Hemp Shield Deck Finish
Hemp Shield™ Wood Finish & Deck Sealer
Environment friendly
long-lasting protective barrier
Withstand harsh weather conditions
Protection from UV rays, rain, and snow
Semi transparent stain
Hemp Shield™ Deck Finish INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE —
SURFACE PREPARATION & APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Hemp Shield™ Deck Finish is a water reducible hemp oil product designed to penetrate wood, especially decks, and provide excellent durability with no peeling; deterioration of the deck finish occurs only through erosion. Hemp Shield™ also retards fungal and algae growth as well as controlling blue rot. Hemp Shield™ is recommended for use on any properly prepared wood deck finish, patios, wood screening, porches, outdoor furniture, steps, railings, plywood structures, and wooden fencing. State of the art protection for outdoor wood in a truly ‘green’ product.Hemp Shield™ Deck Finish SURFACE PREPARATION :
Surfaces must be clean, free of all dirt, mildew, loose wood fibres, and other foreign matter.
Surfaces must be structurally sound and completely dry.
Wood moisture content must be below 15% (approximately the same as kiln dried lumber) or the surface must be exposed to dry weather for 3 to 5 days before applying Hemp Shield™.
Previously stained or weathered wood surfaces must be sanded, scrubbed, or otherwise treated to remove loose wood fibers, dirt, mildew, chalky residues, waxes, oils from exotic and pressure treated wood, shiny new wood (Mill Scale) and other foreign materials.
We do not recommend applying Hemp Shield to wood where a glossy finish remains. These previous finishes will prevent Hemp Shield from working since it cannot penetrate into the wood.
To use Hemp Shield on wood that retains a coat of the previous finish it may be necessary to remove the existing finish with blast media such as walnut shells, dry ice, or other media. In some cases sanding may be required.
Hemp Shield™ Deck Finish COVERAGE:
In ASTM testing, Hemp Shield records coverage of 324 sq. ft./gal. at 1 mil dry film thickness. In actual use, Hemp Shield products typically form a dry film thickness of 0.5 mil, increasing coverage to approximately 450-650 sq. ft. Because Hemp Shield is a penetrating oil, coverage will vary due to species, porosity, cell structure, rate of growth, weathering, age, and other factors.MILDEW :
Remove mildew by washing the wood with a solution of 1 part liquid bleach and 3 parts water.
Do not add detergents or ammonia to the bleach/water solution.
Apply the solution and scrub the affected area.
Allow the solution to remain on the surface for at least 10 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with water and allow the surface to dry completely before applying Hemp Shield™.
LEAD WARNING — IF YOU SCRAPE, SAND, OR REMOVE OLD PAINT FROM ANY SURFACE, YOU MAY RELEASE LEAD DUST. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE.
Wear an NIOSH approved respirator to control lead exposure. Carefully clean up with a wet mop or HEPA vacuum. Before you start removing any finish, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on:> www.epa.gov/lead
Hemp Shield™ Deck FinishAPPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS :
Hemp Shield™ can be applied by brush, roller, foam brush, and airless or conventional sprayers.
Stir thoroughly before using.
Avoid applying late in the day, when dew or condensation is likely to form, or when rain is threatening.
Apply when the temperature (surface, product, and air) is between 50°F (10°C) minimum, 100°F (37°C) maximum, and at least 5° above the dew point.
Relative humidity should not exceed 85%.
Do not apply to new or restored wood if the moisture content exceeds 15% or the surface is wet to the touch.
All water based decking stains have a potential to lap; to reduce lapping tendencies, do not apply in direct sunlight or when the wood feels hot to the touch. A very light misting of water, just enough to tighten the grain on the surface, will also reduce any lapping tendencies.
Do not apply to any surface that feels wet to the touch.
Use at package consistency — do not thin.
Do not over-apply — excess material can cause uneven drying, discoloration, surface residue, and peeling. During application, Hemp Shield will appear milky, but will clear as it penetrates. Once the Hemp Shield has cleared, remove any excess material with a rag, dry brush, or roller.
SPRAYING LARGE AREAS :
When spray applying over areas such as decks, patios, siding, shakes, shingles or fencing, it is recommended that Hemp Shield™ be back rolled or back brushed with a dry brush or roller, to ensure even penetration and remove excess material.
OVER-WATER AND HIGH HUMIDITY INSTALLATIONS :
When using Hemp Shield Wood Finish and Deck Sealer™ for over-water structures such as docks, swimming floats and walkways, and in chronic high humidity environments, the entire plank, including the edges and end grain, must be sealed. Before assembly, pre-drill and treat all screw holes with Hemp Shield to protect the wood exposed by drilling the holes. Complete treatment is essential for best performance, especially tannin control, in high moisture environments.IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- Hemp Shield Deck Sealer and Wood Finish™ works very differently from other outdoor wood protectants. Instead of forming a urethane or acrylic shell over the wood’s exterior, the hybrid waterborne hemp oil in Hemp Shield™ penetrates the wood, working from within to protect and nourish your outdoor wood.
- When using Hemp Shield™, it is important not to over-apply, as excess material, if allowed to remain, can cause slow, uneven drying, discoloration, sticky residue, and peeling.
- Hemp Shield™ should be applied continuously from one end of a plank to the other. Immediately after application, Hemp Shield™ may appear slightly milky, but it will quickly become clear as it penetrates. Any excess material remaining on the surface at this point should be dry-brushed, dry-rolled, or wiped with an absorbent cloth. Hemp Shield’s protection is in the wood — it creates a much thinner surface film tham conventional finishes,
- Different types of wood will accept varying amounts of Hemp Shield™. This is determined by species, porosity, cell structure, rate of growth, weathering, age, and other factors such as ambient moisture. Let the wood tell you how much Hemp Shield™ to use.
APPLICATION METHOD SPECIFICATIONS & OTHER INFORMATION:
Brush — Use a nylon/polyester bristle brush or foam brush.
Roller — Use 1/8″ to 3/8″ nap synthetic roller cover. Shorter nap performs better when applying Hemp Shield™.
Airless Sprayer — Pressure: 2000 PSI; Tip: .013″ – .017″
Conventional Sprayer — Pressure: 40-60 PSI; Fluid Pressure: 20 PSI; Tip: 704/FX
Clean Up: Use 1-2 teaspoons of “Ivory” type soap to 1 gallon of water. Clean up should begin immediately after application is complete or when stopping for ten minutes or more. To avoid spontaneous combustion during temporary storage, soak soiled rags and waste immediately after use in a water filled, closed metal container.
First Aid: In case of eye contact, flush immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and get medical attention; for skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If affected by inhalation or spray mist, remove to fresh air. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Call physician immediately.
In Case of Spillage: Absorb with inert material and dispose in accordance with applicable regulations.
Read the Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), available on the website, before using this product.
Contains No THC.
New Comparisons: Hemp Shield Vs. Penofin & Cabot
Click the link below to see a head-to-head comparison of Hemp Shield Wood Finish and Deck Sealer with Cabot Semi-Transparent, and both Penofin Red & Blue label products.REDWOOD-HEMP SHIELD DECK FINISH
CHESTNUT-HEMP SHIELD DECK FINISH
WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF BRUSH TO USE IN APPLYING HEMP SHIELD?
The best type would be an exploded tip nylon brush for use with water or solvent based wood paints.
IS 896 COLORANT COMPATIBLE FOR USE IN TINTING HEMP SHEILD?
Yes, 896 colorant is compatible with Hemp Shield. Only care should be taken that deep base (solid color tints) many have slower dry times than normal.
HOW DO YOU APPLY HEMP SHIELD ON MILL GLAZE LUMBER?
Mill Glaze is a common problem with mill cut wood which is manufactured using a dull planning blade. The surface of the wood becomes heated bringing the wood tannins and acids up to the surface, heating and, than sealing the wood. The wood will then not accept stains. There are two basic ways to deal with mill glaze. The first is exposure to weather which will open the wood naturally over time. The wood may than be stained. The second method is using a commercially available Wood Glaze Remover. These materials are a combination of water, solvent and wetting agents which dissolve the glaze and open the wood for staining. If you do not remove the glaze and attempt to wood floor stains, the wood will stain unevenly and you will have blotches in the look of the deck.
HOW LONG WILL HEMP SHIELD LAST ON A DECK BEFORE THE DECK HAS TO BE RESTAINED?
It is not possible to give a definitive answer because projected life is dependent on the “where” and to “what” the product is applied. However, weatherization tests data can be used to estimate the projected life compared to competing products. You can review our test data on the Hemp Shield website. “Unofficially” we expect the longevity to be at least 3-3.5 years.
WE SAY HEMP SHIELD IS MUCH BETTER THAN THE COMPLETION, SO WHAT MAKES HEMP SHIELD DIFFERENT?
Steve Neiswander the Vice President and inventor of the Hemp Shield formula, explains it best: “As coating chemists our research lab decided to throw out all the stops, when we developed Hemp Shield. We went to the very best technology available in the market. We used UV absorbers, typically found in automotive coatings, in our deck stains, so we could reduce the amount of discoloration in the wood. We chose biocides that are brand new to the market,
which are encapsulated, so rather than releasing a large quantity of biocide in the environment at one time there is a time release on the biocide, keep it just as effective without damaging the environment, this new biocide has now been approved in California. We also developed the lowest VOC coating we could which means it has the least amount of Volatile Organic Compounds, far below what the legal limits are in any state in the United States. We think that this coating is the “greenest” deck finish on the market today” This along with the synergistic benefits of using emulsified Hemp Oil, truly differentiates Hemp Shield from traditional wood floor stains sold in today’s market.
IF HEMP SHIELD DOESN’T HAVE THE COLOR I WANT, CAN I ORDER A SPECIAL COLOR?
Yes, Hemp Shield will produce any color with a minimum order of 50 gallons.
DO THE TINTS USED IN HEMP SHIELD STAIN COLORS ADD VOC?
The tints used in Hemp Shield add no VOC to the product since Hemp Shield uses a stir in modified Trans oxide pigment rather than a conventional tint base.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE HEMP SHIELD TO DRY?
Hemp Shield is dry to touch in 1 hour, serviceable at 77F/50% relative humidity in about 12 hours with full cure in 48-72 hours. Hemp Shield contains no alkyd resin so it dries strictly by evaporation and therefore dry times are dependent on relative humidity.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU WAIT UNTIL APPLYING TO A NEW PRESSURE TREATED DECK?
Any former sealant traces have to be gone from the grain of the wood before HS will work properly. The surface should be clear of anything blocking the grain either by using a deck cleaner, power washing or sanding (or any combination of these actions) so that stain colors can penetrate the wood unobstructed.
HOW ARE COVERAGE RATES DETERMINED?
“Coverage rates” are a simple calculation. The volume of solids of the coating times 1,604 equals the square feet at one mill dry film thickness. So if you’re coating has 50% volume solids the coverage rate is 802 square feet at one mil. If you are applying at .5 mil then your coverage rate is 1604 square feet. This is independent of any penetration into the substrate. The penetration into wood varies greatly with the species of wood, and the porosity of the surface. The porosity may be affected by the cut of the grain, the amount of weathering of wood, and the amount of moisture in the wood. Hemp Shield is a blend of emulsified Hemp Oil and flexible acrylic polymer. The formula contains wetting agents to lower the surface tension and help pull the polymer as deep into the wood as possible to not only coat the surface but fill the wood cells with the polymer, UV inhibits and Hemp Oil. This stabilizes the wood from UV degradation as much as possible. Hemp Shield has higher volume solids than most products on the market. Part of the reason for Hemp Shield superior performance is the increased solids. We are not filling the wood with solvent or water; rather, we are filling the wood with oil and stabilizing polymers.
CAN HEMP SHIELD BE APPLIED BY A PUMP GARDEN STYLE PRESSURE SPRAYER?
Yes, the do-it-yourselfers could use a pump-up applicator, as long as they apply only as much Hemp Shield as the wood will absorb. Multiple coats are not needed.
HOW DO YOU PREP WOOD FOR LOG HOME APPLICATION?
The amount of preparation on the wood depends on the condition of the wood. Remember when you are finished applying Hemp Shield, the wood will look the same as it does after the prep. I find a good place to start is with a power washer at about 2500psi and an 8-12 inch fan tip. Start at the top log and power wash down the length of the log. A mild soap solution can be added by way of the pickup tube most washers come with. After the logs are washed clean and dry completely, you can address the mold, mildew issues. Many product work for this well and they there are some form of wood bleach or oxygenated cleaner (Clorox or Oxy-Clean chemistries). You must “sterilize” or kill as much of the mold and mildew as possible before coating the surface. Failure to do this will result in the mold and mildew growing and spreading under the finish. This is a scenario you do not want to deal with. Use the cleaner in sunlight. The UV rays (do not have to hit the home directly) will break the double bonds of the bleach and release the material into the wood and be very effective. On a cloudy day, this effect is muted and less effective. Now you have a clean and sterile wood to finish. Decide on a color or clear and coat a test patch, Let dry overnight and see if this is the finish you are looking for. Remember all wood darkens some over time.
CAN YOU APPLY HEMP SHIELD OVER ANOTHER LOG HOME STAIN AND WHAT PREP IS NEEDED?
You betcha! Follow the same cleaning procedure shown above. Assuming you are refinishing because the wood is weathered and needs finishing the Hemp Shield will penetrate the clean dry surface everywhere it is open. On spots where some of the older finish may remain, Hemp Shield’s deck stains will coat and help preserve that surface also. I would not recommend Hemp Shield over logs where the old finish is glossy. This will keep the Hemp Shield from working since it cannot penetrate into the wood. If you want to use Hemp Shield and the logs still have a good coat of the previous finish on them it may be necessary to remove the finish with blast media such as glass, walnut shells or other media.
HOW HOT OR COLD CAN IT BE WHEN THE HEMP SHIELD IS APPLIED?
The best temperatures to apply Hemp Shield are over 50F and under 90F. The dry time will vary depending on the relative humidity. You need the water portion to evaporate for a cure and this can be 2 hours or longer depending on humidity. Old painters have a saying: When applying wood paint just follow the sun. So start off in the morning on an area as it comes into the shade. Work your way around the house following the sun. This will give you a warm dry surface to paint and a log dry time before the sun hit the surface again.
HOW LONG WILL HEMP SHIELD LOG HOME TREATMENT LAST AND WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?
Generally the duration of the finish is dependent on three items:
1) Design of the home (How much of the home is protected from UV by overhangs and plants.
2) How well are the logs prepared for painting
3) How well is the coating applied
Here is the theory behind Hemp Shield and why we think our tests show such superior performance—
The coating is designed to have high solids and low viscosity. The Hemp emulsion has a very small particle size and is able to penetrate deeply into the wood surface. The emulsion carries with it large amounts of UV absorbers, biocides, trans-oxide pigments, and wood stabilizer. This material fortifies the wood against UV light, bacterial damage, and erosion longer than a simple coating on the surface which peels or washes away. Average lifespan we see has been 3-5 years from one coat on cedar, pine, fir, and redwood.
CAN HEMP SHIELD BE TOUCHED UP?
A common issue is product damage occurring during transit and installation. Hemp Shield may be touched up over itself at any time. If they are using a color, the area where touch up is applied may appear darker and will need to be feather in. Not an issue with the clear. A second coat of Hemp Shield is not an issue (interior) with the “clear” as far as performance. However, a second coat may result in slightly higher gloss due to higher solids applied.
The reason we do not recommend a second coat of Hemp Shield for exterior is two-fold:
1) The formula for Hemp Shield contains some wax emulsions. While it is re-coatable when exposed to severe weather there may be a separation between coats.
2) The solids in a single coat are more than sufficient to protect the wood long term. A second coat is usually a waste of money.
Sizing guide
Hemp Shield™ Wood Finish & Deck Sealer
Environment friendly
long-lasting protective barrier
Withstand harsh weather conditions
Protection from UV rays, rain, and snow
Semi transparent stain
Hemp Shield™ Deck Finish INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE —
SURFACE PREPARATION & APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Hemp Shield™ Deck Finish is a water reducible hemp oil product designed to penetrate wood, especially decks, and provide excellent durability with no peeling; deterioration of the deck finish occurs only through erosion. Hemp Shield™ also retards fungal and algae growth as well as controlling blue rot. Hemp Shield™ is recommended for use on any properly prepared wood deck finish, patios, wood screening, porches, outdoor furniture, steps, railings, plywood structures, and wooden fencing. State of the art protection for outdoor wood in a truly ‘green’ product.Hemp Shield™ Deck Finish SURFACE PREPARATION :
Surfaces must be clean, free of all dirt, mildew, loose wood fibres, and other foreign matter.
Surfaces must be structurally sound and completely dry.
Wood moisture content must be below 15% (approximately the same as kiln dried lumber) or the surface must be exposed to dry weather for 3 to 5 days before applying Hemp Shield™.
Previously stained or weathered wood surfaces must be sanded, scrubbed, or otherwise treated to remove loose wood fibers, dirt, mildew, chalky residues, waxes, oils from exotic and pressure treated wood, shiny new wood (Mill Scale) and other foreign materials.
We do not recommend applying Hemp Shield to wood where a glossy finish remains. These previous finishes will prevent Hemp Shield from working since it cannot penetrate into the wood.
To use Hemp Shield on wood that retains a coat of the previous finish it may be necessary to remove the existing finish with blast media such as walnut shells, dry ice, or other media. In some cases sanding may be required.
Hemp Shield™ Deck Finish COVERAGE:
In ASTM testing, Hemp Shield records coverage of 324 sq. ft./gal. at 1 mil dry film thickness. In actual use, Hemp Shield products typically form a dry film thickness of 0.5 mil, increasing coverage to approximately 450-650 sq. ft. Because Hemp Shield is a penetrating oil, coverage will vary due to species, porosity, cell structure, rate of growth, weathering, age, and other factors.MILDEW :
Remove mildew by washing the wood with a solution of 1 part liquid bleach and 3 parts water.
Do not add detergents or ammonia to the bleach/water solution.
Apply the solution and scrub the affected area.
Allow the solution to remain on the surface for at least 10 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with water and allow the surface to dry completely before applying Hemp Shield™.
LEAD WARNING — IF YOU SCRAPE, SAND, OR REMOVE OLD PAINT FROM ANY SURFACE, YOU MAY RELEASE LEAD DUST. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE.
Wear an NIOSH approved respirator to control lead exposure. Carefully clean up with a wet mop or HEPA vacuum. Before you start removing any finish, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on:> www.epa.gov/lead
Hemp Shield™ Deck FinishAPPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS :
Hemp Shield™ can be applied by brush, roller, foam brush, and airless or conventional sprayers.
Stir thoroughly before using.
Avoid applying late in the day, when dew or condensation is likely to form, or when rain is threatening.
Apply when the temperature (surface, product, and air) is between 50°F (10°C) minimum, 100°F (37°C) maximum, and at least 5° above the dew point.
Relative humidity should not exceed 85%.
Do not apply to new or restored wood if the moisture content exceeds 15% or the surface is wet to the touch.
All water based decking stains have a potential to lap; to reduce lapping tendencies, do not apply in direct sunlight or when the wood feels hot to the touch. A very light misting of water, just enough to tighten the grain on the surface, will also reduce any lapping tendencies.
Do not apply to any surface that feels wet to the touch.
Use at package consistency — do not thin.
Do not over-apply — excess material can cause uneven drying, discoloration, surface residue, and peeling. During application, Hemp Shield will appear milky, but will clear as it penetrates. Once the Hemp Shield has cleared, remove any excess material with a rag, dry brush, or roller.
SPRAYING LARGE AREAS :
When spray applying over areas such as decks, patios, siding, shakes, shingles or fencing, it is recommended that Hemp Shield™ be back rolled or back brushed with a dry brush or roller, to ensure even penetration and remove excess material.
OVER-WATER AND HIGH HUMIDITY INSTALLATIONS :
When using Hemp Shield Wood Finish and Deck Sealer™ for over-water structures such as docks, swimming floats and walkways, and in chronic high humidity environments, the entire plank, including the edges and end grain, must be sealed. Before assembly, pre-drill and treat all screw holes with Hemp Shield to protect the wood exposed by drilling the holes. Complete treatment is essential for best performance, especially tannin control, in high moisture environments.IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- Hemp Shield Deck Sealer and Wood Finish™ works very differently from other outdoor wood protectants. Instead of forming a urethane or acrylic shell over the wood’s exterior, the hybrid waterborne hemp oil in Hemp Shield™ penetrates the wood, working from within to protect and nourish your outdoor wood.
- When using Hemp Shield™, it is important not to over-apply, as excess material, if allowed to remain, can cause slow, uneven drying, discoloration, sticky residue, and peeling.
- Hemp Shield™ should be applied continuously from one end of a plank to the other. Immediately after application, Hemp Shield™ may appear slightly milky, but it will quickly become clear as it penetrates. Any excess material remaining on the surface at this point should be dry-brushed, dry-rolled, or wiped with an absorbent cloth. Hemp Shield’s protection is in the wood — it creates a much thinner surface film tham conventional finishes,
- Different types of wood will accept varying amounts of Hemp Shield™. This is determined by species, porosity, cell structure, rate of growth, weathering, age, and other factors such as ambient moisture. Let the wood tell you how much Hemp Shield™ to use.
APPLICATION METHOD SPECIFICATIONS & OTHER INFORMATION:
Brush — Use a nylon/polyester bristle brush or foam brush.
Roller — Use 1/8″ to 3/8″ nap synthetic roller cover. Shorter nap performs better when applying Hemp Shield™.
Airless Sprayer — Pressure: 2000 PSI; Tip: .013″ – .017″
Conventional Sprayer — Pressure: 40-60 PSI; Fluid Pressure: 20 PSI; Tip: 704/FX
Clean Up: Use 1-2 teaspoons of “Ivory” type soap to 1 gallon of water. Clean up should begin immediately after application is complete or when stopping for ten minutes or more. To avoid spontaneous combustion during temporary storage, soak soiled rags and waste immediately after use in a water filled, closed metal container.
First Aid: In case of eye contact, flush immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and get medical attention; for skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water. If affected by inhalation or spray mist, remove to fresh air. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Call physician immediately.
In Case of Spillage: Absorb with inert material and dispose in accordance with applicable regulations.
Read the Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), available on the website, before using this product.
Contains No THC.
New Comparisons: Hemp Shield Vs. Penofin & Cabot
Click the link below to see a head-to-head comparison of Hemp Shield Wood Finish and Deck Sealer with Cabot Semi-Transparent, and both Penofin Red & Blue label products.REDWOOD-HEMP SHIELD DECK FINISH
CHESTNUT-HEMP SHIELD DECK FINISH
WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF BRUSH TO USE IN APPLYING HEMP SHIELD?
The best type would be an exploded tip nylon brush for use with water or solvent based wood paints.
IS 896 COLORANT COMPATIBLE FOR USE IN TINTING HEMP SHEILD?
Yes, 896 colorant is compatible with Hemp Shield. Only care should be taken that deep base (solid color tints) many have slower dry times than normal.
HOW DO YOU APPLY HEMP SHIELD ON MILL GLAZE LUMBER?
Mill Glaze is a common problem with mill cut wood which is manufactured using a dull planning blade. The surface of the wood becomes heated bringing the wood tannins and acids up to the surface, heating and, than sealing the wood. The wood will then not accept stains. There are two basic ways to deal with mill glaze. The first is exposure to weather which will open the wood naturally over time. The wood may than be stained. The second method is using a commercially available Wood Glaze Remover. These materials are a combination of water, solvent and wetting agents which dissolve the glaze and open the wood for staining. If you do not remove the glaze and attempt to wood floor stains, the wood will stain unevenly and you will have blotches in the look of the deck.
HOW LONG WILL HEMP SHIELD LAST ON A DECK BEFORE THE DECK HAS TO BE RESTAINED?
It is not possible to give a definitive answer because projected life is dependent on the “where” and to “what” the product is applied. However, weatherization tests data can be used to estimate the projected life compared to competing products. You can review our test data on the Hemp Shield website. “Unofficially” we expect the longevity to be at least 3-3.5 years.
WE SAY HEMP SHIELD IS MUCH BETTER THAN THE COMPLETION, SO WHAT MAKES HEMP SHIELD DIFFERENT?
Steve Neiswander the Vice President and inventor of the Hemp Shield formula, explains it best: “As coating chemists our research lab decided to throw out all the stops, when we developed Hemp Shield. We went to the very best technology available in the market. We used UV absorbers, typically found in automotive coatings, in our deck stains, so we could reduce the amount of discoloration in the wood. We chose biocides that are brand new to the market,
which are encapsulated, so rather than releasing a large quantity of biocide in the environment at one time there is a time release on the biocide, keep it just as effective without damaging the environment, this new biocide has now been approved in California. We also developed the lowest VOC coating we could which means it has the least amount of Volatile Organic Compounds, far below what the legal limits are in any state in the United States. We think that this coating is the “greenest” deck finish on the market today” This along with the synergistic benefits of using emulsified Hemp Oil, truly differentiates Hemp Shield from traditional wood floor stains sold in today’s market.
IF HEMP SHIELD DOESN’T HAVE THE COLOR I WANT, CAN I ORDER A SPECIAL COLOR?
Yes, Hemp Shield will produce any color with a minimum order of 50 gallons.
DO THE TINTS USED IN HEMP SHIELD STAIN COLORS ADD VOC?
The tints used in Hemp Shield add no VOC to the product since Hemp Shield uses a stir in modified Trans oxide pigment rather than a conventional tint base.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE HEMP SHIELD TO DRY?
Hemp Shield is dry to touch in 1 hour, serviceable at 77F/50% relative humidity in about 12 hours with full cure in 48-72 hours. Hemp Shield contains no alkyd resin so it dries strictly by evaporation and therefore dry times are dependent on relative humidity.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU WAIT UNTIL APPLYING TO A NEW PRESSURE TREATED DECK?
Any former sealant traces have to be gone from the grain of the wood before HS will work properly. The surface should be clear of anything blocking the grain either by using a deck cleaner, power washing or sanding (or any combination of these actions) so that stain colors can penetrate the wood unobstructed.
HOW ARE COVERAGE RATES DETERMINED?
“Coverage rates” are a simple calculation. The volume of solids of the coating times 1,604 equals the square feet at one mill dry film thickness. So if you’re coating has 50% volume solids the coverage rate is 802 square feet at one mil. If you are applying at .5 mil then your coverage rate is 1604 square feet. This is independent of any penetration into the substrate. The penetration into wood varies greatly with the species of wood, and the porosity of the surface. The porosity may be affected by the cut of the grain, the amount of weathering of wood, and the amount of moisture in the wood. Hemp Shield is a blend of emulsified Hemp Oil and flexible acrylic polymer. The formula contains wetting agents to lower the surface tension and help pull the polymer as deep into the wood as possible to not only coat the surface but fill the wood cells with the polymer, UV inhibits and Hemp Oil. This stabilizes the wood from UV degradation as much as possible. Hemp Shield has higher volume solids than most products on the market. Part of the reason for Hemp Shield superior performance is the increased solids. We are not filling the wood with solvent or water; rather, we are filling the wood with oil and stabilizing polymers.
CAN HEMP SHIELD BE APPLIED BY A PUMP GARDEN STYLE PRESSURE SPRAYER?
Yes, the do-it-yourselfers could use a pump-up applicator, as long as they apply only as much Hemp Shield as the wood will absorb. Multiple coats are not needed.
HOW DO YOU PREP WOOD FOR LOG HOME APPLICATION?
The amount of preparation on the wood depends on the condition of the wood. Remember when you are finished applying Hemp Shield, the wood will look the same as it does after the prep. I find a good place to start is with a power washer at about 2500psi and an 8-12 inch fan tip. Start at the top log and power wash down the length of the log. A mild soap solution can be added by way of the pickup tube most washers come with. After the logs are washed clean and dry completely, you can address the mold, mildew issues. Many product work for this well and they there are some form of wood bleach or oxygenated cleaner (Clorox or Oxy-Clean chemistries). You must “sterilize” or kill as much of the mold and mildew as possible before coating the surface. Failure to do this will result in the mold and mildew growing and spreading under the finish. This is a scenario you do not want to deal with. Use the cleaner in sunlight. The UV rays (do not have to hit the home directly) will break the double bonds of the bleach and release the material into the wood and be very effective. On a cloudy day, this effect is muted and less effective. Now you have a clean and sterile wood to finish. Decide on a color or clear and coat a test patch, Let dry overnight and see if this is the finish you are looking for. Remember all wood darkens some over time.
CAN YOU APPLY HEMP SHIELD OVER ANOTHER LOG HOME STAIN AND WHAT PREP IS NEEDED?
You betcha! Follow the same cleaning procedure shown above. Assuming you are refinishing because the wood is weathered and needs finishing the Hemp Shield will penetrate the clean dry surface everywhere it is open. On spots where some of the older finish may remain, Hemp Shield’s deck stains will coat and help preserve that surface also. I would not recommend Hemp Shield over logs where the old finish is glossy. This will keep the Hemp Shield from working since it cannot penetrate into the wood. If you want to use Hemp Shield and the logs still have a good coat of the previous finish on them it may be necessary to remove the finish with blast media such as glass, walnut shells or other media.
HOW HOT OR COLD CAN IT BE WHEN THE HEMP SHIELD IS APPLIED?
The best temperatures to apply Hemp Shield are over 50F and under 90F. The dry time will vary depending on the relative humidity. You need the water portion to evaporate for a cure and this can be 2 hours or longer depending on humidity. Old painters have a saying: When applying wood paint just follow the sun. So start off in the morning on an area as it comes into the shade. Work your way around the house following the sun. This will give you a warm dry surface to paint and a log dry time before the sun hit the surface again.
HOW LONG WILL HEMP SHIELD LOG HOME TREATMENT LAST AND WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL?
Generally the duration of the finish is dependent on three items:
1) Design of the home (How much of the home is protected from UV by overhangs and plants.
2) How well are the logs prepared for painting
3) How well is the coating applied
Here is the theory behind Hemp Shield and why we think our tests show such superior performance—
The coating is designed to have high solids and low viscosity. The Hemp emulsion has a very small particle size and is able to penetrate deeply into the wood surface. The emulsion carries with it large amounts of UV absorbers, biocides, trans-oxide pigments, and wood stabilizer. This material fortifies the wood against UV light, bacterial damage, and erosion longer than a simple coating on the surface which peels or washes away. Average lifespan we see has been 3-5 years from one coat on cedar, pine, fir, and redwood.
CAN HEMP SHIELD BE TOUCHED UP?
A common issue is product damage occurring during transit and installation. Hemp Shield may be touched up over itself at any time. If they are using a color, the area where touch up is applied may appear darker and will need to be feather in. Not an issue with the clear. A second coat of Hemp Shield is not an issue (interior) with the “clear” as far as performance. However, a second coat may result in slightly higher gloss due to higher solids applied.
The reason we do not recommend a second coat of Hemp Shield for exterior is two-fold:
1) The formula for Hemp Shield contains some wax emulsions. While it is re-coatable when exposed to severe weather there may be a separation between coats.
2) The solids in a single coat are more than sufficient to protect the wood long term. A second coat is usually a waste of money.