Types and choice of impregnation for baths

Impregnants and antiseptics for baths refer to the means of protecting the wood surface. From the material in this article, you will learn about their relevance in the treatment of wood, varieties to cover different places. In addition, we will consider the basic nuances of their application.
Do I need impregnation?
The most common cladding materials for baths are alder, aspen, pine and lime. These raw materials are characterized by high performance and uneven distribution of fibers.

However, wood is a hygroscopic deformable material that breaks down when constantly exposed to high temperatures. Without care and treatment, it lasts much less. In high humidity conditions, wood strongly absorbs moisture, becoming friable. Damp cladding is an excellent environment for the formation and spread of microorganisms. They spoil the coating, shortening its service life. Antiseptic impregnations protect the cladding from rotting and deformation. Impregnations are needed not only for walls, floors, ceilings - they are used to treat benches and other wooden elements of the arrangement.


Antiseptic creates a breathable coating layer that prevents decay and mold formation. It also protects the cladding from unpleasant odors and dark stains. Without treatment, the coating will deteriorate very quickly, leading to the question of repairing the bathhouse. The right product will reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, without reducing the natural qualities of wood.

Many impregnating compositions have antiseptic properties. Others can protect coatings that are already affected. They increase the attractiveness of cladding, combining not only a functional but also a decorative function. As a result, the fibers of the cladding will not swell from damp and be covered with fungus.
However, among the purchased compounds are harmful products. When heated, they emit vapors that are harmful to the human body. Others on contact can cause burns. Therefore, before you go to the store, you need to know what type of remedy is worthy of purchase.
Overview of product types
Bath impregnators are chemicals that are used regularly for preventive purposes. At the same time, they may differ in the number of protective functions and the degree of toxicity. Some of them are even harmless, they protect wood and are its bleach, antiseptic, as well as fire protection. They differ in price, composition, requirements for use, consistency and form of release. For example, it can be a stain, wood varnish, linseed oil for shelves.



Classify compositions can be based on different criteria. For example, according to the principle of operation they can be impregnating and coating. Impregnating means of deep penetration seep into the structure of the tree up to 5 mm. In addition to the basic protective functions, they have decorative properties.


The principle of operation of film analogues is somewhat different. Not all of them are easy to work with, and they do not penetrate into the structure of the tree. But after drying, they create a thin film. This allows moisture accumulated inside to escape from the wood. According to the chemical composition they can be acrylic, silicone and silicate.


According to the color impregnation are divided into colored and colorless. The first do not change the natural color of the trim, the second makes it brighter. In addition, on sale there are compositions for the already darkened wood. Their purpose is to brighten it.


By production impregnants are domestic and imported. By appointment - not only antiseptics and bleach, but also fire retardants and tints. Each type of product is selected with a specific processing time. For example, the first time antiseptic applied immediately after assembling a log cabin, which will ensure uniform drying of the log along the length.
Antiseptics for impregnation of baths and saunas can be divided into two main types. According to the type of application they are:
- prophylactic;
- medical.
Products of the first type are used at the stages of construction. In this case, the material is treated with the compound immediately after purchase. Medicinal preparations eliminate existing problems. For example, it could be the composition "Antibug", which helps to get rid of insects.

All antiseptics are chemical preparations of aggressive action. They include poisonous substances, so you have to be extremely careful when working with them. They can be aerosol, gel and liquid.
All existing varieties can be grouped into 4 main groups. Each group has its own characteristics and differences. And the products of different companies are narrowly focused and universal, providing surface protection from high temperature, high humidity, defeat by microorganisms and insects.
Organic
Preparations of this group are highly effective chemical compounds with a safe composition. They are available in the form of ointments or solutions. They are highly resistant to moisture and steam, they dry quickly, during processing they create a thin water repellent layer of protection.
Depending on their varieties, they are used to cover wood outside and inside baths. However, in this case it is necessary to monitor compliance with the temperature regime. Preparations of this type have hydrophobic and adhesive functions. They can be used to cover the floor of the bath.

Oil
Oil-containing preparations are used to protect the floor from moisture. Depending on the variety, they can change the original color of the wood. The negative point is the fact that the oily base increases the flammability of the treated material. In addition, at high temperatures, the treated surfaces have a characteristic smell.
However, they displace water from the surface of the panelling or flooring of the bath. They have a high penetration capacity and long-lasting effect. Their thin film lasts without damage much longer than other analogues. Oil impregnations do not lose their properties even if the surface is moistened frequently.
They make the material denser, preserving its natural qualities.


But at the same time they keep the toxicity, so that their use is possible in places where the safety rules are respected.
Among the varieties of this type are variants on alkyd-oil base. They prevent deformation and cracking of the wood during use.

Water-borne
Water-soluble impregnations for baths are made on the basis of acrylic. In addition to it, In them often add dyeing tints, which ennoble the shade of wood. Preparations of this type are considered universal, they can treat the surfaces of baths inside and outside. However, despite their popularity, they are characterized by a shorter duration of effect.
They leach out of the wood structure and therefore require constant application. In order to preserve the natural cladding, it is recommended to first cover it with a waterproofing solution, and then the impregnation itself. The preparation itself is used as protection of the base from dirt, water, microorganisms and parasites.
Water-soluble products have a complex effect. They are sold as solutions and powdered mixtures that must be diluted. They do not have an unpleasant odor and do not always affect the external texture of the wood.



Combination .
This group includes preparations of bleaching and antiseptic action, as well as flame retardants - such substances are called flame retardants. They are produced in the form of varnishes and paints with the effect of protection against moisture and microorganisms. The assortment is very wide, which allows you to choose a variant for your specific needs.


The preparations are absorbed into the structure of wood, but with a significant increase in temperature they protrude, creating a non-combustible film. Such protection must be used necessarily, since wood is a combustible material.
Popular brands
Many leading companies are engaged in the production of impregnating materials for wood treatment. Among them, it is worth noting several brands, the products of which are in particular customer demand:
- Tikkurila;
- Belinka;
- "Usadba;
- Teknos;
- Eurotex.





What to treat in different places?
It is possible to impregnate surfaces with protective preparations inside and outside the room. However, the formulations differ in purpose. Some are designed to protect surfaces that are not in contact with people, while others do not cause burns when touched. Some prevent deformation and cracking of the wood, while others, in addition to protection, seal the structure of the treated substrate.
Inside
You can coat the boards inside the building with water-soluble impregnators and special compositions designed for interior work. For example, for this purpose, you can use the products of the Finnish Belinka (Sauna) or Tikkurila (Supi Saunasoja). Both products are suitable for the protection of surfaces in the recreation room. However, the first product changes the shade of the original substrate.


The impregnation agent for saunas, wet rooms and living quarters can be used for insulating sauna surfaces from the inside. from the Russian manufacturer Usadba. This composition is natural and facilitates surface care.

Supi Laudesuoja oil is suitable for shelves. Other formulations that are worth mentioning include Dulux Celco Sauna and Interier Sauna..


The impregnation product from Eurotex Eurotex With wax and antiseptic properties. The colorless antiseptic for interior surfaces (e.g., battens) is used to protect the bases of benches and shelves. A 2.5 liter bucket is enough to treat 35 square meters. However, for the first time after coating, a specific smell may be noted.

Cover the wooden walls in the steam room is better means on a natural basis. For this purpose, linseed, hemp and even refined sunflower oil are suitable. As a complement, you can use natural flavorings. The greasy film will eventually absorb into the base and will not leave a greasy residue on contact with it.

In addition to oil, melted natural wax can be used for protection. However, you should apply it only after sanding the base.

Ordinary paints for the treatment of benches, walls, floors and ceilings can not be used. It is better to buy acrylac or akvalak. Preparations in both groups are suitable for protecting surfaces in rooms with high humidity, including for covering the ceiling. These products can be tinted and transparent, they are used to work with wood and concrete substrates. Acrylac is better than Aqualac in that it does not emit an unpleasant odor.

For walls, floors and ceilings, you can apply a quick-drying agent Neomid and Medera-180. Buy any of them, as well as other varieties for interior work, you can in construction stores. It is recommended to treat the shelf with a product without harmful components. You can use substances based on paraffin oil.

Impregnation of the company "Senezh" is a hygienic prevention and protection against biological parasites. It is used to cover wooden surfaces that are not in contact with people. Compounds for bricks in the steam room - heat-resistant paints that do not change their properties at high temperatures.
Outside
The use of protective products to treat the surfaces of baths outside is a preventive measure against the defeat of wood parasites and microorganisms, combustion and loss of aesthetic appearance. For this purpose, purchase compositions with deep penetrating ability. This flame retardants and preparations of complex action. They protect the facade not only from fire, but also from wind, snow and moisture.

For these purposes, you can use varnishes and paints for exterior work on the alkyd and acrylic basis. Their texture can be tinted, dull and translucent. In addition, colorless paintwork materials can also be found on sale. They can paint the facing of the bath from a log in the case if you want to preserve the natural beauty of wood.
You can treat the surface outside with Goodhim Decor 300. It has an antiseptic effect with rapid penetration into the structure of the tree. The product is easy to apply and quick to dry. In the range of this manufacturer there is a composition "Stopjuk", which, in addition to indoor treatment, can be used to finish the bases in the open air.


How to choose?
Choosing impregnation for the treatment of the bath, you need to be guided by several principles of choice. The market of chemicals abounds in offers for all tastes, so it is difficult for a simple buyer to choose the best option. When choosing the best remedy, it is worth taking into account several nuances.
It is important that the substance is environmentally friendly.
This is necessary for the safety of users inside rooms with high temperatures, which provokes the release into the air of constituents of the product.
The selected substance should not make surfaces slippery. At the same time, the product must be resistant to frequent wet cleaning.

If it is necessary to choose a product for treating shelves, it is worth taking a composition with maximum absorption into the structure. After it dries on the surface does not leave a film, which at high temperatures can cause burns to the skin. In this case, it is better to take a universal composition.
The choice should be influenced by such criteria as the cost of the product, its composition, the reputation of the manufacturer, the type of planned work, as well as the type of material to be treated. For example, pine perfectly absorbs antiseptic, so it will take more preparation to cover it. Absorption in linden, cedar, alder and aspen is average, and therefore the consumption will be consistent with the universal value. If the bath is built of oak, larch, birch or ash, the work may be more complicated. These types of wood are characterized by high density. Treating them is much more difficult.
When choosing is important and the nature of treatment. Some compositions are used for primary treatment, while others are used for repeated treatments.
For a particular category of buyers is important consistency of the chosen product. This will determine the method of treatment. Some compositions are distributed on the substrate with a brush, others with a roller, others with a sprayer.

In addition, it is necessary to take into account and aesthetic indicators. Other products are not designed for this, so after drying you have to paint the treated surface.
Buying impregnation for floor protection, you can not forget about the impregnation of beams, on which the floor boards are placed. If you ignore their treatment at the construction stage, water will get there, and it will begin to deteriorate quickly. For the shelf and bench, you can buy a wax-based compound.
Treatment tips
To increase the life of the wood, it is necessary to treat the surfaces with a protective composition at least once every 2 years. In this case, the first treatment is preferably carried out before assembling the single structure of the bath. When the sauna is assembled, it is somewhat more difficult to treat the surfaces.
It is better to plan the work for summer or early autumn. At this time the compositions dry faster. Choose the variant that is suitable for the specific type of work. For example, if you plan to treat the composition of the bath outside, buy impregnation marked "for exterior work".

Protective coating should be applied to a clean base. If necessary, it is necessary to remove the old varnish or paint before treatment. If necessary, get rid of damaged layers, be sure to remove the dust. If you want to grind the surface, use a grinder.

If the surface is dirty, it must be washed. However, impregnation should be done only after the washed surface is completely dry. The coating is applied with a broad brush, in an even, nonthick layer. If necessary, the surface is treated again, but only after the drying of the first layer. In general, impregnation can be applied in 2-3 layers.
When you want to refine the shade of the coating, you can add a little tint to it. If a wax compound is used, it is applied with a cloth or disc machine. Such a coating dries in a day, and it allows air to pass through, allowing the wood to "breathe".

As for the bottom rung of the log cabin, it is better to treat it with a preparation on the bitumen basis. Such a product perfectly protects the wood from rotting. When treating the foundation, you can not forget about waterproofing. And the surfaces that will be in constant contact with water, it is necessary to treat not one, but several layers of impregnation.

When the time is missed, and the surface have already appeared dark spots, take the curative agent. It is applied with a sponge to the affected areas - this will prevent the complete destruction of the tree. The same applies to compositions with a bleaching effect. They are applied only to the damaged darkened areas. In time, such treatment takes 2 hours, but if the first time the result is not noticeable, the treatment is repeated.


See the following video for an overview of some types of wood impregnation.