The durability and preservation of the aesthetic appearance of a log house depends on the quality of its processing. Lacquer compositions are able to protect the bath from atmospheric influences and ultraviolet radiation. The main thing is to choose the right one and properly cover the walls with it. Content:
- Varieties of varnishes for the bath
- Manufacturers of varnishes
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Bath coating technology
- Preparation for processing
- Outside varnish application
- Is it possible to cover the sauna inside
To protect the bath from external negative influences, many people prefer to varnish it. Unlike varnish-free impregnations for a log house, it forms a transparent coating, keeping the wood pattern original and rich. It is important that the formed film is elastic, since the wood tends to expand and dry out, damaging the integrity of the lacquer shell.
Varieties of varnishes for the bath
The market offers many different paints and varnishes, but not all of them are suitable for effectively protecting the wood of the bath. Consider which varnishes are advisable to use to cover the bath, and which are undesirable:
- Oil varnishes … They consist of natural and artificial resins, modified natural oils, solvents, driers. The latter promote quick drying. When applied, they form a strong yellowish film. Cost - from 2 thousand rubles per liter. Service life - 1-2 years.
- Alkyd varnishes … Contains pentaphthalic and glyphthalic synthetic resins, desiccants. They are usually dissolved with synthetic oils. They have higher technical characteristics than oil, but also a higher cost. Their price starts from 700 rubles per liter. The operational period is 2-3 years. It is to this group that the common yacht and parquet varnish is ranked, but such a tool forms a hard shell, and therefore its use for baths is undesirable.
- Varnishes and alcohol varnishes … They contain natural resins. Not recommended for covering a log house. They form too hard a shell and poorly protect against precipitation. Price - from 1200 rubles per liter.
- Alkyd-urea varnishes … They are represented by a solution of amino-formaldehyde and alkyd resins, to which acid hardeners are added. They perfectly protect the tree from negative factors. However, the film is not elastic, which will interfere with the natural processes in the wood. They can be used to cover the porch or wooden steps in front of the bath. Cost - from 300 rubles per liter.
- Acrylic bath lacquer … Consists of polyacrylates and organic solvents. Ecologicaly clean. Ideal for covering a log house, it will be relatively inexpensive - from 200 rubles per liter. Service life is about 5 years.
- Polyester varnishes … They form a thick film and provide maximum protection against moisture and temperature extremes. They are distinguished by their high cost. The operational period is 3-4 years. They are often sold in powder form. Price - from 500 rubles per kilogram.
- Water-based polyurethane bath varnish … Appeared on the market not so long ago. It incorporates the advantages of polyester and acrylic compounds. Environmentally friendly and durable. With the addition of strengthening components, it lasts about 6-7 years. It is expensive (from 1200 rubles per liter), but it is of high quality.
As for nitrocellulose and polyurethane varnishes, their use for a wooden bath is highly discouraged because of the too high hardness of the shell.
Many varnishes, although they have a transparent structure, still give the wood a shade. Think about this moment in advance or consult with a consultant in a hardware store so that you are completely satisfied with the result. If you are choosing a tinted varnish, then you need to carefully calculate the amount of the product that you need so that you do not have to buy it. Otherwise, you can miscalculate with a shade. Even for one manufacturer, varnishes of different batches may slightly differ in shade.
When purchasing a composition, pay attention to the labeling. The varnish must be designed for outdoor use.
Bath varnish manufacturers
The choice of a lacquer manufacturer must be taken seriously. Buy products only from certified sellers so as not to buy a fake.
A huge selection of varnishes is offered by domestic and foreign manufacturers. Tikkurila bath lacquers hold a well-deserved leadership among the means for external treatment of log cabins. This Finnish company has launched a separate line of products for painting and treating surfaces outside and inside the bath called Supi Saunasuoya. These are mainly semi-matt varnishes that reliably protect the wood from swelling, rotting and mold.
The varnish for baths and saunas Neomid from the Russian manufacturer is also very popular. It costs a little less than Tikkurila, and is practically not inferior in quality. When choosing a varnish, you should pay attention to the products of such world-famous manufacturers as Pinotex (Denmark), Belinka Base (Slovakia), Senezh, Wood Doctor.
Consider the compatibility of primer and varnish to prevent reaction. It is better to choose them from one manufacturer.
Bath varnish technology
It is necessary to cover the log house with a varnish composition only after the final shrinkage and caulking. In this case, the surface will retain its aesthetic appearance as long as possible. Before starting work, it is important to carefully drive in the caulking elements (tow or jute fibers). If you insulated the bath with a synthetic sealant, then it should consist of painted materials.
Preparation for processing the bath with varnish
First you need to prepare the surface, give it an aesthetic appearance and protect it from decay, fungus, mold, insects, and rodents.
We carry out work in this order:
- We carefully grind the logs.
- We clean the walls from wood dust. For this, the slots can be blown out with an ordinary vacuum cleaner.
- Degrease with white spirit. We are waiting for its complete weathering.
- We cover the surface with an antiseptic composition in two layers. We pay special attention to the lower three crowns, which are more exposed to negative atmospheric influences than others.
- Do not forget about the ends of the log house. They have a much higher consumption due to roughness.
- After complete drying, apply two layers of fire retardant. We process hard-to-reach places on the walls by drawing liquid into a syringe.
As for antiseptics for a bath, oil, solvent-based mixtures and combined formulations are considered the most suitable. The latter contain fireproofing impregnations. Using them, you do not need to apply additional fire retardant, however, they will cost more. It is not recommended to use water-soluble antiseptics due to their ineffectiveness for outdoor use.
Features of applying varnish outside the bath
It is possible to start varnishing the log house at temperatures above +5 degrees and humidity below 80%. It is not recommended to work with frozen wood as it contains a lot of moisture. The optimal weather for outdoor decoration is dry and sunny.
When choosing a coating tool, keep in mind that by using a spray gun, you will make the surface glossy. But after processing with brushes and a roller, it will acquire a matte look.
In the process of covering the bath outside with varnish, we adhere to the following sequence:
- To begin with, be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for the selected composition. It contains information on suitable methods of application and drying time of the varnish.
- We varnish the wood along the grain. If a spray gun is used, then hold it at a right angle to the wall.
- After complete drying of the varnish layer, we carry out grinding.
- We repeat the procedure 2-3 times for maximum efficiency.
- Apply a thicker layer to the ends of the logs. A rough surface absorbs more of the coloring composition.
Depending on the quality of the composition, the durability of the lacquer casing and the correctness of the work, a reopening may be necessary after a year or after 6-7 years. Average consumption for reliable coverage is 1 liter per 10 m2.
If you are not painting a freshly built blockhouse, but are restoring an old one, then use special bleaches for uniformity of the coating.
Is it possible to varnish the bath inside
The question of varnishing surfaces inside the bath is still open. Some manufacturers, for example, Tikkurila, produce special varnishes for baths and saunas. The composition does not change the color of the wood, retains its original appearance, protects against the negative effects of high temperature and humidity. However, many experts do not recommend treating the walls inside the bath with lacquer products. The shell covering the logs prevents them from "breathing". In addition, most formulations give off toxic fumes when heated. They also have high thermal conductivity, which is fraught with burns. Watch a video about using varnish in the bath:
By choosing the right varnish for processing the bath and having completed the preparatory work with high quality, you can cover the blockhouse yourself. Subject to the rules and features of the technological process, a wooden structure will serve for more than one year, retaining its original attractive appearance.
