How to answer redwood finishing questions ru @ W

HELP vour customers to make their redwood frojects look like these by giving them proper advice on finishing. Information is available from CM for the askino.

ANYONE who sells redwood needs to know the answers to questions pigmented hues can be recommended. Remind customers that these finishes should be applied to clean dry surfaces. It is also important that they keep rooms well ventilated when applying finishes. In general it's always best to warn customers to read and follow manufacrurers' advice when applying finishes. Many finishes can be mired with thinnen. mildewcides and other producs to change their visual effect ard enhance performance. but it is important that you caution custonr€n to ctrcck on producs' compatibiliw. Tell them the best visual test ior a finish isio acrually try it out on a scrap of redwood to see if it looks right. like:

Redwood Association has two new pieces of literature: Redwod Exteior Finishes and Redwod Inteior Finrslres. These color booklets use easy-tG.read illustrated charts to show how finishes affect redwood. They also describe the uses, applications and maintenance these finishes require. Redwood retailers can educate their employees and their customers by ordering these booklets and making them available to those who have questions.

Gsts conducted by the Forest Product laboratory in Madison, W., document the fact that redwood accepts and retains finishes better than the other woods. While redwood is well known for its excellent performance without any finish, all woods including redwood perform bener if they have a protective finish.

! What is the best finish for my redwood deck?

! What happens to redwood if I don't use any finish at all?

! What type of finish should I use in my redwood kitchen?

! Can you paint redwood siding?

The Technical Services department of the California Redwood Association reports that 75Vo of the questions they receive about redwood projects concern finishes.

Lumber sales and counter people get a proportionate number of questions about paints, stains and finishes for redwood. Providing the correct answer gives the merchant an excellent opportunity to add to the sales ticket while providing a service for his customers.

The key, of course, is salespeople who are knowledgeable about finishes for redwood indoors and out. FortunatelY, there's an easy solution. The California

Many people want a natural redwood look for their decks and siding. While there is no finish that will enable redwood (or any other wood) to keep that freshly milled look, clear water repellents containing a mildewcide can be recommended for the most natural appearance. Redwood finished with a water repelhnt will gradually turn to a buckskin tan color. Semi-transparent stains are also available in many "redwood" shades. The light pi-ementation has a natural ap pearance that many customen find appealing. Paints are not recommended fior decks or walking surfaces, but for siding and other projects, a paint that is properly applied will last longer than any other finish.

Varnishes and other clear, film-formin-s finishes s}ould not be recommended for exterion because they tend to discolor, blister and crack. They are also very difficult to remove for refinishing.

Finishes for interior spaces are more a matter of decorating, except for moist areas like kitchens and baths where finishes have a protective function. In kitchens and baths, multiple coats of a alkyd resin or polyurethane varnish are best recommended. These are available in either a gloss or duller satin finish. In other areas waxes, oils, sealers, stains and paints that are available in natural or

Story at a Glance

Build sales and rcputation by having the right answers to questions on rcdrvood finishes frce GRA literaturc can educate employees pKrper advice will cut complaints.

Redwood is a quality product and it des€ryes a quality finish that's applied prop erly. Good advice at the counter can mean the difference between a complaint and a satisfied customer. By giving your customers the right advice about finishes your business can build a reputation as redwood experts.

This infonrnion and nore is included in CRA's nw fnish data sheets. For lree sanples of ReM &teior Finishes otd Redwood Inteior Finisles, contact: Califomia Redwood Association, 591 Redwood Highwat, Suite 3/00, Milllhllet', Ca. 94941-ed.

HAND loading and unloading guarantee that redwood will not be damaged. Undercover storage on racls, away from dirt and grime, is recommended as are end caps and pla$ic coverings for shipping.