Concrete Sealer on Wood?

[kefroeschner]

The word around the yard here is that Concrete Sealers, such as H&C, are very good at protecting Bare Aluminum spars. Theses sealers are basically Acrylics and so are pretty much immune to the UV that destroys most other plastics and resins. And they penetrate well.

So, how about using them as sealers on wood? Might be far more effective than the usual oils, varnishes or epoxies. Has anyone tried this?

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by kefroeschner

The word around the yard here is that Concrete Sealers, such as H&C, are very good at protecting Bare Aluminum spars. Theses sealers are basically Acrylics and so are pretty much immune to the UV that destroys most other plastics and resins. And they penetrate well.

So, how about using them as sealers on wood? Might be far more effective than the usual oils, varnishes or epoxies. Has anyone tried this?

I suggest using concrete sealer on concrete, aluminum sealer on aluminum and wood sealer on wood. The people who make this stuff know what they are doing and tailor their products to their intended use.

[Stumble]

As Ron mentioned, unless you have millions in a research budget, and millions more in long term testing, why would you imagine that 'whats going around the yard' is more credible than what the manufacturers who do spend these millions are saying? If concrete sealer was more effective at preserving wood than whats on the market it would be repackaged and sold as such.

The coatings industry typically budgets between 10% and 20% of their annual budget in R&D btw.

[kefroeschner]

Thanks guys, but ... I was asking for experience, not opinions.

[Rustic Charm]

I use Bondcrete on wood, to seal wood against weathering. But, I don't think it would be good anywhere it's continually exposed to water. Bondcrete by the way is a concrete adative to make concrete waterproof. Or you brush it over a concrete floor to seal it. It goes on white and then dries clear.

[leftbrainstuff]

Originally Posted by rwidman

I suggest using concrete sealer on concrete, aluminum sealer on aluminum and wood sealer on wood. The people who make this stuff know what they are doing and tailor their products to their intended use.

+1

Concrete has high thermal stability so shrinkage or expansion arent an issue. Using on aluminium or wood then I would expect issues.

Concrete is also basic in nature so therefor chemically much different to wood.

Id need to see a multi year study to be confident in using them as you state.

Ps. The above is based on my materials experience. It's not opinion its based on the scientific method. In over 30 years I'm yet to see any evidence that magic fairy dust is superior to well engineered products.

You're asking for experience in the use of a product outside of its intended use. That will only be opinion unless validated through testing and validation.

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[anacapaisland42]

Don't know about concrete sealer but I use Rustoleum on pretty well everything.
Has held up well for over 20 years on both spars and hull and deck
Looks good also
Bill

[custhard]

Relative newcomer to sailing, recently retired from an international coatings company. A couple of suggestions after many years of technical troubleshooting. Although it's possible to cross use products occasionally, stay with the application recommended by the manufacturer. They spend years testing their products under varying conditions. With new technologies and increasing regulation, outdated "tailgate chemistry" will eventually come back to bite you. Manufacturers are continually updating formulations. The most heard phrase when a coating fails is "I've been doing it this way for years and never had a problem".


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[goodoldwoody]

Here in Aust we use "Emmerclad" which has instructions for use on wood.
It has been on my wood deck for over 10 yrs without a problem of any kind. Totally sealed.

[Ironman162]

Ive used concrete sealer on a canvas Bimini with success. Its over a year and still looking good. Goes on white and dries clear.
Must admd it was an old bimini starting to show uv wear so I thought I couldnt loose much by trying to prolong its life and am pleasantly surprised. Only hoped to get a few months more out of it before replacing it but a year later and its still good!

[Djarraluda]

Rustic Charm mentions Bondcrete. This is essentially a PVA emulsion, same as carpenters glue and if watered down slightly will penetrate and seal wood well. No abrasion resistance though and will wear easily.
Goodoldwoody quotes the Emerald. This is an acrylic waterproofing membrane which is highly flexible and very good on surfaces but again, subject to movements below because it is limited flexibility when protected from abrasion.

[kefroeschner]

Thanks for the feedback. Especially Goodoldwoody and Ironman162. Your experience sounds very promising. I have applied H&C Clear Solvent Based Concrete Sealer on the Southern Yellow Pine cap rails. The stuff is crystal clear and flows and brushes like the best varnishes. I'll let you know when it fails.

Thanks again for the information (and even for the 'opinions.')

kef/Orion