure all surfaces are clean and dry.
Use a brush or roller for application.
Don’t
Don’t use varnishes or lacquers on
exterior redwood.
Don’t mix incompatible finishes
— always
follow manufacturer’s directions.
Don’t use linseed oil alone as it will
attract dirt and mildew.
Additional Literature
Redwood Fences For All Reasons
Landscape Architecture
Deck Grades, Nails, Finishes
Exterior Finishes
Plans
Freestanding Deck
Windsor Shade Shelter
Mendocino Bench
Sonoma Picnic Table
Petaluma Planters
Fasteners
All nails, fasteners and hardware must be
stainless steel, aluminum or top-quality,
hot-dipped galvanized (electroplated
galvanizing is not acceptable). Poor quality
fasteners will react with redwood’s natural,
decay resisting extractives causing
unsightly stains.