SiOO:X Wood Protection is a water-based wood impregnation system which uses proven silicate technology and natural materials to give wood long life surface protection.
It is completely safe, inert and environmentally friendly.
SiOO:X uses a patented two component system consisting of the SiOO:X Wood Protector and SiOO:X Surface Protector. The two components are designed to be used together in exterior environments and interact synergistically to create a unique system to protect wood surfaces.
The effect is due to the properties of mineral silicates. In essence the method imitates how nature itself protects wood by petrifaction or creation of fossils. The SiOO:X system only contains natural mineral and plant-derived ingredients which are biocide and emission free.
SIOO:X Weathering Example
Video is offered as a guide to colour and finish of Sioox transformation over time. Each species can react slightly different. The final outcome can vary depending on species. For more or other timbers please speak contact us email sioox@brittontimbers.com.au
Sioox Light Grey Abodo Weathered
Sioox Light Grey Accoya Weathered
Sioox Mid Grey Accoya Weathered
Sioox Spotted Gum Weathered
Sioox Standard Accoya Weathered
Sioox Mid Grey Abodo Weathered
Strengthens and protects the surface of the timber
Beautiful, uniform silver-grey driftwood-like surface patina
For exterior vertical and horizontal surfaces
Water repellent and vapour permeable (the timber breathes)
Less maintenance costs in the long term compared to other semi-transparent coatings
Safe for people and the environment – based on natural mineral and plant-derived ingredients that are emission free
Made by Earth
The natural evolutionary process has shaped and created our environment, its unique solutions and structures providing us with an endless source of inspiration and learning. Sioo:x patented wood protection is the result of our having observed, imitated, and added to nature’s intelligent protection techniques.
Sioo:x essentially consists of a unique combination of silicon and potassium – two natural substances found all around us and which together create a natural shield similar to nature’s own wood protection.
Sioo:x Wood Protection is inspired by how nature protects itself using silicon. Trees and plants absorb silicic acid from the soil, which dissolves in water and is then transported in trunks and stalks, precipitating out in the organisms, and making them stronger.
This is the process that gives vitality to both aspens in Nordic forests and teak trees in the rainforest. And it’s the same silicon that makes straw and reeds strong and rigid. Silicon also preserves the wood. You can see this in trees with petrified wood, which can be found in many places around the world. The cellulose in these trees have been replaced by silicon, which has protected them against all types of weather for millions of years.
SIOO:X Australian Project Gallery
Application Notes
Cladding
Timber Cladding (+Battens) pre-treated with SiOO:X can be purchased from Britton Timbers who have industrial factory coating equipment. Britton Timbers and partners are aware of the need to achieve good penetration of the SiOO:X treatment into the timber and that textured surfaces are essential.
Our distributors and coating partners are able to process your timber with a factory application of SiOO:X Impregnation in compliance with Sioo application standards. Applying SiOO:X treatment to planned dressed surfaces is not recommended.
Whether you are a private customer with an individual project or a contractor with a large project, your treatment needs can be met. The advantages of factory treatment are significant. When a large quantity of timber needs to be treated to tight deadlines and to meet conformance requirements, factory treatment comes into its own.
Even more so when construction and assembly are taking place over the winter months and in difficult weather conditions.
Decking
Sioo:x precoated decking can be purchased from Britton Timbers who have industrial factory coating equipment.
Onsite or hand applied treatment works well if applied to professional standards, the timber must be prepared properly through Sioox prewash and sanding.
For availability and specialist advice please see our specialist stockists.
*Restoration. If you have existing timber that has been previously coated and you would like to discuss how to remove and coat with Sioox. Please contact us and we can advise you of the process or refer you to a trained and experienced contractor.
FAQ's
Our timber species are different to other timber species in the world. Give us a call and we can discuss our testing and case study on various species.
The performance of Sioo:x coatings will vary from one timber species to another and will not be suitable for some species at all. It is important to select an exterior timber with Class 1 or 2 durability.
Low shrinkage and stable species will ensure greater longevity and performance of Sioo:x, or any other coating system. Any timber species intended to be coated with Sioo:x should be tested and approved by Sioo:x, Abodo Wood or a Distributor for adequate performance of the coating on that particular species. Proven application on projects is also beneficial.
Water is the activating factor.
Once the SiOO:X impregnation system has been applied, when exposed to moisture the mineral silicate in the impregnated timber substrate begins to cure by reacting with atmospheric carbon. During this curing reaction a network of silica crystals starts to be formed and this process continues for up to three years. The result is that the timber surface is toughened and an even accelerated weathering takes place.
This is a permanent change.
The cure rate is timber species and temperature dependent and will proceed very slowly in cold exterior conditions.
Parts that are covered or which cannot be exposed to rain will take a more time before they are fully grey. They will get there. These parts can be soaked with water using a garden sprayed rubbed in with a soft brush to speed the crystallisation. Repeat several times.
Usually it takes 4-8 weeks for the parts that are exposed to rain to change colour.
Our product requires that it is exposed to rain and moisture to activate the silicon in the liquid. The formed silica networks are what make the surface a beautiful grey and velvety. This takes place over a period of about 4-8 weeks depending on the weather.
SiOO:X Impregnation forms a protective and dirt-repellent layer in the wood surface. When it is wet and dirt falls on the surface, a little green or black algae can grow on the surface. Black dots are usually dirt which can be brushed off. There is usually much less of this on SiOO:X treated wood. The wood is protected from algae penetration.
It should be understood that green algae and black algae can grow on almost anything, even metal and stone. When you use the SiOO:X Maintenance Wash, the algae very easily washes off the surface with a brush and hose. Avoid using a pressure washer. If you wash very heavily, you may need to add some SiOO:X Premium Surface Protector to reseal the surface. In severe cases of algae formation, stronger agents should be used to remove it. The SiOO:X Premium Wood Protector itself has a strong cleaning action and can be applied to remove severe cases of algae and staining. Rub/apply the Premium Wood Protector onto the affected area and leave to soak. Wipe away any sediment and leave to dry. Apply a coat of SiOO:X Premium Surface Protector to the cleaned area.
Yes, SiOO:X is non-toxic and entirely environmentally friendly.
Up to 2 years for horizontal surfaces and up to 5-7 years for vertical surfaces.
For light surface damage apply the SiOO:X Premium Surface Protector locally. Where the integrity of the surface has been breached apply both the SiOO:X Premium Wood Protector and the SiOO:X PremiumSurface Protector locally. The surface will evenly grey again after a few months.
Clean and re-apply the full treatment.
All species of timber will eventually weather when exposed to the elements so bear in mind that if leaving your timber cladding uncoated, the appearance will change over time from its original colour to a silver-grey tone. Weathering is a natural and healthy process and shouldn’t be confused with fungal decay, which can sometimes be seen in cladding which has been incorrectly installed.
Location, building design and species can all have an effect on how quickly and evenly timber cladding will weather. In areas of high rainfall some timber cladding installations can turn grey quite quickly, whilst in drier areas the process is likely to be slower. The form and shape of a building also influence the impact that wind-driven rain will have on it. For example, buildings without eaves tend to get wettest at the top, particularly at the outer corners, so this may result in these areas weathering more quickly than other parts of the wall.
If there are eaves, then uneven weathering can occur as rain will be unable to reach the areas under the eaves.
SiOO:X results in a beautifully even façade, with a consistently weathered appearance. It is available in Original (a clear coating) or in pigmented Light Grey and Mid Grey options.
A rapid curing process begins upon application; any initial patchiness will fade out over a period of 10-16 weeks, however, Light Grey and Mid Grey will give more immediate colour to the timber. After 2-3 years, the timber is fully cured and a final colour is reached.
The result is a consistent weathered tone, achieved years faster than with natural weathering.
Please Note
Images & videos are offered as a guide to colour and finish of Sioox transformation over time. Each species can react slightly different. The final outcome can vary depending on species. For more or other timbers please speak contact us email sioox@brittontimbers.com.au