The natural beauty of wood, in addition to its abundance and workability, has made it a popular choice of material for construction when appearance is important. Unfortunately, if left unprotected from the elements, most species of wood will readily discolor or degrade, not only from moisture and fungi, but also from UV radiation. Quality wood … Continued
Judging strictly from initial appearance, it’s hard to distinguish one wood stain from another. Basic wood stain chemistry is fairly consistent from one product to the next, but ingredient quality, quantity, mix ratios, and manufacturing processes can make a big difference in product performance. For instance, a general-purpose wood stain suitable for a fence or … Continued
One of the bright spots in today’s fencing market seems to be all about pre-stained wood fence pickets or panels, and based on what we are seeing, things are just beginning to heat up. Pre-stained fencing presents consumers with a very attractive and highly affordable alternative to metal or plastic fencing and a profitable new … Continued
Not all wood stains are the same. Some stains lightly cover lumber, while others build a heavy film, coating the surface like paint. But both wear down over time and require redoing. Let’s take a closer look at erosion coating and film-forming stains. First, here are the benefits of each: Erosion coating stains create a … Continued
As 2016 ramps up, Eco Chemical anticipates that this year will bring even more growth for our clients and the industry – and we’re continually on the lookout for innovative technology and processes to better serve you and your markets. As part of that vigilance, Eco Chemical’s National Sales Manager, Mike Boone, recently visited with … Continued
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at a low boiling point – meaning, they can turn from solids and liquids into gasses at ordinary room temperature. This transformation releases large numbers of molecules into the surrounding air. VOCs can be either man-made or naturally-occurring, harmful, helpful, or inconsequential. … Continued
About twenty years ago, manufacturers began experimenting with wood stains because they were having trouble marketing their pressure treated lumber. Applying stain provided a more attractive finished product as well as better surface resistance to degradation from weather and sun. It was challenging to develop a stain that was compatible with waterborne treating processes and … Continued
Manufacturers of pressure treated lumber products, like any manufacturer, face the challenge of continuous product improvement in order to stay competitive. Besides competition from other pressure treating companies, there is growing competition from non-wood products with substantial marketing support aimed at consumers. As always, the challenge requires solutions that are eco-friendly as well as affordable. … Continued
The saying “As goes the West, so goes the Nation” is particularly evidenced in the areas of art and fashion. Lately, the notion has been playing out in the case of wood stain usage for outdoor projects. The West is widely acknowledged as the birthplace of the practice of staining pressure treated lumber. For at … Continued
The treated wood industry in North America is seeing increased consumer demand for color, leading many treated lumber suppliers to explore the option of staining their pressure treated products. While the pressure treating as well as wood staining processes have existed for a while, putting the two together is a relatively new dimension for the … Continued