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What Product Do You Suggest to Preserve/Treat Wood?

Asked by Paul on December 13, 2018

I want to use hemlock on my property (it’s already been logged) to build exterior deck. 6×6 for supports, 2×10 for joists…. what product do you suggest I use to preserve/treat wood?

Answered by Caitlin
Hemlock Timbers with 3 Different Types of Stain

Hemlock Timbers with 3 Different Types of Stain

Hi Paul, thank you for your question.

VTW typically uses Arbor Coat by Benjamin Moore – it is a great exterior product that holds up well overtime. With all stains/finishes, reapplying every few years greatly improves the overall appearance, including this stain. But with stains you do not have to scrape or refinish the wood, simply apply over the top of the existing stain and you are good to go.

There are a variety of thicknesses and sheen levels – read around on their website to find a suitable stain and color for your exact job. Here’s a link to their website:

https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/interior-exterior-paints-stains/product-catalog/bmaes/arborcoat-exterior-stain?gclid=CjwKCAiAo8jgBRAVEiwAJUXKqAHixmdsmXnXDBLWdX-Rck-EzckrBLzFji6Hqnf4RIB1pnUHilgpaBoCbZYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Good luck!

Thank you,

Matthew McGinnis, EIT

Junior Timber Frame Engineer

Vermont Timber Works

2 comments
  1. Sebastian Fischer says:

    Hello,

    I am in the middle of a basement renovation project and the last two pieces are two 2.5″ think, eastern hemlock bar tops.
    My plan was wood conditioner, dark brown (Hickory) oil gel stain, seal coat and then epoxy as a finish. Working on some samples pieces I am getting grain reversal, even if I flood the piece with wood conditioner.

    How did you achieve the dark staining shown above without the issue of grain reversal? Can you share the type of conditioning and stain you used?

    Thanks

    • Caitlin says:

      Hi Sebastian,

      Thanks for reaching out. We have had luck with TWP – Total Wood Preservative, or Benjamin Moore Arbor Coat.

      Good Luck!

      -Caitlin

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