Rating of the best wood preservatives for 2024

For the most part, ordinary people understand an antiseptic preparation as a paint and varnish material with which a tree is covered for protection. But this is a bit different. In fact, wood preservative is a special type of impregnating soil that impregnates the wood with a special composition and gives it additional protective parameters. Such an impregnation is designed to create protection against fungus and mold, blue stain, as well as counteract wood-boring beetles. And the deeper this impregnation has penetrated into the structure of the tree, the more effective protection will be provided. As part of today's antiseptic drugs, two main types of substances are used:

• Oxidants that destroy the fiber of fungi;
• Fungicides used as inorganic / organic compounds (copper, heavy metal salts, phenolic derivatives).

Fungicides, unlike oxidants, block fungal enzymes and prevent them from feeding. It is worth mentioning that all antiseptics have a liquid or viscous consistency. This is necessary in order for the resin to penetrate as closely as possible into the wood structure.

Antiseptic base: water, acrylic, organic

All antiseptics today are divided into three groups:

• Water soluble (water based);
• Oily (based on impregnating oil);
• Organic soluble (based on organic solvents).

The water-soluble group includes silicon and sodium fluoride, copper pentachlorophenol and ammonium, etc. The oily group consists of creosote, coal tar and anthracene antiseptics, as well as shale oil.

In turn, according to the type of impact, they can be divided into:

• Indelible;
• Difficult to wash off;
• Easy to clean.

The former include only oily substances and those made on the basis of organic solvents. The rest of the groups for this qualification are represented exclusively by water-soluble compounds.

In order to achieve the required effect for penetration into the wood structure, manufacturers mix alkyd, silicone or acrylic base into antiseptic solutions.

Solvent-based antiseptics create a waterproof and elastic film, however, capable of passing steam, while it has excellent protective properties. Such antiseptic compositions are perfect for wooden surfaces that are under constant mechanical stress (decking, stairs, railings). In addition, after treatment with such a solution, a wear-resistant water-based varnish can be applied on top.

Water-based antiseptics Is the same acrylic-based product, odorless and solvent-free. They can be called universal, since they are fire and explosion-proof, they can perfectly fit on a damp tree and have excellent protective properties.

IMPORTANT! However, it is possible to know their final color only after complete drying, so most designers prefer not to use them, since it is impossible to predict the final color result.

Silicone samples are considered the next generation drugs and combine the best advantages from the above options. They are made from silicon, and not only is it weakly flammable, it also does not emit corrosive combustion products when exposed to an open flame. Also, silicone does not degrade over time and is biologically neutral in itself. From this it is clear that it can be used for both internal and external processing. Among other things, it has high water-repellent properties, but at the same time allows the tree to "breathe". It is also elastic and capable of stretching / shrinking along with the wood base without cracking. The degree of its penetration into the structure of the tree is extremely deep, which makes it possible to protect the material from the inside. It dries quickly (about 2 hours) due to its increased vapor permeability. And the total operational life of it is twice as long as that of alkyd or acrylic competitors.

"Spraying" and "immersion" as treatments

Antiseptic solutions can also be classified according to the type of application. For example, either the surface method is most often used (you will need a brush and a spray gun to work), or deep (the processed wood is immersed in a cold / hot solution). In this case, much will depend on the cultivated breed and its part. For example: hearty and ripe coniferous wood is extremely poorly impregnated with compounds at room temperature. But as soon as it is heated to 95-100 degrees Celsius, the substance will begin to penetrate deeper inside.

It is still preferable to impregnate dry wood with aqueous or organic solutions, however, some of them will disperse inside the tree with great difficulty. At the same time, they can spread out and fall out on the surface in the form of a salt sediment. At the same time, if the tree is kept wet, then water-soluble substances will come in handy. In a similar way, you can easily soak the sapwood of beech, birch or pine.

Selection of an antiseptic for specific purposes

All today's antiseptics are strictly divided into two groups - for outdoor decoration and for indoor use. No protective solution intended for outdoor decoration should be used indoors. This is due to the fact that external formulations often contain toxic substances, which, when released into the atmosphere in the open air, may not be so noticeable, but indoors they can harm human health if inhaled.

Conversely, an internal impregnation is not suitable for an external coating. The thing is that inside the treated surfaces are in more greenhouse conditions, and outside they are subject to many negative influences - from the vagaries of the weather to mechanical influences.Therefore, having protected external structures with a "greenhouse" internal solution, you should not count on its long wear resistance.

Compositions for impregnating rafters

Rafters are used in such a structural element of a structure as a roof. In fact, this part is neither an internal nor an external element. However, in order to choose the ideal protective coating for it, one must build on the climatic conditions of the area where the structure is located. For example, in humid climates, wooden rafters will suffer more from fungus, and in arid ones - from wood-boring beetles. The type of antiseptic should be selected accordingly.

IMPORTANT! It is better to process all the rafters with the necessary composition before installing them. At the same time, it is forbidden to process the same rafters with two different compositions at the same time - the compositions can react with each other!

It is worth noting separately that there are also solutions for temporary protection on sale, which are the best suited for impregnating rafters. They do not tint the wood itself, however, they do not penetrate too deeply into its structure and do not create a protective film. As a rule, such solutions are used in relation to sawn timber for the purpose of transportation, drying or storage. The standard period of validity of this impregnation is six months.

Protection against fungus of boards and beams

Today's protective compounds are good not only as a healing material, but can also be used as a prophylactic agent. They are vital in cases where there is a real threat in which, in a damp room, the fungus almost instantly spreads along the wooden structure and blanks. However, before starting the impregnation, you need to study in detail the possible bio-damage to the tree. So, dendrologists advise every 5 years to take a sample of wood, which is going to be subjected to preventive impregnation - this way you can find out in advance what kind of fungus you will suddenly have to fight (or with its mutated strains).

The thing is that fungal microorganisms over time adapt to the negative effect of the antiseptic drug on themselves and become able to overcome its effects. Therefore, it does not make sense to constantly use the same solution. A more rational solution would be to use a new type of biocide each time, so that the fungus does not have time to adapt to it.

In the case when the tree is already infected, then it is necessary to apply those compounds that will cause a chemical burn in the fungus.

IMPORTANT! It is worth remembering that most of these antiseptics are themselves strong oxidants and can cause corrosion of metal structural elements (nails, screws, staples).

Among other things, you should pay attention to the woody color: the affected wood is painted in the color of the wood-destroying fungus. This part should first be bleached, and only then a protective coating should be applied. Whitening is also useful in that it reveals rot, which is masked by the fungus. At the end of the bleaching, the wood must be rinsed with water.

Interior treatment

First of all, solutions should be selected for indoor premises, in which there is a small proportion of toxic substances, or they are absent altogether. The main thing is that they do not exude acrid and pungent odors. This rule especially applies to rooms in which children or people who are prone to acute allergic reactions are constantly staying. Thus, for interior decoration it is better to use acrylic or silicone compounds, alkyd ones will be less preferable. But oil is categorically contraindicated - they have an extremely pungent and long-lasting smell.

Safe antiseptics for saunas and bath rooms should be mentioned separately. In such structures, wood material is exposed not only to high temperatures, but also to high humidity. Accordingly, in relation to such conditions, it will be ineffective to use conventional protective drugs. For these conditions, special compositions are used that have antimicrobial properties, resist high temperatures and repel water well. Moreover, their penetration into the structure of the tree is at a very high level. All the above properties of the antiseptic, the manufacturer directly indicates in the instructions.

Processing of external structures

The durability of the operation of wooden products in the open air depends on a number of factors, the most important of which is the location of the structure and its orientation to the cardinal points. For example, a protective compound applied to the north side will last longer than on the south side, because it will degrade faster under the influence of UV rays (the sun). For the potential owner of the structure, this means that wooden structures on the south side will have to be processed more often than on the north. You can also mention that there are separate groups of drugs:

• For finishing structures exposed to aggressive atmospheric environment (frequent precipitation);
• For finishing structures located in the zone of frequent temperature changes (deserts and semi-deserts, where it is hot during the day and cold at night);
• For finishing worn-out and previously painted wooden structures in the open air.

It is quite clear that the impregnation of wood installed outdoors is not a matter of one day, so two or three successive stages of applying the protective compound will be required.

Fire retardant solutions - fire retardants

Due to the fact that wood is a material that is highly flammable, it requires additional flame retardant treatment. With the help of such an impregnation, the resistance of the tree to the effects of open fire will be increased. Such formulations can be produced in powder, liquid or pasty forms:

• Impregnations will resist fire, penetrating deep into the wood material, and interfering with the burning and spread of the flame;
• Liquid varnishes form a film on the surface that will prevent rapid heating and subsequent combustion;
• Enamels and paints simultaneously perform two functions - both decorative and protective;
• Pasty coatings are intended only to protect external surfaces from fire, thanks to their application in a rather thick layer and by hand;
• Powdered forms are applied using a spray gun by spraying.

IMPORTANT! Even fire retardants have a division in the direction of application: the internal ones are more environmentally friendly, while the external ones are able to strongly resist atmospheric phenomena.

According to the principle of action, they can be divided into:

• Active - these, when heated, emit non-combustible gases and thereby limit the access of oxygen to the combustion site, which reduces the risk of fire spread;
• Passive - they create a layer on the surface of the wood that protects it from the effects of flames. They can also melt at extremely high temperatures, forming a non-combustible "crust", which will consume a fair amount of thermal energy and which will significantly increase the thermal resistance of the entire wooden structure.

UV protection

Structures built of wood will certainly lose their original presentable appearance over time, due to the fact that they are constantly exposed to damaging ultraviolet (sun) rays. To prevent such situations, it is necessary to carry out the appropriate processing of structures in a timely manner with special compositions intended for these purposes. As a rule, they have special additives and pigments in their structure that significantly reduce the destructive ultraviolet effect.

Practice shows that applying such a product to a tree will protect it from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation for 8 to 10 years. At the end of this period, the impregnation will need to be refurbished.In the case when the protective solution has no color, then the renewal must be carried out every three to four years.

Rating of the best wood preservatives for 2024

For interior work

3rd place: Extra Aquatex with wax

The tool belongs to the category of non-washable. Although it is intended for interior finishing work, it is also suitable for external processing, but only in areas with a temperate climate. After application, the wood is given a decorative semi-gloss. Can be applied to both new and old surfaces.

Name	Index
Type of composition	Alkyd
Packing, kg / liter	10
Manufacturer country	Russia
Price, rubles	3800

• Additional protection against UV rays;
• Strengthens wood;
• Prevents blue discoloration.

• Long drying process (at least a day).

2nd place: Tikkurila Supi

The sample is characterized by a durable antiseptic protection of the wood material. Forms a stable acrylate layer during application. If necessary, the solution can be tinted, and with a colorless version, wood structures will retain their natural appearance for a long time.

Name	Index
Type of composition	Acrylic
Packing, kg / liter	9
Manufacturer country	Finland
Price, rubles	3500

• Resistant to dirt and dust;
• Economical consumption;
• Fast drying period.

• Not found.

1st place: Veres Classic Lazura

Upon completion of the application, the wooden surface will have a presentable appearance with a silky matte sheen. It supports temperature fluctuations well, therefore it is suitable for use in bath rooms and saunas. With the help of special ingredients, the standard service life of the coating has been increased from 5 to 8 years.

Name	Index
Type of composition	Glazing impregnation
Packing, kg / liter	1
Manufacturer country	Serbia
Price, rubles	500

• No dilution required;
• Extended service life;
• Low risk of counterfeiting.

• Dries for a long time (about 15 hours).

For outdoor work

3rd Place: Prosept Extreme Climate

Multipurpose product designed for use in difficult climatic conditions. Protects wood not only from sunlight, but also from the harmful effects of parasitic insects (for example, prevents wasps from creating nests). After application, a thin layer forms on the surface, which allows the wood to "breathe".

Name	Index
Type of composition	Water soluble
Packing, kg / liter	9
Manufacturer country	Germany
Price, rubles	5200

• No restrictions on wood species;
• Fast absorption;
• There is no smell.

• High price.

2nd place: Nortex-Disinfector

This drug has an excellent price / quality ratio. Its distinctive property is the ability to work on wet wood. The composition is environmentally friendly and it is allowed to work with it without a respirator. Apply with a brush or roller. Very affordable price.

Name	Index
Type of composition	Water soluble
Packing, kg / liter	1
Manufacturer country	Russia
Price, rubles	350

• Environmentally friendly ingredients;
• Does not affect the color and structure of the tree;
• Effectively prevents cracking.

• Increased consumption for wet wood.

1st place: Pinotex Natural

A very high quality product, absolutely not affected by negative atmospheric factors. It is characterized by high frost resistance. The impregnation itself is transparent, the structure contains the ingredients of the AVB formula. Easy to apply and forms an excellent, breathable, vapor-permeable film.

Name	Index
Type of composition	Acrylic
Packing, kg / liter	1
Manufacturer country	Estonia
Price, rubles	500

• Suitable for any type of wood processing (sawn, planed, etc.);
• Innovative technologies have been applied;
• Economical cost.

• Not found.

Fire retardants (fire retardant)

3rd place: Neomid 450

After treatment with this agent, the wood becomes hardly flammable.The one-time protection period is 7 years. At the same time, the composition of the product contains ingredients responsible for biological protection - against fungus, mold and insects. Does not require dilution. Has no restrictions on the method of application.

Name	Index
Type of composition	Flame retardant fluid
Packing, kg / liter	10
Manufacturer country	Russia
Price, rubles	1400

• Additional painting is possible;
• Suitable for all building elements;
• Multifunctionality.

• Acrid toxic odor (but disappears over time).

2nd place: Senezh Ognebio Prof

Makes surfaces more resistant to open flames, while at the same time can resist high humidity. Weakly susceptible to temperature changes. The mineral composition itself is absorbed quickly enough, has an increased biosecurity period - 20 years! It can be processed either by application or by immersion.

Name	Index
Type of composition	Mineral
Packing, kg / liter	5
Manufacturer country	Russia
Price, rubles	650

• Variety of ways of working;
• Preservation of the original color of the material;
• Extended protection period.

• Large consumption per square meter.

1st place: Pirilax-Lux

There are no fluorides and methyl impurities in the structure of this sample, which allows it to process the premises of children's rooms and hospitals. To improve efficiency, the manufacturer suggests applying it in several layers. The operating temperature does not matter - the application can be done even at -16 Celsius. The consistency of the product is viscous and does not need dilution.

Name	Index
Type of composition	Flame retardant coating
Packing, kg / liter	10
Manufacturer country	Russia
Price, rubles	4650

• Wide temperature range;
• Convenience in work;
• Lack of toxic substances in the composition.

• Darkening of the material is possible after 2-3 years.

Instead of an epilogue

The analysis showed that the domestic consumer is more inclined to choose Western samples for antiseptic work. This is due to their extraordinary quality and greater versatility and versatility. Usually, solutions are purchased in specialized stores - this reduces the likelihood of buying a counterfeit. It is worth noting that an order via the Internet from a manufacturing company (especially if it is located abroad) may well turn out to be more expensive than the retail price.