FAQs

We make it easy to use the CUTEK® wood protection system at each step with our friendly, practical advice and support. Get the best from CUTEK® with our help. Our expert team is on-hand to provide technical support and clear, easy to understand step-by-step instructions. Have a question about the application process, maintenance, or how CUTEK® Extreme works? Explore our resources here or contact us at 1-844-44-CUTEK. We’re here to help make using CUTEK® easy.

  • How Is CUTEK® different?

    CUTEK® EXTREME – TRUE PENETRATING OIL WITH A SELF-HEALING EFFECT

    CUTEK® Extreme offers powerful protection while enhancing the natural beauty of wood. CUTEK® Extreme diffuses deeply into wood to repel moisture, maintain structural integrity and ensure the longest possible service life.

    What sets CUTEK® Extreme apart is it’s ‘self-healing’ action. Once diffused, CUTEK® Extreme protects from the inside out by actively displacing water throughout the wood and providing unsurpassed long-term protection against water damage. The protective components penetrate and stay PERMANENTLY MOBILE in the wood, migrating to any cut or perforation, automatically sealing it against the damaging effects of moisture. It is this mobility and self-healing effect which makes CUTEK® the professional’s choice for long-term wood protection.

    Traditional varnish and natural oil ‘penetrating’ type coatings work by forming a protective film on the surface of the wood to protect against moisture damage. Over time, UV rays and wood movement break down this film causing it to degrade, flake or peel. This allows water to get into the wood which will lead to cupping, warping, splitting and rot. Fixing this is costly and time consuming as the old coating will need to be stripped away before reapplying.

    CUTEK® is different. CUTEK® Extreme penetrates deep into the wood core and drives moisture out of the wood from the inside. This offers superior long-term protection and minimizes cupping, warping and splitting. This penetrating oil technology ensures the longest possible service life for your wood. It has been proven to work and has been independently tested by industry experts in many countries over the last 30 years.

    NOTE: Coatings that are not permanently mobile inside the wood and do not exhibit the self-healing effect ARE NOT the same as CUTEK® Extreme, no matter what is claimed.

    To maximize your wood’s unique features, we have developed a simple 2 step system.

    • Step 1   PREPARE:   Enhance your wood by preparing it properly for coating.
    • Step 2   PROTECT:   Long-term protection that highlights the natural beauty of your wood and improves dimensional stability.

    Each product in the CUTEK® system has been designed to be easy to use and reduce the manual labour required for wood protection.

    Maintenance is quick, simple and cost effective. CUTEK® Extreme does not flake or peel meaning that you generally do not have to sand or strip again.

  • Does CUTEK® Extreme reduce long term splitting, cupping and warping of wood?

    Yes. CUTEK® Extreme diffuses deep into the wood to actively displace and protect against moisture from the inside out. It is important to understand that it is the free exchange of liquid and gas phase moisture between wood and the environment that contributes to splitting, warping and cupping. Once diffused, CUTEK® Extreme will stabilize the wood by controlling free moisture exchange between the coated wood and the environment.  Because CUTEK® Extreme is permanently mobile and self-healing, this protection is permanent even if the wood is damaged, cut or perforated with fasteners. The result is improved dimensional stability, structural integrity and an extended service life.

  • Does CUTEK® Extreme ever peel or flake?

    No. CUTEK® Extreme will not peel or flake, although over time CUTEK® Extreme coated wood will fade where it is exposed to the sun, and the Colourtone can wear or erode over time with use. If this occurs, the wood will require a maintenance coat of Colourtoned CUTEK® Extreme to maintain your colour choice. The rate of fading, or wearing/eroding will vary depending on species, situation, design, degree of weather exposure and other environmental factors.

  • How long will CUTEK®Extreme last? How often will I have to reapply?

    CUTEK® Extreme should be reapplied when the wood is no longer beading water or as frequently as necessary to retain the natural or altered colour of the wood. Timing will differ depending on many variables including the age and porosity of the wood, species, situation, design, aspect, weathered exposure and adequacy of preparation.

    When considering frequency of maintenance there are two factors to consider:

    1. Protection: CUTEK® Extreme diffuse deeply into wood to provide, long-term, cumulative, inside-out protection. Even when the wood surface has greyed and weathered, CUTEK® Extreme will remain permanently mobile in the wood, meaning protection is not compromised even if the outward appearance of the wood has changed. Each additional coat of CUTEK® Extreme provides further additional protection against moisture.
    2. Appearance: To maintain the natural colour of freshly oiled wood for longer or alter the appearance of your wood, CUTEK® Extreme with an added CUTEK® Colourtone should be applied. Over time and with exposure to sunlight and UV, the colour will slowly fade to a silver patina, or ware/erode with use. Colour durability and the rate at which this fading, or wearing/eroding occurs is dependent on many factors such as age and porosity of the wood, species, situation, design, aspect, and degree of exposure to the weather. CUTEK® Extreme with an added Colourtone should be reapplied as frequently as necessary to maintain desired colour vibrancy.
  • Does CUTEK® Extreme have an cumulative effect?

    Yes. CUTEK® Extreme diffuses deeply into wood, protecting it from the inside out. CUTEK® Extreme stays permanently mobile inside the wood to repel and displace moisture. With each additional coat of CUTEK® Extreme, this protection increases. This means that if you continue to  maintain your wood with CUTEK® Extreme, the better protected against water the wood will be.

  • What about Natural Oils? They are supposed to be good for wood.

    Most natural oils claim to be ‘penetrating oils’ but will actually contain drying oils/resins and evaporating solvents which form a traditional varnish/film type encapsulation coating. Once this surface type coating has been degraded by weathering, cutting or fastener perforation, water may freely enter the wood leading to significant cupping and splitting.

    Many ‘natural’ oils may develop unsightly mould and fungal growth on the coated surface and beneath subsequently applied coatings when exposed to the natural exterior environment.  This situation can be difficult and costly to fix.

  • Can I apply CUTEK® Extreme over other coatings, deck stains or oils?

    No, generally speaking you cannot. CUTEK® Extreme must be applied to bare, clean and dry wood. Other oils, stains, paints and films act as a barrier for CUTEK® Extreme’s diffusion/penetration and must be fully removed first. For full instructions on how to Prepare your wood properly for coating with CUTEK® Extreme, follow this link to our Prepare page.

  • Is there any warranty on CUTEK® products?

    While CUTEK® products are manufactured to the highest standard, we are unable to offer any specific performance warranties related to protection and/or colour retention because of the wide variation of possible applications and purposes for CUTEK® products. These variables include but are not limited to: the age and porosity of the wood, species, situation, design and structure, aspect, differing exposure to the weather and adequacy of preparation.

    CUTEK® will not accept liability for:

    • the application of incorrect colour to any substrate for any reason
    • the application of CUTEK® Extreme to wood with a moisture content greater than 17%
    • the application of CUTEK® Extreme to any substrate with a pre-existing coating

    Further, while some manufacturers choose to specify CUTEK® materials for use with their own products, CUTEK® is not included or involved with any independent warranties issued by a specific manufacturer or distributor in relation to their own product.

    CUTEK® has Pre-Mixed Samples available to help you determine if CUTEK® Extreme is suitable for your project. We ALWAYS recommend testing our products prior to full application.

  • What are the PPE and safety requirements when using CUTEK® products?

    Before you use any CUTEK® product, you must ALWAYS read the product label in it’s entirety as well as follow the specific directions outlined on the applicable CUTEK® Safety Data Sheet(s) which you can download here.

    The PPE and safety requirements will vary depending on what CUTEK® product(s) you are using.

  • I want to protect my new wood, but I want it to naturally silver with age.

    For exterior wood, applying CUTEK® Extreme as a clear oil will protect the wood against moisture while allowing it to naturally lighten/silver to a natural patina over time as long as it is exposed to the sun.

  • I have new shingles and I want them to silver with age.

    Clear CUTEK® Extreme will protect your shingles while allowing them to naturally silver with age. Alternatively, you can mix in a “Smokey Grey” CUTEK® Colourtone to silver the shingles from the beginning. DO NOT use CUTEK® Extreme on roofs that are used to collect drinking water.

  • Can I use CUTEK® Extreme on outdoor wood furniture?

    Yes. The CUTEK® system is designed to highlight and protect the natural beauty of all wood applications. Our range of Step 1: Prepare products will clean and enhance the wooden furniture, to get it ready for an application of our Step 2: Protect product (CUTEK® Extreme) which will powerfully protect the wood. Adding a CUTEK® Colourtone will help maintain the natural colour of your wood or alter its appearance, depending on our desired outcome.

  • Can I apply CUTEK® Extreme to wood cladding, siding, soffits, battens and screens?

    Yes. CUTEK® Extreme can be applied to all exterior wood features. A benefit of using CUTEK® Extreme on cladding, soffits, paneling, battens and screens is the ease of maintenance. No need to sand or strip your wood –  simply clean and recoat.

  • Can CUTEK® Extreme be used around swimming pools?

    Yes, CUTEK® Extreme is suitable for use around swimming pools. The inside-out moisture protection imparted by CUTEK® Extreme is desirable in wood that comes in contact with water. We recommend the use of clear rather than Colourtoned CUTEK® Extreme on wood that is subjected to a constant washing action from swimming pool activities because of the rapid rate of colour erosion that occurs with frequent water contact.  This way the necessity for frequent recoating for colour retention is avoided while the wood remains protected from constant damaging water ingress.  Please be aware that powerful pool chemicals that are allowed to contact CUTEK® Extreme coated wood in a concentrated form may stain coated wood. CUTEK® Extreme is not suitable for use on wood that is permanently immersed in water.

  • Can I use CUTEK® Extreme inside?

    No, CUTEK® Extreme should not be used for interior wood applications.

  • Is CUTEK® Extreme wet stackable for easy pre-coating before construction?

    Yes. Wood freshly coated with CUTEK® Extreme, or CUTEK® Machine Coat can be installed straight away or block stacked wet for later use. It is generally not recommended to wet stack wood coated with Colourtoned CUTEK® Extreme as this may produce an inconsistent ‘smudged’ finish.

  • Can I use CUTEK® Extreme on LOSP or CCA treated wood or plywood?

    Yes, CUTEK® Extreme is safe to use on these types of wood.

  • What do I use to clean up a CUTEK® Extreme spill?

    Time is of the essence.  For best results clean up the excess oil with rags and then work the stain with a CUTEK® Quickclean and water mixture to remove as much of the spill as possible.  If CUTEK® Quickclean is not available, then mix dishwashing liquid into warm water with some mineral spirts or turpentine, if possible, and work the stain with this mixture.

  • Can I apply CUTEK® Extreme over other coatings, deck stains or oils?

    No, generally speaking you cannot. CUTEK® Extreme must be applied to bare, clean and dry wood. Other oils, stains, paints and films act as a barrier for CUTEK® Extreme’s diffusion/penetration and must be fully removed first. For full instructions on how to Prepare your wood properly for coating with CUTEK® Extreme, follow this link to our Prepare page.

  • Can I apply CUTEK® Extreme without preparing my wood?

    CUTEK® Extreme must be applied to clean, dry and non-greasy wood. It is vital that previous coatings are removed prior to applying a coat of CUTEK® Extreme.

    CUTEK® Extreme may be applied to new wood without preparation however for the best possible outcomes we recommend using CUTEK® Wood Reviver to clean the surface and open up the grain of the wood to assist with the free diffusion of CUTEK® Extreme and removal of extractives/tannins.

  • Can I apply CUTEK® Extreme on new wood immediately without weathering?

    Yes, when applying it as a clear oil. Unlike most coatings, it is not necessary to wait for your wood to ‘weather’ before applying CUTEK® Extreme to new wood. In fact, we recommend the first coat goes on as soon as possible to protect the wood during the construction phase.

    The reason why many traditional wood coatings require new wood to be weathered is that tannins and other extractives and/or mill glaze present in new wood may interfere with the adhesion and performance of subsequently applied coatings. CUTEK® Extreme does not have this issue. It can be applied to wood the moment it arrives on site.

    If you would like to apply CUTEK® Extreme with an added CUTEK® Colourtone, it is best to prepare your wood with CUTEK® Wood Reviver to remove all potential barriers for maximum colour retention.

  • What should be avoided when planning to coat wood with CUTEK® Extreme?
    1. Wet wood, or wood with a high moisture content: Your wood should contain a maximum moisture content of 17%, as anything higher can significantly delay the drying process. If the moisture content is above 17%, CUTEK® Extreme may sit on the surface and eventually go tacky without penetrating properly.
    2. Too many coats too soon: The first application of CUTEK® Extreme needs to completely diffuse and dry before the next coat is applied.
    3. Existing oil, stain or paint on the surface of your wood: Existing film coatings act as a barrier to CUTEK® Extreme‘s penetration. Old coatings must be fully removed by sanding and/or chemical stripping prior to applying CUTEK® Extreme.
    4. Cold weather: CUTEK® Extreme should not be applied below 10° C (50° F).  In cold weather CUTEK® Extreme will become thicker and may result in too much oil being applied.  When applying in cooler climates, keep the oil in a warm spot until ready to apply to make it thinner and enhance penetration.
    5. Contamination: It is very important to ensure that wood surfaces to be coated with CUTEK® Extreme are free from chemical residues and are not exposed to environmental contaminants such as dusts while the applied oil is drying.  It is possible that contact with highly alkaline contaminants such as cement/fertilizer/other dusts or poorly rinsed cleaners may lead to chemical staining.
  • What steps should I follow when removing an existing coating?

    CUTEK® Extreme must be applied to bare, clean and dry wood. This allows the oil to freely penetrate/diffuse into your wood. Wood previously coated with a film forming product such as stains, linseed oil, paint, polyurethane, water-based oils, etc. can inhibit this penetration/diffusion and must be removed using the following steps:

    1. Remove previous coating using CUTEK® Wood Stripper. It is safe and user-friendly and is suitable to remove multiple layers of most commonly used wood coatings.
    2. Restore the colour and enhance the grain with CUTEK® Wood Reviver. CUTEK® Wood Reviver will bring weathered and stained wood back to life.

    After removing the previous coating, it is important to protect your exterior wood with CUTEK® Extreme to repel and displace moisture, and extend service life.

  • Should I only use CUTEK® Quickclean to prepare my wood for a maintenance coat of CUTEK® Extreme?

    CUTEK® Quickclean is an excellent exterior surface cleaner. CUTEK® Quickclean is also the best choice to clean your wood in preparation for a maintenance coat of CUTEK® Extreme.

    Regular wood cleaning is important to maximizing service life of wood and with CUTEK® Quickclean, wood and other exterior surface cleaning is easy and cost effective.

  • Can I use CUTEK® Extreme inside?

    No, CUTEK® Extreme should not be used for interior wood applications.

  • How do I apply CUTEK® Extreme?

    STEP 1: PREPARE

    In order for CUTEK® Extreme, to function properly, it is essential that it diffuses deeply into the wood. Anything that might prevent this penetration/diffusion, such as an existing coating (not CUTEK® Extreme), retained moisture, or insufficient time between coats, must be avoided or corrected before applying CUTEK® Extreme.

    CUTEK® Extreme must be applied to wood that is clean, non-greasy and dry (moisture content must be less than 17%). You must appropriately prepare your wood BEFORE applying CUTEK® Extreme.

    If you have… NEW WOOD:

    Your wood must be bare, clean and dry before applying CUTEK® Extreme. If your wood presents with surface contaminants such as stains caused by water, iron or tannins, or chemical residues, or if there is mill glaze, we recommend using CUTEK® Wood Reviver prior to application of CUTEK® Extreme.

    If you have… OLD, GREYED OR WEATHERED UNCOATED WOOD:

    Old, dirty, stained or grey weathered wood should be prepared and restored by first applying CUTEK® Wood Reviver which will remove the grey and reinstate the original natural colour, grain and beauty of your wood prior to application of CUTEK® Extreme.

    If you have… WOOD PREVIOUSLY COATED WITH A NON-CUTEK® COATING:

    CUTEK® Extreme must be applied to bare, clean and dry wood. This allows CUTEK® Extreme to freely penetrate/diffuse into your wood. Wood previously coated with a film forming product such as stains, linseed oil, paint, polyurethane, water-based oils, etc. can inhibit this penetration/diffusion and must be removed first with CUTEK® Wood Stripper and CUTEK® Wood Reviver prior to the application of CUTEK® Extreme. In some circumstances complete removal of previous coatings by machine sanding/abrasion can also be a suitable preparation method.

    If you have… WOOD PREVIOUSLY COATED IN CUTEK® EXTREME:

    Prepare for a maintenance recoat of CUTEK® Extreme by using CUTEK® Quickclean to remove grease, grime and other dirt from your wood. If maintenance has been neglected for a long period of time and the wood has either greyed, become heavily stained by tannins or iron, or if there is an excessive build-up of CUTEK® Colourtone, use CUTEK® Wood Reviver to refresh your wood prior to recoating.

    STEP 2: PROTECT

    BEFORE YOU PROTECT:  Note the hazards and precautions on this website and the can labelling, and ensure that you use the correct safety equipment as detailed in the Safety Data Sheet.

    WEATHER:  Once applied, CUTEK® Extreme generally requires 3-5 days of dry conditions after coating to facilitate full penetration/diffusion (drying) and an even colour finish; so check your weather forecast before coating.

    CUTEK® COLOURTONE:  Clear, un-tinted CUTEK® Extreme will allow your wood to naturally lighten/silver/grey when exposed to sunlight while retaining its protection characteristics. Unless you want a clear finish that will naturally lighten/silver/grey off, it is important to mix in a CUTEK® Colourtone to your can of oil before use. Adding a CUTEK® Colourtone provides UV colour protection and slows the lightening/silvering process.

    To choose which Colourtone suits your wood and project, visit our Colourtone page.

    APPLICATION:  After preparing your wood, it will need to be completely dry prior to coating with CUTEK® Extreme. It is very important that your wood is clean, non-greasy and dry with a moisture content of less than 17%. It is also very important that the surface of the wood is free from chemical residues and is not exposed to environmental contaminants such as dusts while the CUTEK® oil is drying.

    Stir the CUTEK® Extreme oil thoroughly (with the added CUTEK® Colourtone if desired) before and during use. Make sure you stir from the bottom of the can to ensure active ingredients are properly mixed throughout the oil.

    Apply thin, even coats with a brush, or paint pad applicator. CUTEK® Extreme works best when applied as a THIN COAT – two or three thin coats on finished woods are much better than one or two thick coats. For best results, ONE coat of CUTEK® Extreme should be applied to all faces of the wood prior to installing, with a SECOND coat applied to the top surface once the first coat has completely penetrated/diffused (dried).

    If applying post-construction, apply two thin coats to all accessible wood surfaces, ensuring the first coat has completely penetrated/diffused (dried) before applying the second coat.

    DRYING TIME:  Unlike traditional wood coatings, CUTEK® Extreme needs to penetrate/diffuse deeply into your wood. After coating, CUTEK® Extreme will slowly migrate into your wood to repel and displace moisture, improve dimensional stability and lengthen the service life of your wood. This penetration/diffusion (drying) process varies in time for many reasons including differences in wood type (species, density, porosity, age of wood and residual moisture content) as well as environmental factors (temperature, humidity, weather).

    Sometimes this drying process can take several days to complete. You will know when your wood is ready for a second coat of CUTEK® Extreme when it is completely dry and non-greasy. Please note the second coat of CUTEK® Extreme will take longer to migrate into your wood than the first coat.

    CLEAN-UP: Equipment (including brushes) may be cleaned with CUTEK® Quickclean, mineral spirits or soap and water. If not correctly cleaned or disposed of, oily rags and other oily materials may cause combustion fires. After use you MUST immediately spread out all oily material outside to dry, by flattening them out to their full size in an airy spot at a temperature above 4ºC (39ºF), or wash them thoroughly with water and detergent and rinse. Remove all oil from all clothes, tools, rags and any other materials contacted during use or as a result of an accidental spill. Ensure wash water is disposed in accordance with local regulations.

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    Coverage
     New hardwoods (sanded) 10–20 m2/L      400-800  ft²/gal
    Old restored wood (sanded) 6–8.5 m2/L        250-350  ft²/gal
    New wood (rough sawn) 6-7.5 m2/L       250-300 sq.ft/gal
    Old restored wood (rough sawn) 3.5–6 m2/L      150-250 sq.ft/gal
    Shingles and shakes 2–5 m2/L           84-212  sq.ft/gal

    These figures represent typical averages for common decking and cladding wood species and are to be used as a guideline only.

  • Initial Colour Change Caused by the Application of CUTEK® Extreme to New Wood

    CUTEK® Extreme applied to new wood can initially change the colour of the wood considerably, usually darkening the wood. This is due to CUTEK® Extreme filling all the voids/pores in the wood and “wetting it out”. Typically, CUTEK® Extreme coated wood will have a higher refractive value than air, hence the darker appearance upon initial coating. A quick and easy way to check what the colour of your freshly CUTEK® oiled wood will look like is to splash some water on the wood and observe the colour. Additionally, you can use a Pre-Mixed Sample to help you determine the suitability of colour for your own project.

  • When should a CUTEK® Colourtone be added to CUTEK® Extreme?

    Wood protected with clear CUTEK® Extreme will naturally lighten/silver/grey with exposure to sunlight. Unless you want a clear finish that will lighten/silver/grey off, it is important to mix in a CUTEK® Colourtone to your CUTEK® Extreme oil before use. Adding CUTEK® Colourtone will provide UV colour protection and slows the lightening/silvering process.

    NOTE: CUTEK® Extreme diffuses deeply into your wood and will continue to provide moisture protection and improve dimensional stability even if a CUTEK® Colourtone is not added, and your wood becomes weathered and greyed. To maintain your wood’s natural colour for longer, choose a CUTEK® Colourtone similar to the natural colour of your wood. Suggested CUTEK® Colourtones that match the natural hue of your wood can be found on our Colourtone product page. Colourtones can also help alter your wood colour if required (e.g. make your wood look lighter or darker than its natural state).

    Always used a PRE-MIXED SAMPLE to test if your chosen Colourtone is right for your project.

    NOTE: CUTEK® is unable to offer any specific performance warranties in relation to colour retention for CUTEK® products because of many variables related to the weathering process including but not limited to: the age and porosity of the wood, species, situation, design and structure, aspect, differing exposure to the weather and adequacy of preparation.

  • What is the average coverage rate when using CUTEK® Extreme?

    CUTEK® Extreme‘s coverage will be different depending on the density and condition of the wood you are intending to coat. Please see below for a guide on the coverage rate of different wood substrates:

    Coverage
     New Wood (sanded) 10–20 m2/L     400-800 ft²/gal
    Old restored wood (sanded) 6–8.5 m2/L       250-350 ft²/gal
    New wood (rough sawn) 6-7.5 m2/L        250-300 ft²/gal
    Old restored wood (rough sawn) 3.5–6 m2/L       150-250 ft²/gal
    Shingles and shakes 2–5 m2/L            84-212 ft²/gal

    NOTE: These figures represent typical averages for common decking and cladding wood species and are to be used as a guideline only.

  • How many coats of CUTEK® Extreme are required on new wood?

    We recommend applying two thin coats of CUTEK® Extreme for the initial application.

    For best results, ONE coat of CUTEK® Extreme should be applied to all faces of the wood prior to installing, with a SECOND coat applied to the top surface once the first coat has completely penetrated/diffused (dried).

    If applying post-construction, apply two thin coats to all accessible wood surfaces, ensuring the first coat has completely penetrated/diffused (dried) before applying the second coat.

    Subsequent maintenance coats should be applied when the wood is no longer beading water, or as frequently as necessary to retain the natural beauty and colour of the wood.

  • Can I apply CUTEK® Extreme without sanding between coats?

    CUTEK® Extreme does not behave like traditional film forming coatings, meaning there is no need to sand between coats, unless there is a need to fix some defect in the wood substrate.

  • Can I apply CUTEK® Extreme on hot sunny days?

    Yes. Unlike many wood coatings, CUTEK® Extreme performs well in dry, hot conditions. In fact, heat and ventilation greatly assist the deep diffusion of CUTEK® Extreme into the wood.

  • Can CUTEK® products be applied without high skill level to avoid “wet edge” marks?

    Yes. CUTEK® products are simple and easy to use and beginners can achieve professional results. Unlike traditional film-based coatings that dry very quickly, or cannot be applied on days that are too hot or too cold, CUTEK® Extreme gives you time to correct and/or clean any areas where too much oil may have been applied no matter what the ambient temperature is. Further, CUTEK® Extreme provides a “matte-low sheen” finish which tends to hide surface imperfections in the wood.

  • Why do I have to wait between coats?

    CUTEK® Extreme must be allowed to diffuse into the wood and fully cure between coats. If it is not fully dried, and another coat is applied the drying time of the second coat may be extended for much longer than it needs to be.

    The speed of the drying process varies according to many different factors such as wood species, density, porosity, residual moisture content and temperature.  Pre-coated wood will always dry faster if stacked outside.

  • How long does it take for CUTEK® Extreme to dry?

    Unlike traditional wood coatings, CUTEK® Extreme needs to penetrate/diffuse deeply into your wood. After coating, CUTEK® Extreme will slowly migrate into your wood to repel and displace moisture, improve dimensional stability and lengthen the service life of your wood. This penetration/diffusion process varies in time for many reasons including differences in wood type (species, density, porosity, age of wood and residual moisture content) as well as environmental factors (temperature, humidity, weather). Sometimes this drying process can take several days to complete. You will know when your wood is ready for an additional coat of CUTEK® Extreme when it is completely dry and non-greasy. Please note the second coat of CUTEK® Extreme will take longer to migrate into your wood than the first coat.

    Pre-coated wood will always dry faster if stacked outside.

  • I have just applied CUTEK® Extreme and it is taking a long time to dry. Why is this?

    CUTEK® Extreme works by deeply diffusing into the wood and it won’t dry on the surface until this process has been fully completed. The drying process varies in time according to many different factors such as wood species, density, porosity, residual moisture content and temperature, humidity etc.

    To help ensure your CUTEK® Extreme dries as quickly as possible, make sure you avoid:

    • Wet wood, or wood with a high moisture content. Your wood should contain a maximum moisture content of 17%, as anything higher can significantly delay the drying process. If this happens, CUTEK® Extreme may sit on the surface and eventually go tacky without penetrating properly.
    • Cold weather. You should not apply CUTEK® Extreme if it is below 5°C (40°F). In cold weather CUTEK® Extreme will become thicker and therefore too much oil is applied. Keep oil warm before application to make it thinner and to enhance penetration. Thin coats are recommended.
    • Too many coats too soon. The first application of CUTEK® Extreme needs to completely diffuse and dry fully before the next coat is applied.
    • Existing oil, stain or paint on the surface. Existing film coats act as a barrier to CUTEK® Extreme‘s penetration. Old coatings must be fully removed by sanding and/or chemical stripping prior to applying CUTEK® Extreme.

    For best results, always allow CUTEK® Extreme to completely diffuse before adding an additional coat or using. If you cannot wait, rag off the excess material on the surface and the coating will dry on top at a much faster rate.

  • What do I use to clean up a CUTEK® Extreme spill?

    Time is of the essence.  For best results clean up the excess oil with rags and then work the stain with a CUTEK® Quickclean and water mixture to remove as much of the spill as possible.  If CUTEK® Quickclean is not available, then mix dishwashing liquid into warm water with some mineral spirts or turpentine, if possible, and work the stain with this mixture.

  • HOW LONG CAN I STORE CUTEK® EXTREME FOR?

    CUTEK® oils can be stored for one year or more and reused for the next coating season, when stored correctly. To store correctly, store in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight; lid must be airtight. If the lid has been damaged, the remaining contents may be tipped into another compatible container (HDPE or Lined metal containers). Minimising the air space in the can will also increase the storage life of the product.

    If the oil has been tinted with a CUTEK® Colourtone, the colour may settle out and be difficult to stir in again if some time has passed. Use caution when mixing new and old CUTEK® Oils that have been coloured with a CUTEK® Colourtone; there may be some discrepancies in colour due to storage.

  • HOW LONG CAN I STORE CUTEK® COLOURTONES FOR?

    After use, CUTEK® Colourtones generally do not require storing because they are a one-use product. If the Colourtone can contents have solidified, do not use the Colourtone. Instead, dispose of the can and contents according to local regulations.

  • HOW LONG CAN I STORE CUTEK® Wood Reviver/CUTEK® Quickclean/CUTEK® Wood Stripper FOR?

    CUTEK® Wood Reviver, CUTEK® Quickclean and CUTEK® Wood Stripper can be stored for many years after initial use. To store correctly, store in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight; lid must be airtight. Keep from freezing.

  • What should be avoided when planning to coat wood with CUTEK® Extreme?
    1. Wet wood, or wood with a high moisture content: Your wood should contain a maximum moisture content of 17%, as anything higher can significantly delay the drying process. If the moisture content is above 17%, CUTEK® Extreme may sit on the surface and eventually go tacky without penetrating properly.
    2. Too many coats too soon: The first application of CUTEK® Extreme needs to completely diffuse and dry before the next coat is applied.
    3. Existing oil, stain or paint on the surface of your wood: Existing film coatings act as a barrier to CUTEK® Extreme‘s penetration. Old coatings must be fully removed by sanding and/or chemical stripping prior to applying CUTEK® Extreme.
    4. Cold weather: CUTEK® Extreme should not be applied below 10° C (50° F).  In cold weather CUTEK® Extreme will become thicker and may result in too much oil being applied.  When applying in cooler climates, keep the oil in a warm spot until ready to apply to make it thinner and enhance penetration.
    5. Contamination: It is very important to ensure that wood surfaces to be coated with CUTEK® Extreme are free from chemical residues and are not exposed to environmental contaminants such as dusts while the applied oil is drying.  It is possible that contact with highly alkaline contaminants such as cement/fertilizer/other dusts or poorly rinsed cleaners may lead to chemical staining.
  • What is the average coverage rate when using CUTEK® Extreme?

    CUTEK® Extreme‘s coverage will be different depending on the density and condition of the wood you are intending to coat. Please see below for a guide on the coverage rate of different wood substrates:

    Coverage
     New Wood (sanded) 10–20 m2/L     400-800 ft²/gal
    Old restored wood (sanded) 6–8.5 m2/L       250-350 ft²/gal
    New wood (rough sawn) 6-7.5 m2/L        250-300 ft²/gal
    Old restored wood (rough sawn) 3.5–6 m2/L       150-250 ft²/gal
    Shingles and shakes 2–5 m2/L            84-212 ft²/gal

    NOTE: These figures represent typical averages for common decking and cladding wood species and are to be used as a guideline only.

  • Can I apply CUTEK® Extreme without sanding between coats?

    CUTEK® Extreme does not behave like traditional film forming coatings, meaning there is no need to sand between coats, unless there is a need to fix some defect in the wood substrate.

  • Can I apply CUTEK® Extreme on hot sunny days?

    Yes. Unlike many wood coatings, CUTEK® Extreme performs well in dry, hot conditions. In fact, heat and ventilation greatly assist the deep diffusion of CUTEK® Extreme into the wood.

  • Why do I have to wait between coats?

    CUTEK® Extreme must be allowed to diffuse into the wood and fully cure between coats. If it is not fully dried, and another coat is applied the drying time of the second coat may be extended for much longer than it needs to be.

    The speed of the drying process varies according to many different factors such as wood species, density, porosity, residual moisture content and temperature.  Pre-coated wood will always dry faster if stacked outside.

  • How long does it take for CUTEK® Extreme to dry?

    Unlike traditional wood coatings, CUTEK® Extreme needs to penetrate/diffuse deeply into your wood. After coating, CUTEK® Extreme will slowly migrate into your wood to repel and displace moisture, improve dimensional stability and lengthen the service life of your wood. This penetration/diffusion process varies in time for many reasons including differences in wood type (species, density, porosity, age of wood and residual moisture content) as well as environmental factors (temperature, humidity, weather). Sometimes this drying process can take several days to complete. You will know when your wood is ready for an additional coat of CUTEK® Extreme when it is completely dry and non-greasy. Please note the second coat of CUTEK® Extreme will take longer to migrate into your wood than the first coat.

    Pre-coated wood will always dry faster if stacked outside.

  • I have just applied CUTEK® Extreme and it is taking a long time to dry. Why is this?

    CUTEK® Extreme works by deeply diffusing into the wood and it won’t dry on the surface until this process has been fully completed. The drying process varies in time according to many different factors such as wood species, density, porosity, residual moisture content and temperature, humidity etc.

    To help ensure your CUTEK® Extreme dries as quickly as possible, make sure you avoid:

    • Wet wood, or wood with a high moisture content. Your wood should contain a maximum moisture content of 17%, as anything higher can significantly delay the drying process. If this happens, CUTEK® Extreme may sit on the surface and eventually go tacky without penetrating properly.
    • Cold weather. You should not apply CUTEK® Extreme if it is below 5°C (40°F). In cold weather CUTEK® Extreme will become thicker and therefore too much oil is applied. Keep oil warm before application to make it thinner and to enhance penetration. Thin coats are recommended.
    • Too many coats too soon. The first application of CUTEK® Extreme needs to completely diffuse and dry fully before the next coat is applied.
    • Existing oil, stain or paint on the surface. Existing film coats act as a barrier to CUTEK® Extreme‘s penetration. Old coatings must be fully removed by sanding and/or chemical stripping prior to applying CUTEK® Extreme.

    For best results, always allow CUTEK® Extreme to completely diffuse before adding an additional coat or using. If you cannot wait, rag off the excess material on the surface and the coating will dry on top at a much faster rate.

  • What do I use to clean up a CUTEK® Extreme spill?

    Time is of the essence.  For best results clean up the excess oil with rags and then work the stain with a CUTEK® Quickclean and water mixture to remove as much of the spill as possible.  If CUTEK® Quickclean is not available, then mix dishwashing liquid into warm water with some mineral spirts or turpentine, if possible, and work the stain with this mixture.

  • I have just applied CUTEK® Extreme and it is taking a long time to dry. Why is this?

    CUTEK® Extreme works by deeply diffusing into the wood and it won’t dry on the surface until this process has been fully completed. The drying process varies in time according to many different factors such as wood species, density, porosity, residual moisture content and temperature, humidity etc.

    To help ensure your CUTEK® Extreme dries as quickly as possible, make sure you avoid:

    • Wet wood, or wood with a high moisture content. Your wood should contain a maximum moisture content of 17%, as anything higher can significantly delay the drying process. If this happens, CUTEK® Extreme may sit on the surface and eventually go tacky without penetrating properly.
    • Cold weather. You should not apply CUTEK® Extreme if it is below 5°C (40°F). In cold weather CUTEK® Extreme will become thicker and therefore too much oil is applied. Keep oil warm before application to make it thinner and to enhance penetration. Thin coats are recommended.
    • Too many coats too soon. The first application of CUTEK® Extreme needs to completely diffuse and dry fully before the next coat is applied.
    • Existing oil, stain or paint on the surface. Existing film coats act as a barrier to CUTEK® Extreme‘s penetration. Old coatings must be fully removed by sanding and/or chemical stripping prior to applying CUTEK® Extreme.

    For best results, always allow CUTEK® Extreme to completely diffuse before adding an additional coat or using. If you cannot wait, rag off the excess material on the surface and the coating will dry on top at a much faster rate.

  • What do I use to clean up a CUTEK® Extreme spill?

    Time is of the essence.  For best results clean up the excess oil with rags and then work the stain with a CUTEK® Quickclean and water mixture to remove as much of the spill as possible.  If CUTEK® Quickclean is not available, then mix dishwashing liquid into warm water with some mineral spirts or turpentine, if possible, and work the stain with this mixture.

  • I applied CUTEK® Extreme to my wood but it now has black spots?

    When successfully applied, it is highly unlikely that CUTEK® Extreme will cause black spots to appear on wood. Commonly, there are two issues that could result in the appearance of black spots:

    1. The presence of iron stain:

    Iron stain, is an unsightly blue–black or grey discolouration that is often incorrectly described as “mould” because of its frequently “spotty” appearance. While iron stain can occur on nearly all wood species, some wood types are particularly prone to iron stain because they contain large amounts of tannin-like extractives that readily react with iron present in the environment to form insoluble stains.

    The discolouration is often caused by a chemical reaction between extractives and iron content in steel products, such as nails, screws, and other fasteners. Iron contamination can also come from traces of iron left on wood from cutting, grinding or slicing; cleaning the surface with steel wool, wire brushes, or iron tools; using finishes stored in rusty containers; and using previous iron-containing or iron-contaminated finishes. Iron dust from metalworking and even plant fertilizers can be sources of iron along with removal of old rusted eavestrough, handrail construction and contact by steel capped boots.

    2. Moisture content was too high when CUTEK® Extreme was applied:

    Wood must be completely dry and non-greasy before applying CUTEK® Extreme, specifically the moisture content of the wood must be less than 17%. If CUTEK® Extreme is applied to wood with a moisture content greater than 17%, CUTEK® Extreme may sit on the surface and may rarely present with a dark blotchy discolouration (especially with Colourtoned CUTEK® Extreme).

    Fixing both of these issues is a simple process. After the CUTEK® Extreme has been allowed to dry completely, wet the wood and apply undiluted CUTEK® Wood Reviver to the wood with a brush, roller or broom where discolouration exists. When the black spots/discolouration has disappeared, use a pressure washer to remove CUTEK® Wood Reviver (refer to the CUTEK® Wood Reviver label or Factsheet for further information). When the wood has dried (moisture content less than 17%), recoat with CUTEK® Extreme.

  • HOW LONG CAN I STORE CUTEK® EXTREME FOR?

    CUTEK® oils can be stored for one year or more and reused for the next coating season, when stored correctly. To store correctly, store in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight; lid must be airtight. If the lid has been damaged, the remaining contents may be tipped into another compatible container (HDPE or Lined metal containers). Minimising the air space in the can will also increase the storage life of the product.

    If the oil has been tinted with a CUTEK® Colourtone, the colour may settle out and be difficult to stir in again if some time has passed. Use caution when mixing new and old CUTEK® Oils that have been coloured with a CUTEK® Colourtone; there may be some discrepancies in colour due to storage.

  • HOW LONG CAN I STORE CUTEK® COLOURTONES FOR?

    After use, CUTEK® Colourtones generally do not require storing because they are a one-use product. If the Colourtone can contents have solidified, do not use the Colourtone. Instead, dispose of the can and contents according to local regulations.

  • HOW LONG CAN I STORE CUTEK® Wood Reviver/CUTEK® Quickclean/CUTEK® Wood Stripper FOR?

    CUTEK® Wood Reviver, CUTEK® Quickclean and CUTEK® Wood Stripper can be stored for many years after initial use. To store correctly, store in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight; lid must be airtight. Keep from freezing.

  • How Is CUTEK® different?

    CUTEK® EXTREME – TRUE PENETRATING OIL WITH A SELF-HEALING EFFECT

    CUTEK® Extreme offers powerful protection while enhancing the natural beauty of wood. CUTEK® Extreme diffuses deeply into wood to repel moisture, maintain structural integrity and ensure the longest possible service life.

    What sets CUTEK® Extreme apart is it’s ‘self-healing’ action. Once diffused, CUTEK® Extreme protects from the inside out by actively displacing water throughout the wood and providing unsurpassed long-term protection against water damage. The protective components penetrate and stay PERMANENTLY MOBILE in the wood, migrating to any cut or perforation, automatically sealing it against the damaging effects of moisture. It is this mobility and self-healing effect which makes CUTEK® the professional’s choice for long-term wood protection.

    Traditional varnish and natural oil ‘penetrating’ type coatings work by forming a protective film on the surface of the wood to protect against moisture damage. Over time, UV rays and wood movement break down this film causing it to degrade, flake or peel. This allows water to get into the wood which will lead to cupping, warping, splitting and rot. Fixing this is costly and time consuming as the old coating will need to be stripped away before reapplying.

    CUTEK® is different. CUTEK® Extreme penetrates deep into the wood core and drives moisture out of the wood from the inside. This offers superior long-term protection and minimizes cupping, warping and splitting. This penetrating oil technology ensures the longest possible service life for your wood. It has been proven to work and has been independently tested by industry experts in many countries over the last 30 years.

    NOTE: Coatings that are not permanently mobile inside the wood and do not exhibit the self-healing effect ARE NOT the same as CUTEK® Extreme, no matter what is claimed.

    To maximize your wood’s unique features, we have developed a simple 2 step system.

    • Step 1   PREPARE:   Enhance your wood by preparing it properly for coating.
    • Step 2   PROTECT:   Long-term protection that highlights the natural beauty of your wood and improves dimensional stability.

    Each product in the CUTEK® system has been designed to be easy to use and reduce the manual labour required for wood protection.

    Maintenance is quick, simple and cost effective. CUTEK® Extreme does not flake or peel meaning that you generally do not have to sand or strip again.

  • Does CUTEK® Extreme reduce long term splitting, cupping and warping of wood?

    Yes. CUTEK® Extreme diffuses deep into the wood to actively displace and protect against moisture from the inside out. It is important to understand that it is the free exchange of liquid and gas phase moisture between wood and the environment that contributes to splitting, warping and cupping. Once diffused, CUTEK® Extreme will stabilize the wood by controlling free moisture exchange between the coated wood and the environment.  Because CUTEK® Extreme is permanently mobile and self-healing, this protection is permanent even if the wood is damaged, cut or perforated with fasteners. The result is improved dimensional stability, structural integrity and an extended service life.

  • Does CUTEK® Extreme ever peel or flake?

    No. CUTEK® Extreme will not peel or flake, although over time CUTEK® Extreme coated wood will fade where it is exposed to the sun, and the Colourtone can wear or erode over time with use. If this occurs, the wood will require a maintenance coat of Colourtoned CUTEK® Extreme to maintain your colour choice. The rate of fading, or wearing/eroding will vary depending on species, situation, design, degree of weather exposure and other environmental factors.

  • How long will CUTEK®Extreme last? How often will I have to reapply?

    CUTEK® Extreme should be reapplied when the wood is no longer beading water or as frequently as necessary to retain the natural or altered colour of the wood. Timing will differ depending on many variables including the age and porosity of the wood, species, situation, design, aspect, weathered exposure and adequacy of preparation.

    When considering frequency of maintenance there are two factors to consider:

    1. Protection: CUTEK® Extreme diffuse deeply into wood to provide, long-term, cumulative, inside-out protection. Even when the wood surface has greyed and weathered, CUTEK® Extreme will remain permanently mobile in the wood, meaning protection is not compromised even if the outward appearance of the wood has changed. Each additional coat of CUTEK® Extreme provides further additional protection against moisture.
    2. Appearance: To maintain the natural colour of freshly oiled wood for longer or alter the appearance of your wood, CUTEK® Extreme with an added CUTEK® Colourtone should be applied. Over time and with exposure to sunlight and UV, the colour will slowly fade to a silver patina, or ware/erode with use. Colour durability and the rate at which this fading, or wearing/eroding occurs is dependent on many factors such as age and porosity of the wood, species, situation, design, aspect, and degree of exposure to the weather. CUTEK® Extreme with an added Colourtone should be reapplied as frequently as necessary to maintain desired colour vibrancy.
  • Does CUTEK® Extreme have an cumulative effect?

    Yes. CUTEK® Extreme diffuses deeply into wood, protecting it from the inside out. CUTEK® Extreme stays permanently mobile inside the wood to repel and displace moisture. With each additional coat of CUTEK® Extreme, this protection increases. This means that if you continue to  maintain your wood with CUTEK® Extreme, the better protected against water the wood will be.

  • Can I apply CUTEK® Extreme over other coatings, deck stains or oils?

    No, generally speaking you cannot. CUTEK® Extreme must be applied to bare, clean and dry wood. Other oils, stains, paints and films act as a barrier for CUTEK® Extreme’s diffusion/penetration and must be fully removed first. For full instructions on how to Prepare your wood properly for coating with CUTEK® Extreme, follow this link to our Prepare page.

  • I want to protect my new wood, but I want it to naturally silver with age.

    For exterior wood, applying CUTEK® Extreme as a clear oil will protect the wood against moisture while allowing it to naturally lighten/silver to a natural patina over time as long as it is exposed to the sun.

  • Can I use CUTEK® Extreme on outdoor wood furniture?

    Yes. The CUTEK® system is designed to highlight and protect the natural beauty of all wood applications. Our range of Step 1: Prepare products will clean and enhance the wooden furniture, to get it ready for an application of our Step 2: Protect product (CUTEK® Extreme) which will powerfully protect the wood. Adding a CUTEK® Colourtone will help maintain the natural colour of your wood or alter its appearance, depending on our desired outcome.

  • Can I apply CUTEK® Extreme to wood cladding, siding, soffits, battens and screens?

    Yes. CUTEK® Extreme can be applied to all exterior wood features. A benefit of using CUTEK® Extreme on cladding, soffits, paneling, battens and screens is the ease of maintenance. No need to sand or strip your wood –  simply clean and recoat.

  • Can CUTEK® Extreme be used around swimming pools?

    Yes, CUTEK® Extreme is suitable for use around swimming pools. The inside-out moisture protection imparted by CUTEK® Extreme is desirable in wood that comes in contact with water. We recommend the use of clear rather than Colourtoned CUTEK® Extreme on wood that is subjected to a constant washing action from swimming pool activities because of the rapid rate of colour erosion that occurs with frequent water contact.  This way the necessity for frequent recoating for colour retention is avoided while the wood remains protected from constant damaging water ingress.  Please be aware that powerful pool chemicals that are allowed to contact CUTEK® Extreme coated wood in a concentrated form may stain coated wood. CUTEK® Extreme is not suitable for use on wood that is permanently immersed in water.

  • Can I use CUTEK® Extreme inside?

    No, CUTEK® Extreme should not be used for interior wood applications.

  • Is CUTEK® Extreme wet stackable for easy pre-coating before construction?

    Yes. Wood freshly coated with CUTEK® Extreme, or CUTEK® Machine Coat can be installed straight away or block stacked wet for later use. It is generally not recommended to wet stack wood coated with Colourtoned CUTEK® Extreme as this may produce an inconsistent ‘smudged’ finish.

  • Can I use CUTEK® Extreme on LOSP or CCA treated wood or plywood?

    Yes, CUTEK® Extreme is safe to use on these types of wood.

  • Can I apply CUTEK® Extreme without preparing my wood?

    CUTEK® Extreme must be applied to clean, dry and non-greasy wood. It is vital that previous coatings are removed prior to applying a coat of CUTEK® Extreme.

    CUTEK® Extreme may be applied to new wood without preparation however for the best possible outcomes we recommend using CUTEK® Wood Reviver to clean the surface and open up the grain of the wood to assist with the free diffusion of CUTEK® Extreme and removal of extractives/tannins.

  • Can I apply CUTEK® Extreme on new wood immediately without weathering?

    Yes, when applying it as a clear oil. Unlike most coatings, it is not necessary to wait for your wood to ‘weather’ before applying CUTEK® Extreme to new wood. In fact, we recommend the first coat goes on as soon as possible to protect the wood during the construction phase.

    The reason why many traditional wood coatings require new wood to be weathered is that tannins and other extractives and/or mill glaze present in new wood may interfere with the adhesion and performance of subsequently applied coatings. CUTEK® Extreme does not have this issue. It can be applied to wood the moment it arrives on site.

    If you would like to apply CUTEK® Extreme with an added CUTEK® Colourtone, it is best to prepare your wood with CUTEK® Wood Reviver to remove all potential barriers for maximum colour retention.

  • What should be avoided when planning to coat wood with CUTEK® Extreme?
    1. Wet wood, or wood with a high moisture content: Your wood should contain a maximum moisture content of 17%, as anything higher can significantly delay the drying process. If the moisture content is above 17%, CUTEK® Extreme may sit on the surface and eventually go tacky without penetrating properly.
    2. Too many coats too soon: The first application of CUTEK® Extreme needs to completely diffuse and dry before the next coat is applied.
    3. Existing oil, stain or paint on the surface of your wood: Existing film coatings act as a barrier to CUTEK® Extreme‘s penetration. Old coatings must be fully removed by sanding and/or chemical stripping prior to applying CUTEK® Extreme.
    4. Cold weather: CUTEK® Extreme should not be applied below 10° C (50° F).  In cold weather CUTEK® Extreme will become thicker and may result in too much oil being applied.  When applying in cooler climates, keep the oil in a warm spot until ready to apply to make it thinner and enhance penetration.
    5. Contamination: It is very important to ensure that wood surfaces to be coated with CUTEK® Extreme are free from chemical residues and are not exposed to environmental contaminants such as dusts while the applied oil is drying.  It is possible that contact with highly alkaline contaminants such as cement/fertilizer/other dusts or poorly rinsed cleaners may lead to chemical staining.
  • What steps should I follow when removing an existing coating?

    CUTEK® Extreme must be applied to bare, clean and dry wood. This allows the oil to freely penetrate/diffuse into your wood. Wood previously coated with a film forming product such as stains, linseed oil, paint, polyurethane, water-based oils, etc. can inhibit this penetration/diffusion and must be removed using the following steps:

    1. Remove previous coating using CUTEK® Wood Stripper. It is safe and user-friendly and is suitable to remove multiple layers of most commonly used wood coatings.
    2. Restore the colour and enhance the grain with CUTEK® Wood Reviver. CUTEK® Wood Reviver will bring weathered and stained wood back to life.

    After removing the previous coating, it is important to protect your exterior wood with CUTEK® Extreme to repel and displace moisture, and extend service life.

  • How do I apply CUTEK® Extreme?

    STEP 1: PREPARE

    In order for CUTEK® Extreme, to function properly, it is essential that it diffuses deeply into the wood. Anything that might prevent this penetration/diffusion, such as an existing coating (not CUTEK® Extreme), retained moisture, or insufficient time between coats, must be avoided or corrected before applying CUTEK® Extreme.

    CUTEK® Extreme must be applied to wood that is clean, non-greasy and dry (moisture content must be less than 17%). You must appropriately prepare your wood BEFORE applying CUTEK® Extreme.

    If you have… NEW WOOD:

    Your wood must be bare, clean and dry before applying CUTEK® Extreme. If your wood presents with surface contaminants such as stains caused by water, iron or tannins, or chemical residues, or if there is mill glaze, we recommend using CUTEK® Wood Reviver prior to application of CUTEK® Extreme.

    If you have… OLD, GREYED OR WEATHERED UNCOATED WOOD:

    Old, dirty, stained or grey weathered wood should be prepared and restored by first applying CUTEK® Wood Reviver which will remove the grey and reinstate the original natural colour, grain and beauty of your wood prior to application of CUTEK® Extreme.

    If you have… WOOD PREVIOUSLY COATED WITH A NON-CUTEK® COATING:

    CUTEK® Extreme must be applied to bare, clean and dry wood. This allows CUTEK® Extreme to freely penetrate/diffuse into your wood. Wood previously coated with a film forming product such as stains, linseed oil, paint, polyurethane, water-based oils, etc. can inhibit this penetration/diffusion and must be removed first with CUTEK® Wood Stripper and CUTEK® Wood Reviver prior to the application of CUTEK® Extreme. In some circumstances complete removal of previous coatings by machine sanding/abrasion can also be a suitable preparation method.

    If you have… WOOD PREVIOUSLY COATED IN CUTEK® EXTREME:

    Prepare for a maintenance recoat of CUTEK® Extreme by using CUTEK® Quickclean to remove grease, grime and other dirt from your wood. If maintenance has been neglected for a long period of time and the wood has either greyed, become heavily stained by tannins or iron, or if there is an excessive build-up of CUTEK® Colourtone, use CUTEK® Wood Reviver to refresh your wood prior to recoating.

    STEP 2: PROTECT

    BEFORE YOU PROTECT:  Note the hazards and precautions on this website and the can labelling, and ensure that you use the correct safety equipment as detailed in the Safety Data Sheet.

    WEATHER:  Once applied, CUTEK® Extreme generally requires 3-5 days of dry conditions after coating to facilitate full penetration/diffusion (drying) and an even colour finish; so check your weather forecast before coating.

    CUTEK® COLOURTONE:  Clear, un-tinted CUTEK® Extreme will allow your wood to naturally lighten/silver/grey when exposed to sunlight while retaining its protection characteristics. Unless you want a clear finish that will naturally lighten/silver/grey off, it is important to mix in a CUTEK® Colourtone to your can of oil before use. Adding a CUTEK® Colourtone provides UV colour protection and slows the lightening/silvering process.

    To choose which Colourtone suits your wood and project, visit our Colourtone page.

    APPLICATION:  After preparing your wood, it will need to be completely dry prior to coating with CUTEK® Extreme. It is very important that your wood is clean, non-greasy and dry with a moisture content of less than 17%. It is also very important that the surface of the wood is free from chemical residues and is not exposed to environmental contaminants such as dusts while the CUTEK® oil is drying.

    Stir the CUTEK® Extreme oil thoroughly (with the added CUTEK® Colourtone if desired) before and during use. Make sure you stir from the bottom of the can to ensure active ingredients are properly mixed throughout the oil.

    Apply thin, even coats with a brush, or paint pad applicator. CUTEK® Extreme works best when applied as a THIN COAT – two or three thin coats on finished woods are much better than one or two thick coats. For best results, ONE coat of CUTEK® Extreme should be applied to all faces of the wood prior to installing, with a SECOND coat applied to the top surface once the first coat has completely penetrated/diffused (dried).

    If applying post-construction, apply two thin coats to all accessible wood surfaces, ensuring the first coat has completely penetrated/diffused (dried) before applying the second coat.

    DRYING TIME:  Unlike traditional wood coatings, CUTEK® Extreme needs to penetrate/diffuse deeply into your wood. After coating, CUTEK® Extreme will slowly migrate into your wood to repel and displace moisture, improve dimensional stability and lengthen the service life of your wood. This penetration/diffusion (drying) process varies in time for many reasons including differences in wood type (species, density, porosity, age of wood and residual moisture content) as well as environmental factors (temperature, humidity, weather).

    Sometimes this drying process can take several days to complete. You will know when your wood is ready for a second coat of CUTEK® Extreme when it is completely dry and non-greasy. Please note the second coat of CUTEK® Extreme will take longer to migrate into your wood than the first coat.

    CLEAN-UP: Equipment (including brushes) may be cleaned with CUTEK® Quickclean, mineral spirits or soap and water. If not correctly cleaned or disposed of, oily rags and other oily materials may cause combustion fires. After use you MUST immediately spread out all oily material outside to dry, by flattening them out to their full size in an airy spot at a temperature above 4ºC (39ºF), or wash them thoroughly with water and detergent and rinse. Remove all oil from all clothes, tools, rags and any other materials contacted during use or as a result of an accidental spill. Ensure wash water is disposed in accordance with local regulations.

    .

    Coverage
     New hardwoods (sanded) 10–20 m2/L      400-800  ft²/gal
    Old restored wood (sanded) 6–8.5 m2/L        250-350  ft²/gal
    New wood (rough sawn) 6-7.5 m2/L       250-300 sq.ft/gal
    Old restored wood (rough sawn) 3.5–6 m2/L      150-250 sq.ft/gal
    Shingles and shakes 2–5 m2/L           84-212  sq.ft/gal

    These figures represent typical averages for common decking and cladding wood species and are to be used as a guideline only.

  • Initial Colour Change Caused by the Application of CUTEK® Extreme to New Wood

    CUTEK® Extreme applied to new wood can initially change the colour of the wood considerably, usually darkening the wood. This is due to CUTEK® Extreme filling all the voids/pores in the wood and “wetting it out”. Typically, CUTEK® Extreme coated wood will have a higher refractive value than air, hence the darker appearance upon initial coating. A quick and easy way to check what the colour of your freshly CUTEK® oiled wood will look like is to splash some water on the wood and observe the colour. Additionally, you can use a Pre-Mixed Sample to help you determine the suitability of colour for your own project.

  • When should a CUTEK® Colourtone be added to CUTEK® Extreme?

    Wood protected with clear CUTEK® Extreme will naturally lighten/silver/grey with exposure to sunlight. Unless you want a clear finish that will lighten/silver/grey off, it is important to mix in a CUTEK® Colourtone to your CUTEK® Extreme oil before use. Adding CUTEK® Colourtone will provide UV colour protection and slows the lightening/silvering process.

    NOTE: CUTEK® Extreme diffuses deeply into your wood and will continue to provide moisture protection and improve dimensional stability even if a CUTEK® Colourtone is not added, and your wood becomes weathered and greyed. To maintain your wood’s natural colour for longer, choose a CUTEK® Colourtone similar to the natural colour of your wood. Suggested CUTEK® Colourtones that match the natural hue of your wood can be found on our Colourtone product page. Colourtones can also help alter your wood colour if required (e.g. make your wood look lighter or darker than its natural state).

    Always used a PRE-MIXED SAMPLE to test if your chosen Colourtone is right for your project.

    NOTE: CUTEK® is unable to offer any specific performance warranties in relation to colour retention for CUTEK® products because of many variables related to the weathering process including but not limited to: the age and porosity of the wood, species, situation, design and structure, aspect, differing exposure to the weather and adequacy of preparation.

  • What is the average coverage rate when using CUTEK® Extreme?

    CUTEK® Extreme‘s coverage will be different depending on the density and condition of the wood you are intending to coat. Please see below for a guide on the coverage rate of different wood substrates:

    Coverage
     New Wood (sanded) 10–20 m2/L     400-800 ft²/gal
    Old restored wood (sanded) 6–8.5 m2/L       250-350 ft²/gal
    New wood (rough sawn) 6-7.5 m2/L        250-300 ft²/gal
    Old restored wood (rough sawn) 3.5–6 m2/L       150-250 ft²/gal
    Shingles and shakes 2–5 m2/L            84-212 ft²/gal

    NOTE: These figures represent typical averages for common decking and cladding wood species and are to be used as a guideline only.

  • How many coats of CUTEK® Extreme are required on new wood?

    We recommend applying two thin coats of CUTEK® Extreme for the initial application.

    For best results, ONE coat of CUTEK® Extreme should be applied to all faces of the wood prior to installing, with a SECOND coat applied to the top surface once the first coat has completely penetrated/diffused (dried).

    If applying post-construction, apply two thin coats to all accessible wood surfaces, ensuring the first coat has completely penetrated/diffused (dried) before applying the second coat.

    Subsequent maintenance coats should be applied when the wood is no longer beading water, or as frequently as necessary to retain the natural beauty and colour of the wood.

  • Can I apply CUTEK® Extreme without sanding between coats?

    CUTEK® Extreme does not behave like traditional film forming coatings, meaning there is no need to sand between coats, unless there is a need to fix some defect in the wood substrate.

  • Can I apply CUTEK® Extreme on hot sunny days?

    Yes. Unlike many wood coatings, CUTEK® Extreme performs well in dry, hot conditions. In fact, heat and ventilation greatly assist the deep diffusion of CUTEK® Extreme into the wood.

  • Can CUTEK® products be applied without high skill level to avoid “wet edge” marks?

    Yes. CUTEK® products are simple and easy to use and beginners can achieve professional results. Unlike traditional film-based coatings that dry very quickly, or cannot be applied on days that are too hot or too cold, CUTEK® Extreme gives you time to correct and/or clean any areas where too much oil may have been applied no matter what the ambient temperature is. Further, CUTEK® Extreme provides a “matte-low sheen” finish which tends to hide surface imperfections in the wood.

  • Why do I have to wait between coats?

    CUTEK® Extreme must be allowed to diffuse into the wood and fully cure between coats. If it is not fully dried, and another coat is applied the drying time of the second coat may be extended for much longer than it needs to be.

    The speed of the drying process varies according to many different factors such as wood species, density, porosity, residual moisture content and temperature.  Pre-coated wood will always dry faster if stacked outside.

  • How long does it take for CUTEK® Extreme to dry?

    Unlike traditional wood coatings, CUTEK® Extreme needs to penetrate/diffuse deeply into your wood. After coating, CUTEK® Extreme will slowly migrate into your wood to repel and displace moisture, improve dimensional stability and lengthen the service life of your wood. This penetration/diffusion process varies in time for many reasons including differences in wood type (species, density, porosity, age of wood and residual moisture content) as well as environmental factors (temperature, humidity, weather). Sometimes this drying process can take several days to complete. You will know when your wood is ready for an additional coat of CUTEK® Extreme when it is completely dry and non-greasy. Please note the second coat of CUTEK® Extreme will take longer to migrate into your wood than the first coat.

    Pre-coated wood will always dry faster if stacked outside.

  • I have just applied CUTEK® Extreme and it is taking a long time to dry. Why is this?

    CUTEK® Extreme works by deeply diffusing into the wood and it won’t dry on the surface until this process has been fully completed. The drying process varies in time according to many different factors such as wood species, density, porosity, residual moisture content and temperature, humidity etc.

    To help ensure your CUTEK® Extreme dries as quickly as possible, make sure you avoid:

    • Wet wood, or wood with a high moisture content. Your wood should contain a maximum moisture content of 17%, as anything higher can significantly delay the drying process. If this happens, CUTEK® Extreme may sit on the surface and eventually go tacky without penetrating properly.
    • Cold weather. You should not apply CUTEK® Extreme if it is below 5°C (40°F). In cold weather CUTEK® Extreme will become thicker and therefore too much oil is applied. Keep oil warm before application to make it thinner and to enhance penetration. Thin coats are recommended.
    • Too many coats too soon. The first application of CUTEK® Extreme needs to completely diffuse and dry fully before the next coat is applied.
    • Existing oil, stain or paint on the surface. Existing film coats act as a barrier to CUTEK® Extreme‘s penetration. Old coatings must be fully removed by sanding and/or chemical stripping prior to applying CUTEK® Extreme.

    For best results, always allow CUTEK® Extreme to completely diffuse before adding an additional coat or using. If you cannot wait, rag off the excess material on the surface and the coating will dry on top at a much faster rate.

  • What do I use to clean up a CUTEK® Extreme spill?

    Time is of the essence.  For best results clean up the excess oil with rags and then work the stain with a CUTEK® Quickclean and water mixture to remove as much of the spill as possible.  If CUTEK® Quickclean is not available, then mix dishwashing liquid into warm water with some mineral spirts or turpentine, if possible, and work the stain with this mixture.

  • Should I only use CUTEK® Quickclean to prepare my wood for a maintenance coat of CUTEK® Extreme?

    CUTEK® Quickclean is an excellent exterior surface cleaner. CUTEK® Quickclean is also the best choice to clean your wood in preparation for a maintenance coat of CUTEK® Extreme.

    Regular wood cleaning is important to maximizing service life of wood and with CUTEK® Quickclean, wood and other exterior surface cleaning is easy and cost effective.

  • Does CUTEK® Quickclean remove stains and rejuvenate my wood?

    No. CUTEK® Quickclean powerfully cleans wood to remove surface dirt, grease and grime. While it can remove some stains, it is not effective in removing stubborn stains from wood and/or restoring wood back to its original colour. If you need to remove stubborn stains or restore grey and weathered wood, use CUTEK® Wood Reviver.

  • Does CUTEK® Quickclean cure mould?

    No. CUTEK® Quickclean can help remove mould and fungal growth on the surface of the wood, however it does not stop mould from reappearing on the wood.

  • What is the difference between CUTEK® Quickclean and CUTEK® Wood Reviver?

    CUTEK® Quickclean is a powerful general purpose outdoor cleaner that removes dirt, grease and grim from outdoor surfaces. It is excellent to use to clean wood in preparation for a maintenance coat of CUTEK® Extreme.

    CUTEK® Wood Reviver is a wood restoration agent that restores stained, weathered and grey wood back to its original appearance. CUTEK® Wood Reviver is effective in removing stubborn stains caused by tannins, water, iron, resins, mould and fungus. It should be used for weathered wood, to remove stains from wood and/or to restore wood back to its original appearance. Typically, CUTEK® Wood Reviver is utilized to rejuvenate wood before the initial coat of CUTEK® Extreme is applied. It can also be used to prepare new wood for coating by removing common side effects of machining lumber such as “mill glaze” and excess extractives.

  • There are plenty of wood cleaners on the market, what makes CUTEK® Wood Reviver different?

    CUTEK® Wood Reviver is a commercial strength restoration agent with a thirty-year pedigree. Designed by professionals for professionals, it works quickly to remove heavy discolouration, greying, iron stains, water stains, mould stains, etc. from all species of wood, while brightening the natural grain.  Unlike most DIY cleaners CUTEK® Wood Reviver resists drying out on a hot day. It keeps working with a deep cleaning action, continuing the restoration process when others stop, without needing to keep the wood’s surface wet.

  • Are CUTEK® exterior wood protection oils interchangeable?

    Yes. All exterior CUTEK® oils are interchangeable.

    Do not worry if your previous CUTEK® oil has now been discontinued. CUTEK® Extreme is able to be used over the top of CUTEK® Extreme and CUTEK® Low VOC.

    NOTE: We do not recommend that different types of CUTEK® exterior oils are mixed together in the can.