Brazilian Wood Depot, your trusted source for premium Brazilian hardwoods, explores the fascinating world of wood color transformation and the effects of extractives and staining. Our expertise in Brazilian hardwoods makes us your go-to resource for all your decking, siding, and tile needs.
The Beauty and Complexity of Cumaru Wood Stains and extractives influence the color of lumber in intricate ways, but their impact goes beyond aesthetics. At Brazilian Wood Depot, we’re dedicated to unveiling the natural qualities of lumber, enhancing your understanding of this remarkable green building material.
Sap’s Unwanted Consequences In our previous discussion, we delved into the unattractive appearance of sap in wood. However, sap’s consequences extend further. It can hinder the adhesion of glues and finishes, posing a challenge for woodworkers. To ensure a successful finish or glue application, it’s imperative to eliminate sap spots and weeping signs. Wood with a high sap content must be adequately dried and pre-finished to seal in the sap before installation, especially if it will be exposed to sunlight.
Typically, sap weeping occurs shortly after planing, and it’s usually a one-time issue. Using naphtha or mineral spirits effectively removes sap. After cleaning the wood, monitor it to ensure no further weeping occurs. While rare, sap may resurface decades or even centuries later, particularly when wood previously used outdoors finds a new purpose indoors.
The Challenge of Oily Hardwoods Sap isn’t the sole obstacle when it comes to wood’s resistance to finishes and glues. Many tropical hardwood species, with their high oil content, deter rot and insect damage. However, this oil, much like sap in softwoods, can pose challenges for glue and finish applications. Removing the oil with a solvent and promptly applying finish or glue ensures proper adhesion. Keep in mind that the oil may reappear, but taking swift action can counter this.
Tannin-Related Discoloration Apart from sap, another category of extractives is tannins, which are renowned for their role in aging whiskey and wine. Tannins react with iron in hardware, resulting in black stains, often seen around screws and nails. Oak, rich in tannins, is particularly susceptible to this discoloration. Some exotic wood species also contain high tannin levels, making them prone to staining. To prevent staining, use stainless steel fasteners for exterior applications, as they won’t react with the wood’s tannins.
When working with tannin-rich woods, opt for stainless or powder-coated hardware to prevent staining. Additionally, sealing the wood with an oil-based primer or finish creates a barrier that blocks water from dissolving tannins and causing stains.
Brazilian Wood Depot: Your Partner in Wood Wisdom At Brazilian Wood Depot, we’re not just your supplier; we’re your wood knowledge partners. Our headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, is your gateway to a nationwide service catering to residential and commercial clients seeking the finest Brazilian hardwoods. Trust Eric and Sam, the definitive experts in Brazilian hardwoods, to provide you with top-quality wood products and invaluable insights into the art and science of wood.
