You ask, we answer.

Does wood need to be impregnated?

Wood is a natural material that can be used in interiors and exterior applications. Untreated wood is subject to decay, most frequently due to wood decaying insect infestation. Yet another significant factor is wood decaying fungi and mould. These most often tend to be present wherever the wood is exposed to increased humidity. The most endangered wood is that which is inbuilt in exterior or in direct contact with soil or water. Treating wood with wood preservatives prolongs the healthy life span and service life of the wood.

How long is the service life of impregnated wood?

The service life of impregnated wood depends on the method of applying the impregnation system and at the same time on the conditions to which the wood is exposed in its application. Generally, given the correct application, the impregnation will prolong the service life of the wood by up to decades.

Can I impregnate the wood on my own?

Anybody can treat smaller wood surfaces as wood impregnating agents are easily accessible. In terms of our product range, it is primarily Bochemit QB Hobby that serves this purpose. If impregnation of a larger wood surface is required, we recommend purchasing wood that has already been impregnated.

Is it possible to use impregnated wood in interior applications?

Wood treated with wood preservatives can be used in interior applications. However impregnated wood must not be used wherever it could come into contact with food, feed or potable water. At the same time, impregnation is not used for wood that is to be used in the manufacturing of children’s furniture and toys.

Can be beimpregnated wood covered with another paint?

Impregnated wood is protected against wood infestation by wood decaying insects and wood decaying fungi. This does not affect the properties of the wood in any way, which is why standard lacquers and finishing coats may be applied. Considering the wide range of coats available on the market, we recommend testing the chosen type on a non-visible part in order to discover the colour appearance of the wood.

Why does impregnated wood tend to be green?

There are more colour options of wood preservatives. Bochemie produces colourless, green, brown or yellow indication paints. The purpose of the colour options is to distinguish the treated part of the wood from the part that has not been treated. The rich colour is not an indication of the quantity of the active substances in the application. Presently, vacuum-pressure impregnation is attracting more attention. The preservatives used for this type of impregnation primarily tend to be based on copper, which causes the greenish colour. The green colouring gradually turns grey.

Is it possible to burn impregnated wood?

Impregnated wood must normally not be used as fuel but instead must be handed over for liquidation. The strips of timber treated with Bochemit QB can, however, be used as fuel for combustion in the manufacturer’s own facilities.

How am I supposed to treat the chopped parts of impregnated wood?

If the already impregnated wood must be sawn, chopped or ground, the worked parts of the wood must be re-treated by a wood preservative in order to ensure the integrity of the impregnation. This can be done by coating or spraying the wood with Bochemit QB Hobby or Bochemit QB.

What do I need to do if the wood is infested with wood decaying fungi or insects?

If the wood corresponds to the structural or bearing parts, always seek the assistance of a professional first. Click here for the procedure for treating the infested wood with Bochemit agents.

Do lacquers or wood paints provide sufficient protection?

A regular finishing coat does not protect the wood against infestation with most species of wood decaying insects. As a result of temperature changes, the wood tends to expand and shrink which can initiate cracking of the finishing coat. As a consequence, the wood is exposed to an increased risk of biotic pest infestation.