Bamboo is a fast-growing giant species of grass; it is a sustainable material and has been used by cultures around the world for thousands of years. There are 1500 species found in the world with its uses ranging from construction material, nutrient, medicine, textiles, paper etc. In modern times it has the potential to be an aesthetically pleasing and low-cost alternative to more conventional materials such as wood.
The exterior durability of untreated Bamboo is quite poor because unlike wood, it does not contain enough of the natural waxes, tannins, oils, and toxins which help slow down biodegradation. Large amounts of starch present in bamboo makes it highly susceptible to mould, fungi, and insect attack. Weathering of exposed Bamboo through repeated humidifying and drying can lead to the formation of tiny cracks in the surface. UV degradation of the cellulose structure combined with the sand blasting effect of wind and sand means untreated bamboo may on average last 2 years exposed, and 4-7 years under ideal conditions (without exposure to sun and rain). To maintain the aesthetic beauty of bamboo it is vital that it is sealed to protect it from the effects of weather, insect, and biodegradation.
Aqualis Coatings Bamboo Care Products offer a solution from cleaning bamboo with Aqualis "Bamboo Cleaner” to sealing with Aqualis "Bamboo Sealer".
Bamboo Sealer has been specifically formulated to seal and protect Bamboo from the effects of UV degradation, weathering, mould, and fungal growth. Before sealing, Bamboo requires a washing/stripping process using Aqualis "Timber Clean" followed by "Timber Prep".
For Bamboo which has fungal growth treat with Aqualis "No Fungal Pro". (Follow all label instructions)