Protek Paint has extensive product knowledge and offers in-depth solutions for your wood finishing needs, plus all the supplies needed to complete your project with the best results.
Leader in Wood Coatings, Paint & Supplies
Protek Paint has extensive product knowledge and offers in-depth solutions for your wood finishing needs, plus all the supplies needed to complete your project with the best results.
Protek offers Clear & Coloured Coatings for exceptional Professional Wood Finishes
You can choose from our professional lines of Clear or Coloured Acrylics, Urethanes and Stains either water or solvent based indoor coatings for wood furniture, cabinets, floors, fixtures, and for your exterior needs such as pergolas and gazeboes.
We have protective coatings for wood (sealers, base-coats, primers, top-coats) in many sheen’s (even as low as zero), abrasives, buffing equipment, stains, mixing cups and almost everything that you would require as a homeowner and professional.
ICA Professional Clear & Coloured Wood Coatings
ICA Group Spa is headquartered in Civitanova Marche (Macerata), with 2 production plants in Italy and 600 employees. They are a world leading manufacturer of high quality solvent or water-based Urethane and Acrylic wood coatings. ICA professional products offer;
- Superior resistance to chemicals, scratches and wear over time.
- Great Transparency & High Solid content.
- Waterproof coating for wood.
- Free of formaldehyde.
- NMP & APEO free.
ICA has a large variety of products geared to professional and industrial use. These products are available in transparent, pigment and colored versions. The ICA Group has large-scale production capabilities and conducts business around the world, taking on demanding, rapidly evolving markets that require innovative, high-quality and eco-friendly solutions to stay on top.
ICA Exterior Wood Coatings
ICA Group Spa has solutions for your pergola and gazebo with water-based, low V.O.C. coatings. Spar Varnish or Yacht Varnish is also used for exterior wood finishes primarily on Boats or Yachts. However, many garage doors are coated with Spar Varnishes because they normally contain U.V. absorbers to help filter or block out harmful U.V. Rays on the wood substrate.
Lacquer Paint for Wood Manufacturing
Lacquers are very quick drying dust free finishes, making them a favourite for wood furniture manufacturers, millworkers and restoration experts. Today wood Lacquer coatings in North America are made from nitrocellulose or other synthetic materials.
These are either Pre-Catalyzed (single component) or Post Catalyzed (two component) which is catalyzed with a 10% Acid solution to start the drying and curing process, otherwise the coating would not properly dry without the addition of the catalyst.
Lacquers are considered professional products because they must be sprayed to achieve a perfectly smooth finish. They are not an overly flexible coating and care must be taken when applying in extreme heat and humidity. Lacquers are ideal for Kitchen cabinets, furniture and store fixtures.
Lacquer Application Details
Quality Pre-catalyzed products can be used with a sealer or can be used as a self-sealer. Sealers for Pre-Cat are either a pre-catalyzed sealer or a Pre-Cat Vinyl sealer. Lacquer coatings cure from the bottom up and this allows for a constant build on the previous coat and not allow for any problems between coats.
Lacquers are normally sprayed, and most are ‘gun ready’. They are best applied when relative humidity is below 50%. If the environment is over 50% relative humidity a slow reducer and sometimes a blush retarder are used to allow for an even finish and even dry.
A normal finishing cycle is one coat of sealer and two coats of topcoat. Each coat should be thoroughly dry and sanded smooth with 240 to 320 grit between coats. Normal dry time for 24 hours at room temperature that is well ventilated prior to stacking.
Technical Tip
Protek Paint offers custom colour matching services for all the products that we represent, in our ISO certified lab.
In the past, many products were referred to as a ‘Varnish’. The act of coating or brushing on a finish on wood was known as “Varnishing”. There are many types of varnishes which include: Alkyd, Polyurethane, Blends or Both Alkyd and Polyurethanes (called Ure-Alkyd), Spar or Yacht (made with addition of Tung Oil and other additives). Urethanes are popular because they are tough and durable.
Protek Wood Floor Varnishes, Paint & Coatings
Protek Paint offers a line of Polyurethane Varnishes for hardwood floor in your home or commercial applications, including gymnasiums. Whether Acrylic or Solvent based Urethane, Protek has manufactured a line for over 60 years and can be trusted to deliver a quality, durable product. This includes our Urethane Floor Enamel and Epoxy Modified Acrylic.
Technical Tip
Polyurethane Varnishes are now widely known as Varnishes and are primarily used on hardwood flooring.
Solvent-Based Urethane Varnishes
Alkyd varnish is not common these days. The higher percentage of solids means more of the coating will remain on the surface then the water-based version.. Solvent-Based Urethane Varnish tends to punch up the colour of the natural wood more than water-based urethane, either on the bare wood or over a stain. Solvent-Based Urethanes age slowly and will gain a warmer look over time. Some people prefer this look and believe it adds rich character to the floor. Keep in mind that Solvent-Based Urethane Varnish must be cleaned with solvents and the odour can be quite strong, when compared to water-based coatings.
Water-Based Urethane Varnishes
Typically applied on hardwood flooring to protect the natural wood, or as a topcoat over coloured stain. Our polyurethane clear coat varnish, either by itself or modified with Acrylic, provides a clear wood finish to protect your floors. This polyurethane finish is also a good top coating solution for refinishing furniture.
Polyurethane water-based coatings are tough enough for gymnasium floors and other commercial applications. They are easy to apply by homeowners & professionals alike, with an easy water clean-up and relatively low odour.
It is important to note that water-based Urethane Varnish discolours very slowly over time, which is different than solvent-based versions.
Moisture Cured Urethanes
Clear Aliphatic or Aromatic Urethanes can be used for superior coatings and protection on Wood floors or protection over other surfaces. Superior abrasion resistance, clarity and high solids. For Professional Use Only.
Two Part (2K) Catalyzed Polyurethanes
Two Part or 2K Polyurethanes are catalyzed using Polyisocyanates. These coatings are versatile and durable because they are both flexible and tough. Used on the finest mill work from kitchen cabinets, store fixtures and all wood furniture. They offer tremendous benefits;
- Excellent clarity, with tremendous Depth of Image (DOI).
- Superior chemical and mechanical resistance to other coatings.
- Finishes range from a ‘dead flat’ finish to 3 sheen, 5 sheen, 10 sheen, 20 sheen, 40 sheen, 55 sheen and high gloss 100 sheen
Being a polymer that contains urethane formed by a reaction of alcohol with isocyanate, polyurethanes are formed when two isocyanate groups (Diiscyanate) reacts with a compound containing more than one hydroxyl group (polyol), aided with a catalyst.
These product parts (A & B) are kept separate until application when they are mixed.
- Part A is normally the Polyol side, pigment if it is coloured, catalyst and other additives for flow and levelling and other uses.
- Part B has the ‘Polyisocyanates’, also known as the ‘hardener’ or ‘activator’. This component is moisture sensitive and should be re-sealed quickly once the container is opened.
All solvents that are used must be ‘urethane grade’ (i.e. free of moisture and alcohol) to allow for safe and long storage and a good finish. Part A & Part B can switch between manufacturers, making it critcal that product directions be followed according to the manufacturer Technical Data Sheet (TDS).
Two types of Isocyanates, Aromatic & Aliphatic, used in 2K Polyurethanes
Aromatics cost less but can yellow with exposure to sunlight. These are commonly used for wood furniture. Aliphatic products have better gloss retention, water resistance and U.V. resistance.
Commonly used for boardroom tables and on metals such as brass or bronze for industrial uses or exterior purposes. Precise amounts, either by volume or weight, are mixed together just before use. Most mixtures have a pot-life 2 to 6 hours at 70°F or 20°C and can be used immediately after mixing.
Technical Tip
Aromatic Isocyanates are TDI’s and MDI’s and Aliphatic polyisocyanates that are non-yellowing are known as HDI’s, IPDI, H12MDI, XDI, TMXDI, TMHDI and TMI’s. Professional operations use plural component guns that mix the components at the tip, not wasting any material and providing safer handling.
Products to protect your Wood Decks & Fencing
Timber Pro, a Canadian company with nearly 30 years of manufacturing quality products and great customer service, provide us with exterior Transparent and Semi-Transparent Stains for Decks, Fences, Logs and Siding. Their products are meant to penetrate wood with a special Hybrid Alkyd that is water soluble and has very low V.O.C.’s. These products are proven to weather tough Canadian environment from Sea to Sea.
Zar Wood & Deck Solid Stains are part of a large family of products owned UGL company. If a solid colour is required, Zar solid stains are an 100% Acrylic/Alkyd Oil blend with water clean-up producing a beautiful finish for your outdoor deck or siding.
Goudey Wood Stains are a trusted Canadian manufacturer of quality wood stains since 1943. Their premixed line of colours are part of the fabric of the wood coating industry across Canada. As they say they are “micro brewed” in small batches. Goudey recently introduced of a new variety of grey colours to complement their traditional line up of colours.
Old Masters Gelled Stains are part of the large Diamond Vogel group of companies from Iowa and have over 800 employees working in seven plants. Old Masters offer some of the finest stains available and the gelled product are easy to apply for both the professional and homeowner.
Marine Quality Wood Coatings
International Marine is one of the premier suppliers who are offered through Protek Paint. This company was founded in 1881 in the U.K. and expanded to many other destinations around the world as early as 1889. It is one of the most trusted names for marine usage today.
- Universal Primers
- Water-Ballast Tank Coatings
- Anti-foulings
- Abrasion Resistant
- Cosmetic finishing top coatings
International Marine has great online resources for any Marine painting project you may have or talk to us at Protek Paint for additional assistance with your project. Last n Last is another great company offering a Marine Acrylic Spar varnish that has a durable exterior finish for your home’s front door or trim. Easy water cleanup, low VOC and lower odour.
Fire Retardants for Clear Wood Finishes
Protek Paint offers solutions for your projects to resist the effects of fire. Through our partnership with Green Dolphin we offer solutions for your wood projects that need a Clear Fire Retardant.
Wood Coating Supplies and Sundry items
Additionally, we offer Supplies and Sundry items that are included in our inventory to help to achieve the best results for you and your project.
Partnerships with world class manufacturers such as:
- SIA Abrasives of Switzerland
- RBL Buffing Equipment, Pads and Buffing Compound of USA.
- SATA Spray Equipment of Germany
- KREMLIN Spray Equipment of France
- E-Z Mix measuring and mixing cups for proper mix ratios made easy
Waxes
Many different types of waxes are used on wood. Bees wax and Carnauba waxes are commonly used on wood, whether separately or in a combination of the two in various ratios. Waxes were especially popular when previous, older types of coatings were not as resistant to moisture and abrasion/scratching. Waxes are good products to be used on wearing surfaces and to rejuvenate dull or older finishes.
Bees Wax
This wax is combined many times with a solvent but alone together they are soft finishes. Bees wax can penetrate deeply into the wood and prevents the wood from drying out. Low sheens and even known as dull. Can be buffed or polished to achieve a higher gloss.
Carnauba Wax
This wax is a natural vegetable wax that commonly comes from Brazilian palm trees. Carnauba is harder drying and with the ability to buff, allows for the even high sheen finish. Most paste waxes contain a large percentage of Carnauba and a lesser amount of Beeswax.
Paste waxes are commonly used on flooring and sometimes used on furniture. Normally buffers will complete the job well and even.
Mineral waxes are commonly paraffin or microcrystalline wax which are synthetic waxes that come from processing crude oil. These waxes are non-acidic and will not degrade antique finishes.
Linseed Oils, Tung Oil, Mineral Oil & Teak Oil
These types of oils are used to protect wood by a chemical process called polymerization. This is caused by a Reactive action that occurs when the Oils cure or dry. Linseed and Tung Oils are finishes that do not form a film but cure by a reacting with oxygen. These are not able to build a large film. If over coated too many times or too thick, the Oils will wrinkle and both dry and cure extremely slow. Both Oils are sold at 100% of themselves. If there is any other listed product (like petroleum distillates) then the product is not just the oil. These are known as and are called wiping varnishes.
Linseed Oil is typically used on exterior surfaces only, such as a barn siding as it takes so long to dry. Used to help to keep the wood from drying out, rotting and the insects from eating the wood. Linseed Oil is also known as Raw Linseed Oil, as it does not readily dry and contains nothing else in it. Raw Linseed can take weeks to dry in the right conditions.
Boiled Linseed Oil contains metallic driers that help it to dry and cure much quicker, normally within the day. Used on wood furniture to lesser extent these days and many hobbyists for projects. Used in semi-industrial purposes on floors in truck trailers to help keep the wood from drying out and to help keep the dusting down and be able to sweep up easily.
Tung Oil is also known as China Wood Oil and dates back to before the writings on Confucious. This oil finish is easy to repair, if required. It has a wetted look and a satin finish. Tung Oil resists water better than any pure oil finishing oils. It does not noticeably darken with aging is reported to be resistant to mould. *Rags and other tools used with Oils should be used with caution as they can spontaneously combust.
Teak Oil is not really what the name implies. It does not come from Teak. It is a made up formula that is not standard. It can include linseed, tung, mineral oils and or varnish. It is called Teak Oil for its’ use on Teak furniture.
Mineral Oil is known to have no flavour, odour and properties that prevent fate absorption. For this reason Mineral Oils are commonly used in Food Grade for the purpose of rubbing on wooden food Utensils, Cutting Boards, Salad Bowls. The Mineral Oil would prevent also the absorption of the liquids from food items themselves and their odours and assist in their cleaning. Resisting the absorption of liquids and the cycle of wet and dry will reduce the splitting of the wood. Well-known applications also include treating and preserving wooden butcher block counter tops.
Danish Oil
A wood finishing oil with no defined formula, which can often lead to confusion and inferior or undesired results. Traditionally it is made from Tung Oil, polymerized Linseed Oil or variations of each. This hard-drying oil polymerizes when reacted with oxygen into a solid form. The resulting finish is a beautiful satin look and is hard wearing. Used on items like tool handles and food utensils because it is resistant to water and other liquids.
Technical Tip
Rags and other tools used with Oils should be used with caution as they can spontaneously combust.
Shellac
Shellac is a secreted resin from the Lac Beetle found mainly India and Thailand. After processing into ‘flakes’ and to different levels of refinement becomes different colours from yellowish to brownish or reddish. Commonly cut in alcohol it is one of the original natural and non-toxic finishes once the alcohol has evaporated. They are grouped in 1 lb, 2 lb and 3 lb cuts, referred to the ‘cut in pounds’where 3 lb cuts are the most common.
During most of the 19th century and until the 1930’s Shellac was the predominate coating for wood furniture and flooring. Applying Shellac with several thin coats provides the best results. Shellac dries to a glossy finish and contains 3 to 5% natural wax. This product has a shelf life of one year. Any longer and Shellac will not dry.
- Dewaxed versions must be used to be able to topcoat with anything else like paint or varnish.
- Unless the Shellac is Dewaxed, Shellac appears ‘milky’ but will dry clear.
- Shellac is also commonly used as a barrier to stop ‘bleed’ of the tannins from knots especially woods like pine.
- Shellac can be used as a primer for stopping water penetration, as an odour eliminator and stain blocker in fire restoration over all wall finishes, including all painted surfaces.
Wood Coating FAQs
Are wood stain non-toxic?
There are stains with very low VOC’s. However, toxicity also depends on the individual. Each person must take this into consideration when handling these types of products.
What are the types of wood finishes?
There are many different types of wood finishes. Protek offers a complete range of products.
- Protek Water Based Urethane Varnishes
- Protek Oil Based Urethane Varnishes
- 2K Catalyzed Polyurethanes
- ICA Group Spa Interior & Exterior Products
- Protek Urethane Floor Enamel Paint
- Protek Epoxy Modified Acrylic Paint
- Timber Pro Transparent & Semi-Transparent Stains
- Goudey Wood Stains
- Old Masters Gelled Stains
- International Marine Products
- Last n Last Marine Products
- Katilac Lacquer Coatings
- Fire Retardant Wood Coatings
- Bees Wax & Carnauba Waxes
- Linseed Oils
- Tung Oil
- Mineral Oil
- Teak Oil
- Danish Oils
- Shellac
What is the best wood finish?
This depends on the application. Contact a Protek Paint professional with any questions you may have for your project.
Is wood coating waterproof?
Mainly this is dependent on the properties of product. Obviously, Marnie paints are waterproof, but they also have other properties as well. Sealers are also part of a complete waterproofing system. Contact a Protek Paint professional for more details.
Can pressure treated wood be painted?
Yes, it can be painted. Staining can be done after it has aged and dried out.
How is a wood protect-ant different from wood coating?
Wood pro-tectants are typically labelled as ‘Sealers’ while wood coatings are considered finishes such as, acrylic paint on wood.