Wood oil contains a mixture of different substances that are designed to protect and treat wood outdoors, especially wooden decks and patios. Here are the main ingredients commonly found in wood oil:
Solvents: Many wood oils contain solvents that help the oil spread evenly over the wood surface and improve its penetration into the wood fibers. These solvents can be natural or synthetic, depending on the product's composition. Solvents are substances used to dissolve, dilute, or disperse other materials without themselves undergoing chemical change. They are found in many products, from paints and varnishes to cleaning agents and adhesives.
Always read the warning texts on products containing solvents and always follow the advice given to protect yourself and the environment.
UV protection: To protect the wood against the sun's harmful UV rays, wood oil contains additives that act as UV filters. These prevent the wood from fading or graying over time. UV-absorbing chemicals: These substances absorb UV radiation before it reaches the wood surface. Common UV absorbers include benzotriazoles and benzophenones, which are effective in blocking UV radiation. Some more modern wood oils may contain nanoparticles of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These nanoparticles are extremely small and provide effective protection against UV radiation by scattering and reflecting the light.
Fungicides and mold protection: Some wood oils may contain substances to protect the wood from mold and algae. Fungicides are chemical substances used to combat fungal infections in various materials and environments. They are often used in agriculture, horticulture, and wood treatment to prevent damage caused by fungi, such as mold, rot, and other fungal diseases.
Pigments (optional): Some wood oils may also contain pigments to give the wood a specific color.
Oils: Vegetable oils are often used as a base in wood oil. These oils penetrate deep into the wood and are intended to nourish and protect against drying out and cracking.
If you don't want to oil your deck, you can instead soap it according to the old scrub floor principle. Where you first clean with soap, a brush, and hot water to then treat with cold water and soap. The excess fat in the superfatted soap then penetrates and gives the deck a matte, smooth surface that grays naturally over time. Soap is easily biodegradable and does not need to be labeled with any hazard symbol.
Note that if you do not want the deck to gray naturally, it is better to choose a wood oil with a UV-protective agent, see the text above.
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Questions and answers
1. What are solvents and what are they used for?
Answer: Solvents are substances used to dissolve, dilute, or disperse other materials without themselves undergoing chemical change. They are found in many products, from paints and varnishes to cleaning agents and adhesives.
2. What are benzotriazoles?
Benzotriazoles are a group of chemical compounds often used as UV-absorbing substances in various products, including wood oils, plastics, and varnishes.
3. What are fungicides?
Answer: Fungicides are chemical substances used to combat fungi that cause diseases in plants, wood, and other materials. Their primary function is to protect against mold, rot, and other harmful fungal attacks. Fungicides are often used in agriculture to protect crops, in wood preservatives, and in certain industrial and household applications, for example in paints and building materials.
Types of fungicides:
1. Contact fungicides: These act on the surface of plants or materials and kill the fungus before it can penetrate.
2. Systemic fungicides: These penetrate plants or materials and combat the fungus from the inside by inhibiting its growth.
Hazards and environmental impact:
The hazard of fungicides depends on their chemical composition and how they are used. Some fungicides can be toxic to humans, animals, and ecosystems, especially if they are used in large quantities or handled incorrectly. Some important aspects to consider:
1. Health effects:
- Acute toxicity: Some fungicides can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract if they come into direct contact with them. Others can be toxic if ingested.
- Chronic effects: Long-term exposure to certain fungicides has been linked to more serious health effects, such as endocrine disruption and, in some cases, cancer.
2. Environmental effects:
- Fungicides can affect aquatic organisms if they reach watercourses through runoff, especially fish and other animals in the ecosystem.
- They can be persistent and accumulate in the environment, which means they can affect ecosystems for a long time.
3. Precautions:
- The use of protective equipment such as gloves and masks is recommended when handling fungicides.
- It is important to follow dosage instructions and avoid overuse to minimize the risk of damage to the environment and human health.
In summary, fungicides can be necessary to protect plants and wood, but they should be used with caution due to their potential health and environmental risks.
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