Wood swells, warps and grows fungus when it takes up moisture from humid air. A clear protective lacquer seals the surface and slows that down. Micron 3518 Protektor HydraCoat is a fast-drying, single-component polymer resin lacquer whose page says it protects wooden surfaces from harsh environments, moisture, humidity, salinity, dirt, dust, fungus and caustic vapours, and dries transparent. It comes in 5 L and can be brushed, sprayed or dipped.
Why it happens
- Humidity. Wood is porous and takes up water from damp air. It swells, and the damp surface supports mould and fungus.
- Salt air and caustic vapours. Coastal and industrial environments add salt and chemicals that degrade the surface.
You will see swelling, sticking doors and lids, dark spots or fuzzy growth (fungus), and a dull, rough surface.
How to fix it
- Wooden surfaces, crates, panels and fittings in humid or harsh environments: Micron 3518 Protektor HydraCoat, 5 L. Its page describes fast drying, a transparent finish, protection against humidity, salinity and moisture, and decent resistance to organic solvents, fungal growth, dust and dirt. It says it can be removed with Protektor thinner.
The 3518 page directions are brief: the cleaned wooden surface is brushed, sprayed or dipped in line with the relevant process. Follow the TDS. General practice:
- Clean the wood of dust, dirt and loose material.
- Make sure the wood is dry. Sealing in moisture traps it.
- Treat any existing fungus first and let the surface dry fully.
- Apply an even coat by brush, spray or dip, covering end grain well, since end grain soaks up the most moisture.
- Let it dry before handling or stacking.
What to avoid
- Keep out of reach of children; do not spray in eyes or mouth (stated on the page).
- Food-contact use is not stated. Do not use on surfaces that touch food, including crates that carry unpacked food.
- Do not coat wet or freshly cut green wood.
- Do not rely on a surface lacquer for structural timber or for termite protection.
When to ask an expert
This is outside the lacquer's scope:
- structural timber treatment, rot in load-bearing wood, or termite infestation needs a timber treatment specialist or pest control;
- outdoor exposed timber with a long design life needs a specification from a coatings supplier.
Ask Micron if you are unsure whether HydraCoat suits your wood or environment.
Getting good results
- Coat all faces, including the underside and end grain, so moisture cannot get in from the uncoated side.
- Work in a ventilated area and keep the lacquer away from heat and flames; follow the label and SDS.
- On items that are handled a lot, check the coating every season and recoat worn areas.
FAQ
Will HydraCoat change the look of the wood?
Its page describes it as transparent. Test on a small area first to see how it looks on your wood species.
Can it be removed later?
The page says it can be removed with Protektor thinner.
Can I use it on wooden crates?
For crates that do not carry unpacked food, yes, as a moisture and fungus barrier. Food-contact use is not stated, so do not use it where wood touches food.
Can I spray it, or must I brush it?
The page says the wooden surface can be brushed, sprayed or dipped. Brushing works well for panels and furniture; dipping suits small items and crate slats where every face needs coating.
Does it stop termites?
The page does not claim termite protection. Termite problems need pest control.
See the product: Micron 3518 Protektor HydraCoat. More fixes: general hub.