As a result, of course, there is confusion about what needs to be done to correctly maintain exterior wood surfaces. Treating new wood can be a tricky procedure, so the professional contractor needs to know exactly what he's talking about. They are generally recommended as protection during the first year of exposure. PTW can also be prone to cracking and splitting while it's drying out. The stabilizing treatment offers a type of protection that is inexpensive and can be coated later with any type of finish.
Wood preservatives covers a wide range of products.
To use the term, a company must register its product with the EPA and completely disclose its formulation. The active ingredients and their percentages must be listed on the label, although this is no guarantee that the product will actually be effective for its intended use. These active ingredients are almost always mildewcides and fungicides. Many clear finishes and stains also have mildewcides and fungicides, even if they do not register with the EPA or make pesticidal claims. As a class of product, wood preservatives do not offer the protection of a finish or stain, and they are generally less expensive.