Frequently Asked Questions for Pentacryl
Q: How long will it take for the wood to dry when using PENTACRYL?
A: There is no way to give a specific answer to drying time. Drying time
differs depending on the temperature, humidity, type of wood, and its
thickness. If the piece is a turning that is finished thin, then it may
be dry enough to finish in 2-3 weeks. If the piece is a carving that is
large, it may take 1-3 years to completely dry. By displacing moisture
in the wood, PENTACRYL helps to speed up the drying process. top
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Q: Can wood treated with PENTACRYL be finished with conventional
finishes?
A: Yes. Wood treated with PENTACRYL can be finished with conventional
finishes. Urethane varnishes, water borne varnishes, lacquers, tung oil,
linseed oil, and waxes have all been successfully used. The wood can also
be stained with analine dyes or oil stains. The key factors are to be
sure that the wood has thoroughly dried and to clean the surface of the
wood with mineral spirits, acetone, or lacquer thinner before finishing.
(See SOLVITOL on product list for alternative solvent.) top
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Q: Can a colorant be added to PENTACRYL?
A: Yes. A colorant can be added to PENTACRYL. Analine dyes, oil base dyes
and stains, and pigments can be mixed with PENTACRYL. The amount used
depends upon the desired effect. top of page
Q: Does PENTACRYL absorb all the way through the wood?
A: Yes, Pentacryl does absorb all the way through the wood. The time it
takes depend upon the type of wood and size of the piece. Pentacryl has
recently been improved; it will now penetrate approximately 1 inch of
end grain per minute. When using the brushing or spraying method, keep
applying until the wood can no longer absorb anymore. In between applications,
the wood should be wrapped in plastic to prevent evaporation of the moisture
and Pentacryl. The moisture in the wood helps the penetration of Pentacryl.
Keep in mind that most of the absorption is through the end grain. top
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Q: How much PENTACRYL does this take?
A: The amount of PENTACRYL the wood will absorb depends upon the type
of wood. For very dense grained hardwoods, it will take as little as 1
ounce per board foot and for very soft open grained wood, it will take
as much as 8 ounces per board foot. top of page
Q: Does PENTACRYL have to be absorbed all the way through the
wood to be effective?
A: PENTACRYL does not always have to be absorbed all the way through the
wood to be effective. Some woods that are quite stable may only require
several coatings to the end grain, while other woods with wild grain,
tension, or those that are unstable such as fruitwoods, require full saturation.
PENTACRYL will allow moisture to pass through it. The individual user
will have to determine whether or not to completely saturate the wood.
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Q: Can too much PENTACRYL be applied?
A: No. Too much PENTACRYL cannot be applied. The wood will absorb just
so much. Any excess can be cleaned off the surface. Note: If using the
soaking method, any PENTACRYL left over in the soak can be reused. top
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Q: Will wood treated with PENTACRYL weigh more when it is dry?
A: The wood will weigh only slightly more when the wood is dry. A cubic
foot of wood will weigh approximately 10-12 ounces more than wood that
was untreated. top of page
Q: Will turning and carving be easier with wood treated with
PENTACRYL?
A: Yes. The wood will turn and carve easier because PENTACRYL also acts
as a lubricant until dry. top of page
Q: Will PENTACRYL stabilize rotted or spalt wood?
A: Yes. PENTACRYL will stabilize rotted or spalt wood. However, it will
not harden soft areas. (See POLYCRYL in “other available products”
area for hardener. top of page
Q: Does PENTACRYL reduce shrinkage and distortion?
A: Yes. PENTACRYL does reduce the shrinkage by 1-2%. Distortion is also
significantly reduced. top of page
Q: Does PENTACRYL change the color of the wood?
A. Pentacryl has been reformulated and will no longer react with Tannic
Acid in wood. In some types of wood, this could cause darkening. Any color
change is now insignificant. top of page
Q: Can PENTACRYL be used to treat fruitwoods?
A: Yes. PENTACRYL can be used to treat fruitwoods. For thin turnings,
no special precautions are necessary. For thick turnings or large carvings,
the wood must be allowed to dry very slowly after treatment with PENTACRYL.
Some methods we have found successful are:
1) After treatment and turning/carving, place the wood piece in a paper bag and seal it closed. Twice each day, open the bag for ½ hour intervals. Repeat this process until most of the moisture has dissipated.
2) Be sure drying conditions are not to hot or to dry. Ideal drying conditions are between 60°-70°F and 50-55% relative humidity.
3) Another alternative is to let the piece dry in the freezer. The water molecules will evaporate in the freezer. This method works especially well with wild-grained woods. First, completely treat the wood with PENTACRYL as per the original instructions (PENTACRYL will also prevent swelling and cracking in the freezer). After the wood has been thoroughly treated, set it in a cardboard box and place the box in a freezer. The length of time in the freezer will depend upon the size of the wood and temperature and humidity of the freezer. A moisture meter can be used to periodically check the piece for dryness. top of page
Q: Can wood that has been treated with PENTACRYL be glued?
A: Yes. Wood treated with PENTACRYL can be glued. Tests have been successful
using Carpenter’s Glue, Cyanoacrylates, and epoxies. The shear strength,
however, has not yet been determined. Again, it is important to clean
the wood surfaces with solvent. Be sure that the solvent has completely
evaporated before gluing. top of page
Q: Can PENTACRYL be used on salad bowls and eating utensils?
A: Although PENTACRYL is considered non-toxic, it is not registered as
food grade. Therefore, we cannot make any claims that it can be used on
items intended for use with food. We are however, working on a food grade
PENTACRYL.
Q: If PENTACRYL freezes, will it loose its properties?
A: No. PENTACRYL has been run through 16 freeze-thaw cycles, some solids
settle out after being frozen 2-3 times, but will readily disperse when
brought to room temperature and shaken well. top of page
Q: Can wood treated with PENTACRYL be woodburned?
A: Yes. Wood treated with PENTACRYL can be woodburned, however, it is
recommended that the wood be completely dry after being treated with PENTACRYL
before woodburning.
Q: Does the odor of PENTACRYL remain in the wood after the wood
has dried?
A: 95% of the odor will dissipate. The time it takes depends upon the
type of wood, size, and the length of time it takes for the wood to completely
dry. top of page
Q: What can I use to clean brushes used to apply PENTACRYL or
to clean up a spill?
A: PENTACRYL can be cleaned off/up with soapy water, SOLVITOL, or any
mineral solvent. top of page
Wood Solutions
Would you like to enjoy the benefits of working with green wood knowing
that your efforts will not be hampered by cracking or checking? With Pentacryl
or Wood Juice, your masterpiece will endure. top of page
These products will also lubricate your wood allowing your tools to stay
sharper longer and for you to get more done with less effort. top
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If you need to strengthen some punky wood or just clean your tools at
the end of the day, check out our other environmentally friendly products,
Polycryl and Solvitol.
What the Reviewers say about Preservation Solution's line of products.:
"Green Wood Stabilizer", American Woodworker: "Pentacryl, from Preservation Solutions, is the answer for turners, carvers or anyone who wants to stabilize green wood."
"Keeping Checks in Check", The Southeastern Carver
"New Treatment Halts Deterioration", Woodshop News
"Turning Topics", Woodworker West: Pentacryl: The
Taming of Green Wood
"Pentacryl seems to control surface checking, and to slow the warping
process, quite well. "