Timber, being a natural material, exhibits a high degree of movement as it flexes and expands in heat and dampness and contracts in cold and dry conditions. Certain types of timber are more prone to grain-cracking too. When a crack occurs in the timber, either along a grain or at joints, acrylic paints will bridge the crack only to a degree, and past that will crack with the substrate.
In such cases, if timely maintenance painting is not carried out, moisture will readily enter the crack and absorb into the timber. This entrapped moisture will cause the following problems:
A washing and re-painting program will enable you to get the longest life from your coating system.
3 Colours offers services for a complete restoration of timber surfaces, as well as periodic maintenance programs to keep timber work in prime condition.
3 Colours was commissioned to recoat the timber façade on Stockland’s retail and residential complex known as Cammeray Square, located in a high traffic area close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Since building completion, the attractive façade had deteriorated badly over a relatively short time due to the high level of exposure to harsh weather.
The project involved sanding back the timber surfaces before applying the finishing coats of decking stain. 3 Colours was presented with several challenges, including facilitating the retail outlets to continue trading with minimal disruption to their customers, as well as the usual considerations of impact on residents.
Height and safety issues necessitated installation of scaffolding, and pedestrian traffic areas required overhead hoarding to provide protection from possible falling objects. Retail outlets and restaurants were consulted regarding placement of scaffolding supports. Obstruction of retail signage was minimised and banners were placed on scaffolding to inform customers that it was ‘business as usual’. Prior to staining, the timber required extensive preparation to remove thick, polyurethane varnish.
The timber joins needed to be prepared manually using a chisel to gouge out the polyurethane before applying belt sanders. As use of sanders created a lot of dust, 3 Colours agreed with centre management and retailers that no sanding works would take place between 1pm and 2pm each day, and none at all over the weekend, so peak trading times were not disrupted.
To minimise air-borne dust, sucking bags were used on the belt sanders in addition to vacuum cleaners. 3 Colours also used cover sheets to protect the retail and residential properties adjacent to the work. Once sanding was completed, 3 Colours applied 3 coats of Wattyl Weathergard Decking Stain, combining colours to match the existing colour scheme. This hardwearing substrate is also water-based, making the clean-up easier and more environmentally friendly. The project was completed in four weeks, including installing and dismantling scaffolding.