Brush On or Soak?

Pentacryl Tips & Best Directions for Use

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April 4, 2024 2:29pm EDT

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Matte tone:

Pentacryl is a green wood stabilizer. It works by displacing the high amount of moisture in wood, 30% or higher. To be effective, complete saturation is generally needed. There are two methods used to apply Pentacryl: Soaking, and Brushing On

Method 1: Soaking

Soaking is the most effective since Pentacryl will wick into the wood on its own.

⪼ Fill a plastic or fiberglass container with enough Pentacryl to cover the wood (do not use metal as it may discolor the wood).

⪼ Apply small stickers under your wood so that the wood does not sit directly on the bottom of the soak tank.

⪼ Soak the wood 24 hours per inch of thickness.

⪼ For larger pieces such as carving blocks, turning blanks, or cross-cut sections, soak 24–36 hours per inch of thickness.

⪼ It will not harm the wood to soak it longer.

⪼ For longer pieces of wood, such as logs, one end can be submerged in a bucket and the Pentacryl will “wick up” into the wood. After several days, turn the wood over and “wick up” the other end. When the wood is completely saturated, remove it from the soak, drip dry the wood and proceed to drying.

Method 2: Brushing On

This method is ideal for wood that is too large to soak, or if a soak tank is unavailable.

⪼ Lay plastic or a tarp down under the wood to catch any drips (allow enough plastic to wrap up over the top of the wood).

⪼ Place small stickers under the wood so that it does not sit directly on the plastic.

⪼ Brush on repeated coats of Pentacryl to all sides of the wood, applying extra coats to the end grains where up to 75% of the Pentacryl will be absorbed.

⪼ Cover the wood with the plastic to prevent premature drying.

⪼ Repeat the process until the wood will no longer accept any more Pentacryl (it will lay on the surface). If possible, turn the wood over and apply to the other side too, such as wood cookies and slabs.

Tip: Keep the wood wrapped up in plastic in between applications.

⪼ Try to complete the application within 7-8 days to prevent mold from growing under the plastic. When the wood is completely saturated, drip dry and proceed to drying.