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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 what CUTEK® product is best for you? Explore our resources here or contact us. We’re here to help make using CUTEK® easy.
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:
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.
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 spirits or turpentine, if possible, and work the stain with this mixture.
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 gray discoloration that is often incorrectly described as “mold” 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 discoloration 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 a source of iron along with removal of old rusted gutters, 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%, the CUTEK® Extreme oil may sit on the surface and may, though rarely, present with a dark blotchy discoloration (especially with Colortoned 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 discoloration exists. When the black spots/discoloration has disappeared, use a pressure washer to remove CUTEK® Wood Reviver (refer to the CUTEK® Wood Reviver page or Factsheet for further information). When the wood has dried (moisture content less than 17%), recoat with CUTEK® Extreme.