July 24, 2008
Chemicals used in the joinery trade
Joinery refers to that part of woodwork that is used to join wooden portions in order to make wooden artefacts, furniture, toys and other structures. This joining is accomplished by fastening agents like adhesives, wooden fasteners or bindings. The characteristic traits of wood joineries are its flexibility, hardness and strength. To enhance their strength, they are often treated with some chemicals. These chemicals penetrate into the cells of the wood and slow down decay caused by fire, moisture or other hazards.
Some of the most important chemicals used for joinery and chemical treatment are cited below:
Oxalic Acid: Oxalic acid is a very strong organic acid is a good joinery-treating agent. It not only enhances the external beauty of the furniture but is also used for refinishing joineries to ensure their proper function. They are especially helpful for oak and timber, specifically green oak. It can be used for removing stains of rust and other things by diluting the acid with water. If the exterior surface of the wooden furniture is discoloured, oxalic acid freshens it up. This acts as a lubricating agent for the wooden joints. It is also used for treating warts in the joineries as well as on the body of wooden furniture.
Wood Preservatives: There are hoards of items in the range of wood preservatives. Some of them are transparent while others are coloured. Wood preservatives can be spirit based, water-based or oil based.
Usually organo borester is the key component of spirit based wood preservatives. Some of these preservatives are not fragrant, transparent and have high combustion point. They need very high temperature to get ignited and would stop burning when source of the fire is removed. They can be applied in many different ways, they can be sprayed, brushed and even dipped. When a dip-tank is used, the item should not be wet or have much moisture content. Two to three minutes of immersion is enough for desired amount of penetration. These preservatives are advised to be used in ventilated areas. If swallowed by a person a doctor should immediately treat that person. The applied surface gets ready for paint as soon as the spirit-based solvent evaporates.
Some spirit-based preservatives are coloured and have very potent anti fungus agents that resist the wood from rotting. They are very effective for joineries as fungus-infected joints get damaged easily causing irreparable damage to the wooden piece. Some of these have water repellents which are Polyoxo-aluminium Sterate based. They actively resist water penetration into wooden or any other porous surface. They are good for exterior surfaces specially the unpainted one like fence posts and have long lasting effect. These are flammable liquids and need precautions like gloves, glasses and overalls while using.
Water-based wood preservatives are those that are found in concentrated form and are easy to transport. These are soluble in water hence carrying solvent is not required. These are effective as anti-fungal agents. These fungi can weaken the joints of an excellent wooden artefact and within no time it would be reduced to mere nothing. Some of the water-based preservatives are so thick that a pack of 3 litres yields almost 30 litres of usable product. The risk factor concerning fire is negligible. Also due to its coloured form it is easy to identify.
Oil-based wood preservatives are not as popular as spirit or water based ones. However, they are recommended by many experts for their anti-fungal and pesticidal qualities. These are flammable liquids and can be harmful to skin in case of prolonged contact.
Danish Oil: Another important treatment agent is Danish oil is perfect for any kind of wood, hard or soft. It gives the surface a satin finish. When in pure state, danish oil and polymerised Linseed oil is not toxic. But these are diluted with different poisonous solvents for different uses and looks. Danish oil can be applied with a piece of cloth or brush but while applying a user must be geared up with all necessary precautions. However they get dried easily and grain of timber increases. It is very thick and can cover almost 600 sq feet for a gallon making it quite economical.
Wood Filler: Wood filler is basically a damage-recovering agent. It fills up the pores or nail pockets made on wood. They hide imperfection of the raw product in its pre-finishing stage. wood filler is generally made of sawdust. It is mixed with thinner, adhesives which can bind two materials in a heterogeneous mixture and some dye. Quality wood filler can sustain any treatment once dried. It can be nailed, stapled and can even withstand machine treatment. Good quality wood filler is soft, so it is ideal for applying primers, paints etc. The surface needed to be treated has to be dry, clean and should not be greasy. If applying on an old surface, it should be made sure that the infected and weak portion is removed and a fresh portion is treated.
Apart from these chemicals, there are other treating agents also which are quite effective as pesticides, fungicides and decadence resistant like silicone lubricant. If resin seeps from the joinery it is there to stop and ensure a smooth play. Then there are base coats which can be used at any time of the year. They have water repelling elements, preservatives as well as agents which can absorb the harmful ultraviolet rays. Natural oils are blended with resins to form an excellent coat for external surface as well as joinery and augmentation of longevity. They also give a clear and silk finish to the artefact. These are chip and peel resistant. Natural oils blended with wax offer a durability enhancing liquid for joinery, floors and any place subjected to excessive wear and tear. Joinery and chemical treatment can increase the longevity of your beautiful furniture.
Tags: construction chemicals. | construction chemicals. | wood preservative | wood preservative | timber treatment | timber treatment | oxalic acid | wood filler | danish oil | joinery