LIFELINE ULTRA-1
The world market for semi-transparent stain
for wood protection is growing at a faster rate than paint and
decorative products in general.
Worldwide demand has risen for high
performance wood protection finishes. The Japanese and
European communities, who have used wood in their houses for
centuries, are discarding their own traditional products for
higher technology wood stains.
Perma-Chink Systems, Inc. has invested heavily in the research
and development of LIFELINE ULTRA-1 stain, which we believe is
necessary to gain world leadership in wood protection. Log
home finishes are traditionally semi-transparent stains
because the natural look and feel of the logs is of paramount
concern to the customer. Opaque paint is unacceptable as it
hides the natural beauty of the logs, traditional alkyd (oil
based) stains do not hold up under weathering conditions, have
a relatively short lifespan, and tend to make the wood
look
“washed out” and dull.
Newer water borne polymer based stains offer
some improvement and afford a better look. The challenge
therefore is to maximize both durability and appearance. This
is what has led Perma-Chink Systems,
Inc. to develop a new technology of semi-transparent wood
stains.
WOOD PROTECTION -
THE BARE FACT
The unique beauty of natural wood provides a
special value in log homes. But once the tree is cut and bark
is removed, the logs urgently need a new form of protection.
All wood, particularly unprotected wood, is greatly affected
by the environment. Protection from moisture and fungi is
required, but also wood must be protected from degradation
from prolonged exposure to Ultra Violet (UV) radiation from
the sun.
Ultraviolet light striking the wood surface
provides energy for a reaction with the lignin in wood that
decomposes the surface, which leads to the destruction of the
cell structure. This greatly increases the absorption of
water, which in turn leads to graying of the wood surface,
cracking and other damage. High altitudes, low cloud cover,
and direct sunlight accelerate the damage to the wood surface.
The result is degradation of the wood under
the coating. The combination of the stain itself weathering
and the photochemical reaction of the UV and lignin of the
wood degrading the wood surface lead to finish failure. When
the finish fails, moisture can enter the logs, providing a
host for mildew, fungus, etc.
EFFECTIVE
PROTECTION
Wood surfaces can be stabilized against
degradation using a variety of techniques. With opaque coating
such as paint provides maximum protection but is unsuitable
for log home applications as it completely hides the natural
beauty of the logs. Typical fillers such as carbon black and
zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, are widely used for plastics and
coatings and can also act as U.V. blockers. Effective use
levels, however, result in opaque systems (Paint).
INTRODUCING
LIFELINE ULTRA-1.
EFFECT OF PARTICLE SIZE.
What is so special about LIFELINE ULTRA-1 stain?
 The
key to designing a high-performance semi-transparent stain is
in film thickness and concentration levels and particle size
of the pigment. Typical iron oxide pigments have a particle
size of .15 um; new transparent iron oxides have a particle
size of .01 um. Transparent iron oxides are unique iron oxide
pigments offering greater transparency plus outstanding
permanency when compared to regular iron oxides.
As with most pigments, the efficiency of U.V.
screening and transparency as related to film clarity, is most
dependent on the dispersion of the pigment within the coating
system. When these pigment particles are imbedded in a film,
the larger sizes cannot effectively block the damaging UV
rays. The much smaller particle size available in the
transparent iron oxides allow much heavier loading of the
pigment in the film and provides many more layers of pigment
particles needed to block the UV. The particle size and shape
effectively block the damaging UV rays, but allow the visible
wavelength to pass through, letting the natural beauty of the
wood to shine through.
The polymer technology utilized to support
the pigment particles must offer increased film thickness, and
still allow the film to “breathe”. (This film thickness is the
reason oil based stains are not able to take full advantage of
this technology - the oil penetrates into the wood, leaving no
film to support the pigment). This combination of thicker film
and ultra fine pigment particles provides a true
semi-transparent stain that provides maximum UV blocking and
gives the wood a beautiful “furniture” grade finish that truly
DISTINGUISHES the logs. In addition, the advanced polymer film
is water-borne so there is no odor or Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOC) and clean up is with ordinary soap and water.
Perma-Chink Systems, Inc. is very proud to
announce this new generation, high-performance acrylic log
home finish that combines a state-of-the-art polymer film,
transparent iron-oxide pigments, and specialized fungus and
mold inhibitors for outstanding beauty and protection in one
of the most durable semi-transparent wood finishes in the
world. |
