Recommended clear wood sealer for UV protection before using DiamondFinish Clear in marine application

[Ryan]

Hi,

 

I am making some small wood ladders that need to remain partially submerged in fresh water and will be outdoors in the sun.  I would like to have clear coat UV protection for the wood before applying DiamondFinish Clear but don't see any of your products that look appropriate.  What would you recommend?

 

Thank you!

[KBS Coatings]

Is the wood already sealed?

 

Wood surfaces should be smooth and dry with the wood having a low moisture content. All existing failed coatings should be removed, sand smooth and remove dust. Thin initial coat of DiamondFinish Clear 30-50% with KBS #1 Thinner and apply a single covering coat to seal the wood. Allow to cure 24 hours. The wood will generally need to be sanded smooth again as DiamondFinish Clear will tend to raise the wood grain with the first coat. Sand the surface smooth with fine grade of sand paper (280-320). Apply at least an additional full coat for general applications and at least a minimum of 3 coats for marine or industrial users.

 

The key is making sure all submerged sides of the wood are clear coated. If you leave any areas uncoated like the ends, water will soak in and cause issues.

 

Please let us know if that helps and if you have any additional questions.

[Ryan]

The wood is not currently sealed.  I read UV goes through DiamondFinish Clear and UV will eat the wood.  My question is what I could apply before using DiamondFinish Clear to protect the wood against UV. I'm trying to have it still look like wood when finished.  Is there an (inexpensive and/or commonly available?) solution for a clear UV protective layer to use under DiamondFinish Clear as the final waterproofing layer? 

 

Sorry I don't know much about these things and may be using the wrong terms like saying sealer instead of varnish, stain, etc. 

 

 

...Or would KBS Maxx Clear be a better choice for my application? (both partially submerged and UV-exposed, unsealed wood).  I think the wood is pine and poplar.

 

 

Thank you for your time!

[KBS Coatings]

A very common application for DiamondFinish Clear is clear coating wood decks that have been stained so we are not sure about the whole "eating wood" theory as we have never heard of that. The reason people seal wood with DiamondFinish Clear is to stop the wood from rotting which is what happens when moisture penetrates wood on a consistent basis.

 

DiamondFinish Clear is typically used for decks and outdoor wood but KBS MAXX Clear can also be used. Just be sure you thin the first coat so it soaks in like we instructed you to do with the DiamondFinish Clear.

 

Hopefully that helps. If you have any additional questions, please let us know.

[Ryan]

Ok, thank you.  I think the ladders are pine and I heard exposed pine only lasts about a year outside normally but if DiamondFinish Clear can protect it by itself, that sounds great.  Just didn't want to get super expensive water sealer but have them still fall apart from neglecting UV issue a year later.  But you think they will last at least a few years with only sealing with DiamondFinish Clear?

 

Thank you!

[KBS Coatings]

Yes, absolutely. Get the seal coat (thinned) down and then at least 2 normal coats and you will be good for at least a few years and most likely 5-10 years.