FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

  1. I don't want my decking to turn grey. Why do I have to let it weather?
  2. How long will TEXTROL last?
  3. Will my wood maintain a uniform appearance between each application?
  4. Can TEXTROL be tinted?
  5. What is the difference between TEXTROL and AQUATROL?
  6. What is Textrol?
  7. Why is Textrol unique?
  8. What colours is Textrol available in?
  9. How can Textrol be applied?
  10. Can Textrol Clear be applied to new wood?
  11. Can Textrol colours be applied to new wood?
  12. Can Textrol colours be applied to new, smooth Cedar?
  13. How do I prepare weathered wood for Textrol?
  14. How many coats of Textrol should be applied?
  15. When can I apply Textrol?
  16. How often should Textrol be maintained?
  17. Can Textrol be tinted?
  18. Can Textrol be used internally

I don't want my decking to turn grey. Why do I have to let it weather?

Cleaning the decking with NET-TROL will get rid of the dirt and the wood tannins. The wood's natural colour will be restored. Once the wood is dry, an application of TEXTROL will reinforce the wood's natural beauty, while protecting it from damage caused by the weather.

How long will TEXTROL last?

That depends on the exposure of the surface.

Will my wood maintain a uniform appearance between each application?

Probably not. The oils in TEXTROL will bring out the wood's colour when applied but the weather will cause the wood to gradually lighten. Although the wood can become very light, it is still protected deep down. It requires a new application before it begins to turn grey.

Can TEXTROL be tinted?

Yes. In this case, always use the clear TEXTROL and don't use more than 5 g of universal colorant per litre. Always test the colour first on a small area of the wood you want to protect. TEXTROL is also now available in golden oak and rustic oak.

What is the difference between TEXTROL and AQUATROL?

AQUATROL is an emulsion version of TEXTROL. They're both oil-based but the advantage of AQUATROL is that it can be cleaned with soap and water. They give the wood a different colour once applied and both have a different appearance in the container. TEXTROL is amber in colour and AQUATROL looks like a milky gel. Both products provide a matt finish.

What is Textrol?

Textrol is a high solids, clear penetrating, exterior oil based finish for wood. It may be used on decks, cladding, fences, shake roofs and garden furniture. It is ideal for both soft and hardwoods.

Why is Textrol unique?

It combines high solids with the ability to penetrate deep into the wood, actually strengthening the wood and giving it outstanding resistance to weathering and moisture attack. It has excellent mildew resistance and maintains the rich natural beauty of the wood.

What colours is Textrol available in?

It is available in a Clear, Golden Oak, Medium Oak and Rustic Oak.

How can Textrol be applied?

By brush, roller, garden sprayer or low-pressure airless spray at 700 psi (.011 - .015 tip). When spraying always back brush or back roll to improve penetration and uniformity of coverage.

Can Textrol Clear be applied to new wood?

No. It is important to allow new wood to weather for at least 12 months. This weathering process breaks down mill glaze, allows excess moisture to escape and opens the grain so that the Textrol can penetrate properly. It also allows natural chemical extractives (tannins) in the wood, which cause staining, to escape.
Use Seasonite to protect and stabilise the wood during its weathering period.

Can Textrol colours be applied to new wood?

Yes. However the wood should be tested for penetration first. This is done by applying Textrol to a protected area. If it is absorbed in quickly proceed with application, if not, wait a few weeks and try again or treat wood with Aquanett. See can label or Technical Data Sheet for full instructions. For New Cedar see below.

Can Textrol colours be applied to new, smooth Cedar?

The natural oils in Cedar and the presence of mill glaze prevent the proper penetration of any oil or adhesion of any coating. This lack of penetration or adhesion will result in a shortened time to first maintenance and in the case of a surface coating, peeling and flaking. New smooth Cedar is best treated with Seasonite and left 12 months to weather. After this time apply Textrol.

How do I prepare weathered wood for Textrol?

Clean weathered wood with Net-trol Wood Cleaner and Colour Restorer. Allow the wood to dry thoroughly, 2-3 warm drying days, prior to applying Textrol.

How many coats of Textrol should be applied?

Apply two wet on wet coats. As one coat is absorbed, apply the second coat. Do not allow Textrol to become touch dry or dry between coats. After 10-15 minutes of applying the last application, wipe up any excess Textrol that has not penetrated with a clean, dry cloth to avoid shiny spots. If the wood is highly porous a third application of Textrol maybe required.

When can I apply Textrol?

Apply Textrol when the ambient temperature is between 5°C and 35°C. Do not apply if cold or wet weather is expected within 24 hours. Avoid applying in direct sunlight; applying Textrol to hot woods limits its penetration.

How often should Textrol be maintained?

There are several factors that determine how often Textrol needs maintenance. These are primarily: Type of wood - soft or hard; Elevation - horizontal or vertical and Facing - north, south etc
As a guide:

  • Softwood: every 18 months - 2yrs (3 - 5yrs on vertical surfaces)
  • Hardwood: every 12 - 18 months (2 - 4yrs on vertical surfaces)

Applying an additional coat of Textrol when required will bring back the woods natural beauty. Using Net-trol prior to applying Textrol will clean the surface and remove any weathering that might be apparent.

Can Textrol be tinted?

Yes.
Textrol may be tinted with a universal colourant or oil based transparent stain. Use a maximum 5%  colourant or stain per litre of Textrol.
Use wood tone colours only.

Can Textrol be used internally

No. It is not advisable to use products containing mildewcides internally.