Plascon Product Selection Guide

Plascon Woodcare is a range of varnishes and sealers which are used for protecting and beautifying all wood. Our products are technologically formulated to withstand the harsh South African climate and environmental conditions, making it the natural choice for our customers. Types of Wood: (Depending on the type of wood and number of coats applied, the colours may differ.) What are Softwoods? The term “softwood” actually refers to a group of di erent species of trees from which the wood is harvested. A general rule of thumb is that softwoods come from coniferous or “evergreen” trees e.g. Pine, Cedar and Redwood. Conifers are fast-growing, can be easily cultivated and produce relatively straight trunks, which makes harvesting and processing much less expensive. Softwood/Conifers are also used in the manufacturing of fibreboard and paper. What are Hardwoods? These are woods that come from deciduous (Broad leafed) trees and have a close grain. Types of hardwoods used for furniture construction are Walnut, Oak, Mahogany, Teak, Kiaat, Balau, Maple and Cherry. Most hardwoods are very durable and heavy. Pieces of furniture made from these woods last for many years under normal use. While Oak and Maple hardwoods are considered somewhat informal; Mahogany, Teak, Cherry and Walnut are used in more traditional or formal interiors. When coating very hard woods such as Teak, special attention on preparation needs to be done to ensure adhesion of the coating. Contact Plascon Advisory Service on 0860 20 40 60

What is varnish? Varnish is applied to the surface of the wood to provide a protective layer against damage. Varnishes do not penetrate into the wood; they block the surface of the wood to o er protection against moisture. Recoating may only be necessary after several years internally or three years externally, however, the preparation before recoating might include having to strip o all the old varnish right down to raw wood. This depends if the previous coat of varnish has started to crack or peel and if the underlying wood surface has been damaged. What is a sealer? Sealer is combination of resins and oils, but with a lower thickness than varnish, which means that sealer actually penetrates into the wood itself to nourish and protect from within, rather than on top. Wood that has been coated with a sealer will typically need to be recoated every 1 to 2 years depending on conditions. However, the preparation and process is quick and simple. These products produce a more natural finish. Should I use a sealer, oil or a varnish? Varnishes and Sealers are available for both interior and exterior applications. The decision on whether to use a varnish or sealer depends on the type of finish and lifespan that you require from the coating.