How to paint Woodsafe

Painting outdoors

Woodsafe fire-protection wood panelling can be after-treated with a variety of paint systems. After-treatment of indoor panelling is not a requirement, but for outdoor use Woodsafe Standard should be surface-treated while Woodsafe Royal can be installed without any surface treatment.

Paint in the right conditions
Paint should be applied to a dry panel with a moisture quotient of 15 percent or less. Never paint in direct sunlight, early-morning dew or frosty weather, such as in late autumn or early spring.

Primer
Normally, all panels are delivered with primer. If panelling is to be coated with primer at the work-site, this should take place prior to installation. Sun-bleached panelling or greying wood-fibre should be brushed clean prior to painting to ensure maximum adhesion.

Undercoating
As soon as the panel has been fitted and the primer is dry, it should be undercoated.

Topcoat
Once the panel has received its undercoat layer, topcoat should be applied. All told, at least three coats should be applied.

Recommended paint systems
Woodsafe panels can be coated with oil primer , primer, water-borne alkyd oil-based systems, acrylate paint, oil paint and certain glazes. Always use paint systems with high dry content (at least 50 percent), good pigment and a reputable brand.

Non-recommended paint systems
Unfortunately, we do not recommend emulsion on any material other than Woodsafe Royal. If you want the typical Swedish “Falu Red” colour, we recommend emulsion with a higher oil content, which in principle has the same feel as emulsion. Neither do we recommend acrylate paint since all acrylate paint must be scraped off before repainting, which creates a lot of extra work.

Painting indoors

In a normal indoor climate, there are no demands that Woodsafe wooden panelling or planks must be surface-treated with paint, varnish or other agents. However, this is recommended as protection against dirt, wear, natural ageing and oxidisation. Woodsafe panels used in environments with high relative humidity should always be surface-treated, apart from Woodsafe Royal, which requires no surface treatment.

Factory-painted wood panels and planks
Woodsafe Timber Protection can supply panels and planks with surface treatment or painted in any NCS colour, delivered straight to your building-site.

Paint in the right conditions
All painting should take place on dry panels with a moisture quotient of between ten and twelve percent.

Before the panel is painted
The panel should be free from dust, dirt and so on to ensure maximum adhesion and the best finish.

Sanding between layers
Can be done without problem. Sanding between layers is recommended for optimal finish.

Recommended paint systems
You can use a variety of paint and coating systems. However, do a trial coating prior to full application to check the result. Panels can be treated with acid-resistant varnish, water-free UV varnish, spirit-based stain, oil varnish, oiling, glazing or lye.

Non-recommended paint systems
Water-borne systems work, but the result may vary depending on the quality of the paint. It is therefore a good idea to paint a trial area first.

Not sure?

Do get in touch with our Support department before starting on your paint job if you are unsure about anything. It is important that you follow the instructions as per the warranty conditions GRT-IP and GRT-UP.