Aqualis Natural Timber Product FAQs

Yes, all new timber must be washed and dried prior to coating to remove any dirt, fungal spores, tannin, oil residues etc. Apply Aqualis ‘Timber Clean’ and Aqualis ‘Timber Prep’, follow mixing and application guidelines as per label. Once the deck has been cleaned and dry, test the surface by sprinkling water to check for immediate absorption, if water beads on top of the boards, repeat the washing procedure, once water readily is absorbed into the timber, proceed with applying H2Oil.

Yes, all coated timber will need to be prepared in some way depending on the previous coating. In the case of an existing H2Oil coating in good condition, wash the deck with Aqualis Deck Bright follow mixing instructions as per label and thoroughly rinse all suds off with garden hose jet. Once dry, fresh coats of H2Oil can be applied as required. If coating surface needs repair, you may need to either sand affected areas and clean with Aqualis Timber Clean/Timber Prep process, allow to dry and apply H2Oil as required. If the existing coating is a polyurethane or acrylic water-based oil, strip off with Aqualis StripEase’ followed by Aqualis Timber Clean/Timber Prep process. In some areas, sanding may be required, be careful not to damage nail heads or screws. Always ensure the surface is dry before coating with H2OIL. Generally other than previous H2Oil coatings, its recommended that all pre-existing coatings be removed and that the bare timer is cleaned as per H2Oil application guidelines.

It is essential that all the greyed timber is thoroughly cleaned prior to coating to allow for the full beauty of the timber to be shown at its best once coated with H2OIL. Wash timber with the Aqualis Timber Clean/Timber Prep process, follow guidelines on respective labels, using a stiff broom or mechanical scrubber. You may have to do this a couple of times depending on how long the timber has been exposed to the sun. Thoroughly rinse off all suds and allow to dry. You also may have to give the timber a light sand as there will be loose timber fibres after the exposure to the sun. After the timber has dried you can apply coatings of H2OIL as required, always follow guidelines on label.

Aqualis “Timber Clean” is a water-based timber cleaning solution that will remove tannin and oils from new and aged timber, it also has detergent action which helps in the removal of food-based oil stains, dirt and grime. Follow the instructions as per the label.

Aqualis “Timber Prep” is a proprietary blended acid wash that will clean and brighten grey timber, destroy mould and mildew. Cleaning all exterior timber surfaces with Aqualis “Timber Prep” mixed with water as per the label instructions will also neutralise and open timber pores in preparation for coating.

No, Timber Clean and Timber Prep will not cause permanent damage to vegetation provided surrounding vegetation is pre-sprayed with water prior to application of the Timber Clean or Timber Prep and all wash residues thoroughly rinsed off after cleaning is completed. For sensitive Flora, covering with plastic sheeting will prevent temporary foliage damage.

StripEase is a low toxicity paint stripper that will remove a variety of existing coatings such as Polyurethane, Water based oils, Lacquers, Acrylic paint etc. StripEase will not affect the timber fibres and can be removed by scraping off with a spatula or mechanical scrubber or pressure cleaner. Care must be taken to ensure that any exposed metal or coated surface not to be stripped is fully protected with plastic sheeting prior to the use of the StripEase.

Deck Bright is a cleaning solution to be used in between re application of the H2OIL to allow for the natural beauty and shine of the coating to remain for the life of the coating.

H2Oil water based timber and decking finish suitable for use on all exterior and interior timber including decks, pergolas, walkways, handrails, fences, furniture, wall cladding, doors, windows, rough sawn timber etc. This product is transparent and will allow the natural grain of the timber to show through for the life of the coating. H2OIL comes in gloss (wet look) and low sheen, it is available in a variety of colours to suit all timber species.

With exterior timber decks you can expect to get about 10-14m² for the first coat and up to 20m² for the second and subsequent coats. This will depend on the condition of the timber surface and applicator used. This is to be used as a guide only and these rates should not be exceeded.

Note: Rough sawn timber will use a lot more product and spread rates will be significantly lowered.

For exterior decks you can use a good quality lambswool decking applicator, short bristle pad or a long handle deck brush and a short handle brush for feathering off. For large exterior and interior decks and walls and other vertical structures the H2Oil can be sprayed using an 8 thou tip at low pressure, followed immediately with the removal of the excess with a lambswool applicator, brush or lint free cloth.

During the warmer months it is best to apply H2Oil in the morning and during the latter part of the afternoon. It is not advisable to apply the coating during the hottest part of the day as the surface temperature can become hotter than the atmospheric temperature. The product is designed to be applied between 10 and 30°C surface temperature. During periods of extreme night moisture, the surface should be allowed to dry for a minimum of 2 hours during the daylight period so that the moisture will not affect the coating.

A minimum of 2 coats of H2Oil should be applied over pre-existing H2Oil and 3 coats over new timber surfaces. Do not apply the product thick as it is designed to be worked into the timber for maximum protection. Allow applied coat to dry before applying next coat. Best practice is to apply three light coats and do not allow to pool on the surface or flood the timber, as you progress with the application, gently wipe excess H2Oil from the surface to avoid blotchy appearance or lap marks.

No, the surface must be completely dry prior to coating and, also in between coats. This also applies to early morning moisture that may be sitting on the surface in between coats. Wait for the moisture to completely evaporate prior to coating. Applying H2Oil on wet or damp surfaces or within 24 hrs impending rain can result in film defects and reduced product performance.

Clear H2Oil should only be applied to timber that is protected from direct sunlight or rain i.e., under shelter. For H2Oil, exterior protection is obtained by the incorporation of highly resistant pigments and UV absorbers. Clear H2Oil is pigment free and hence does not have the same exterior resistance of H2Oil Colours.

No, H2Oil has been specifically designed for use on timber. For Wood Plastic Composites (WPC), use Aqualis ‘Composite Sealer’.

You can apply H2Oil over previously solvent based oiled decks providing you take certain steps prior to application. You can leave the timber surface exposed for approx 12 months after last coating allowing most of the oil to burn off. Then wash the deck with Aqualis “Timber Clean” followed immediately with Aqualis “Timber Prep”, (follow mixing and application instructions on labels) scrub with a hard bristled deck broom and remove all soapy residues with garden hose jet. After the surface has thoroughly dried, check the surface by applying small amounts of water in various locations, see if the water droplets remain or soak into the timber. If the water remains beaded then the surface will need to be re-washed, repeating the same processes until the water no longer beads. Once water absorption is evident, coating with H2Oil can commence.

Yes, you can re-coat H2OIL at any time. Wash the surface with Aqualis ‘Deck Bright’ to remove any dirt, oil etc and allow the surface to dry prior to recoating. You do not have to sand prior to re-coating unless the coating has been damaged.

No, you cannot, the old solvent-based coating must be completely removed by sanding or stripping with Aqualis ‘StripEase’, and then the timber should be washed with Aqualis Timber Clean/Timber Prep prior to coating with H2OIL.

Yes, first step is to wash using the Aqualis Timber Clean/Timber Prep cleaning process (follow application and mixing instructions on the labels) this will brighten the timber and clean the surface. In severely weathered cases it may be necessary to sand first followed by the Timber Clean/Timber Prep washing procedure.

Yes, scrub the surface clean with a stiff bristle brush or broom using Aqualis Timber Clean followed by Timber Prep (ensure product guidelines are followed for mixing and application), make sure all visible fungal flora and algae is removed. Allow to completely dry out then apply Aqualis No Fungal Pro as per instructions on the label. Once No Fungal pro has dried off, H2Oil can be applied.

After washing, any raised timber fibres should be lightly sanded off with 180 grit paper, sanding pad or electrical sander.

Yes, you can coat H2OIL on any treated pine that has been treated with water-based preservative. LOSP solvent based treated timber is the exception, which should be weathered for 6 -12 months allowing for all solvent and waxes to dissipate. All treated pine timber should be washed with a Aqualis “Timber Clean” /Timber Prep wash process (follow application and mixing recommendations on labels) prior to coating with H2Oil.

No. generally once H2Oil has fully cured, these products in their diluted state will not affect H2Oil. However, it is advisable to avoid high concentrations of bleach, detergents containing solvents, hydrocarbon-based solvents like paint thinners, strong acids etc. as these may damage the coated surface. All spills should be washed and wiped off as soon as practicable to maintain longevity of your coated decking.

H2Oil itself provides a P4 slip rating at the recommended dry film thickness of 50 micron. Application of H2Oil over pre-existing coatings or applying higher film builds may lower this rating.

For Slip resistance you must use Aqualis ‘Traction’ as the final coat. Traction is available in a range of colours and only in low sheen. Apply by Mohair or Micro-fibre roller 9 – 12 napp thickness and apply in an even motion. Apply 2 coats of Traction P4 to achieve a ‘W’ or P4 rating for wet slip resistance to the AS/NZS4586 -2013 Australian standard for wet pendulum test. For a ‘V’ P5 rating for ramps etc. use Traction P5 and apply the same way. Refer to Aqualis Coatings for details of the application process.