Reinvention of Ancient Wood Protection Technology

Of late there has been significant interest in the rekindling of time-honoured wood finishes. Many of these surface finishes are experiencing a renaissance in a world where natural materials are increasingly desired. Surprisingly, many of them perform better than modern alternatives.

Shou Sugi Ban / Charred Wood

A Japanese art of charred wood - known as Shou Sugi Ban or Yaki Sugi - has made inroads in contemporary architecture. It’s believed that the finishing techniques Asian roots date back to the eighteenth century, when the Japanese first started charring wood siding with fire as a way to preserve it. After charring, the wood is sealed with natural oils.

Over time, the surface of wood erodes when exposed to ultraviolet rays, wind and moisture. By creating a deep char, it is possible to protect timber from sun, wind, water, decay and fire, significantly extending its life.

Charring wood improves the fire resistance of timber. When the surface of wood is burned, the softer, more reactive cellulose vaporises and gets burned off, while harder lignin takes a longer time to burn. The residual blackened lignin requires much higher temperatures and a longer time in contact with a flame source to reignite.

It is critical to have as stable, chemical free timber for charring. Abodo’s Vulcan Cladding provides the perfect substrate, with high stability and natural durability. Examples of charred wood projects include the award winning Lake Waikaremoana Welcome Centre.

How long does charred timber last? Read more here

Iron Vitriol / Iron Sulphate

Iron sulphate has been used for generations as a surface treatment to create the impression of a weathered wooden façade that has turned grey. Iron sulphate reacts with tannins in wood and causes a chemical colouring on the surface of the timber.

Iron sulphate is generally mixed with water and is a colourless liquid that is painted or sprayed onto the sawn face of new wood or wood previously treated with iron sulphate. Over time, treatment with an iron sulphate solution turns the timbers surface an attractive and lasting brown-grey to silver-grey colour, depending on the species of timber used. The wood should be treated before being installed, as this gives better penetration on the tongues and grooves.

One of the benefits of iron sulphate is that it “self-healing”, generally cracks and damage to wood will be naturally resealed by the stain.

Iron sulphate is low toxicity and generally does not contain volatile organic compounds (VOC’s)

Abodo’s Vulcan timber is a great surface for iron based surface treatments, causing a sedate reaction and leaving the timber with a long lasting deep chocolate brown.

Silicate Treatment

Silicate technology to protect and preserve wood was developed in Germany in the 19th century for applications such; as decking, battens, and cladding. Aesthetically the result was the silver-grey - which we’ve all come to love in European architecture.

Layers of silicate crystals grow deep in the wood, providing a barrier and a resistive protection against fungus, vermin and microorganisms trying to gain a hold

Modern versions of silicate based wood coatings have come a long way, while older methods relied on large silicate molecules, the ones used in Abodo’s Sioo:x coating are smaller. We have also substituted sodium as a helping agent, for potassium. The advantage of the Sioo:x solution is that it quickly penetrates the wood and combines with it.

Abodo’s Sioo:x silicate system is widely used throughout Australia. Find out more:

• Sioo:x - Low Maintenance Timber Finish
• Darley House - Sydney, Australia
• Waimarama Surf Lifesaving Club - 5 Year Revisit

Contact the Abodo team to discuss finish options.