Thread: Sikkens finish for a front door

"Sickens cetol filter 7" is the external one , the only other product I would use , and use for choice is "wattyl exterior clear"

I have received the following information, plus lots of attachements from Sikkens. I hope this helps someone else too.

regards,
Jill


To coat external doors we recommend:

• Apply 1 or 2 coats Cetol HLS (*in your chosen shade) followed by 2 coats Cetol Filter 7 (*in your chosen shade).
  
  • Due to the extreme sun exposure in your area we would strongly recommend avoiding the use of colour 077 (Pine / Natural) as it will provide minimal UV protection. The darker the pigment in the product the stronger the UV protection you achieve.

Preparation / Application:

2. Ensure timber is seasoned (ie not leaching extractives), clean and freshly sanded using 80 grade sand paper. Dust down.
3. Apply Cetol HLS, by brush. Ensure all surfaces are well coated. Allow at least 24 hours drying time between coats.
4. Apply Cetol Filter 7, by brush. Allowing at least 24-48 hours drying time between coats. Always ensure the previous coat is thoroughly dry before applying the next.

Maintenance:

This should be done at regular intervals (approx. every 2 - 4 years, or earlier if required) when the coating begins to lose it's sheen and begins to look 'tired and thin', but before a patchy / discoloured appearance results.

• Wash surfaces with mild detergent and water, rinse well. Allow 3+ days to dry.
• Lightly scuff the surface with 180 grit sand paper.
• Apply refresher coat(s) of product last applied.

Important points to note:

• Above time frames for drying after washing & coating and maintenance are only guides. Every piece of timber will react differently and maintenance will be dependant upon many factors including: weather conditions, aspect, exposure, usage, colour chosen etc.
• * Due to the intense UV in Australia, Sikkens products are available in a range of transparent shades. The pigment is what provides the UV protection and the darker the pigment the stronger the UV protection will become, therefore (as yet) no clear is available. Cetol HLS is available in 10 transparent shades and Cetol Filter 7 is available in 7.
• All coatings are to be applied liberally and by natural bristle brush. Applicator pads, rollers etc tend to spread the product too thin and lay the product lightly over the surface, whereas the bristles of a brush work the product into the timber fibres for better penetration and adhesion.
• Do not coat a surface that is hot to touch / in direct sunlight.

Thanks for that update on the product Jill. I did a new front door with these finishes about 6 months ago and I couldnt be happier with it. The maintenance info was also very helpful.
The fact its a brush on is a great advantage for home handymen, and still gives a professional finish.
Fabulous product.

Cheers, Ian

techinically although the hls+filter 7 option is the most UV resistant partially due to the higher film build in the filter 7, you could probably quite happily use 3 coats of HLS which is still a good general purpose coating and the original deck finish prior to cetol deck arriving.