Forrest Tech Blog

We have a Spring Deck Products Special for our customers.  The Special consists of all the products and tools a person will need to freshen up their deck for the summer season.  Check it out and refer it to your friends.  It’s a good program that will help out our customers.

Restore-X® Exterior Wood Brightener is a citrus based product that brightens the wood grain appearance to bring out the brilliance of the wood and its grain features.  Exterior Wood Brightener is an excellent product that can be used as a stand-alone or as step #2 after the Deck Cleaner or EFR.  Exterior Wood Brightener is available in a liquid or a 6 oz. package concentrate that makes 1 gallon.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING Restore-X® PRODUCTS

1. READ LABEL DIRECTIONS ON ALL CONTAINERS CAREFULLY and note specific instructions for Restore-X® EFR, Deck Cleaner and Wood Brightener contained in this guide.

2. Conduct several small test samples in inconspicuous areas (one foot square).  It is essential to conduct several tests in different areas, as the condition of the surface will vary depending on the extent of exposure to the elements.  Monitor the time it takes and the amount of product used to achieve satisfactory results.  This test sample will help you bid the job accurately and schedule the amount of time necessary to complete the project.

3. Materials and equipment: Having the proper materials and equipment available before applying Restore-X® will help ensure the success of your project.  Your experience will bear this out.  The following items are highly recommended:

· Rubber Gloves and Boots

· Eye Protection (goggles)

· High-Pressure Washer, Hoses, etc.

· Duct Tape and Plastic (to protect aluminum)

· Synthetic Rollers and Brushes only

· All Stainless Steel Airless Sprayer

· Sprayer for Deck Cleaner or Wood Brightener (pump-up garden Type)

· Respirators (only if Restore-X® is sprayed)

Sprayer Equipment: Airless spray equipment is recommended for Deck Cleaner and Wood Brightener.  All Internal sprayer parts (fluid section) must be stainless steel, Teflon, plastic, or nylon. DO NOT USE Restore-X® in spray equipment (fluid section) with aluminum alloy or leather internal parts or packings.  CAUTION: Do not pump Restore-X® through old paint lines!  Residual paint remaining in the hose will be sloughed off and will clog the spray tip.

4. Take care of the landscape.  Rinse shrubs and surrounding lawn before and after treatment.

5. Preparing the surfaces.  Mask all aluminum windows and door frames securely with silver duct tape and plastic (or other non-porous leak-resistant tape).  This is important as Restore-X® will remove anodizing from metals and discolor aluminum.  If Restore-X® does come in contact, rinse immediately and thoroughly with water.  If damage does occur, contact the window/door frame manufacturer.  Use with extreme caution on doors.  Water may seep through paneled doors staining interior surfaces.  With hardwood doors, water may cause both darkening and a raising of the grain.

6. Application: Before applying Restore-X®, thoroughly wet the surface and broom off excess water.  This encourages even penetration of the product.  Three important steps to remember when applying Restore-X®: 1) apply a heavy coat using only synthetic brushes or rollers, 2) keep the surface from drying by misting with water* if necessary, and 3) wait for the product to do the job.

*An alternate method for keeping the surface damp:  After application of Restore-X®, use 1 mil plastic sheeting to cover the surface.  Place plastic against product; plastic will stay in place, reduce moisture evaporation and speed removal.

7. WAIT!

EFR: It is very important to allow Restore-X® time to dissolve the deteriorated finish and weathered wood.  Latex paints may take considerably longer than oil base paints; so do expect some variation in removal time.  Take a break while Restore-X® works for you, and then test several areas with a stiff brush and water.  If the results are satisfactory, proceed with removal.  Typically, removal times vary from 1-4 hours.  If a second coat is required, wash away the first coat and reapply.  Note:  If re-coating with paint or a solid-body stain, complete removal of weathered paint or stain may not be necessary.  Any remaining stain or paint may provide a good substrate for adhesion.  You will need to test the remaining paint or stain to determine if it is suitable for re-coating.

Deck Cleaner: Unfinished weathered wood will take 1 to 15 minutes.  Deteriorated stain in exposed areas removes in as little as 5 minutes.  Stain in protected areas may require up to 1 hour.  Expect some variation in the time required.  Mist lightly with water every 15-20 minutes.

Wood Brightener:  All wood should be clean before using Wood Brightener.  Pressure wash surface or use EFR or Deck Cleaner before using Wood Brightener.  All applications should be left to work 5-15 minutes.  If first application leaves an uneven finish or does not brighten to your desired finish, simply reapply.

8. Removal: For large projects, a pressure washer will greatly increase productivity.  Remember, however, that a pressure washer can do damage when used improperly.  Be careful not to place the nozzle too close to bare wood or windows.  Use a fan tip that will not “drill” the surface.  Rinse the surface thoroughly, but do not overwork stubborn finishes with the pressure washer, as damage to surrounding exposed surfaces may result.  Rather, simply spot apply Restore-X® and repeat the procedure.  Remember, it is not necessary to achieve 100% removal during surface preparation.  Paint that still maintains a good bond with the underlying material can provide a satisfactory surface for repainting or staining with a solid-body stain.  If a pressure washer is not at your disposal, be sure to agitate the surface in one direction (with the grain) to promote removal of stains or weathered wood.  Do not “scrub back and forth”.  Because Restore-X® is removing old deteriorated wood cells, it can cause tiny “hairs” to develop on the surface.  Scrubbing back and forth can magnify this effect.  Too much of this can require sanding, which defeats the purpose of this product. Agitating in one direction with the grain will help to keep these “hairs” from exposing themselves.

9. Refinish the Surface: To ensure a lasting natural wood color, always complete the Restore-X® process by applying a clear finish, wood preservative or semi-transparent stain as soon as possible.  Time is less important when repainting, but avoid long delays that may allow dirt and/or mildew deposits.  Contact your Restore-X® Dealer about 02C Series Penetrating Wood Finishes.

Part 2:

Restore-X® Exterior Wood Deck Cleaner is the first step in restoring the beauty of exterior unfinished and semi-transparent stained woods that are weathered and have dirt deposits or stains.  Now it is possible to remove old semi-transparent stain that has lost its original appearance.  Restore-X® Deck Cleaner dissolves old stain and accompanying watermarks and eliminates the graying effects of weathering by removing the deteriorated wood cells, mildew, pollutants, etc., that cause discoloration.  Old wood looks new again and unsightly semi-transparent stain is easily removed.  No longer is it necessary to cover up with solid stain or paint.  Restore-X® Deck Cleaner is the answer for decks, wood siding, fences, benches, planters, patio furniture, and other exterior wood surfaces.

Restore-X® DECK CLEANER REMOVAL TIMETABLE

The following estimates are intended as a general guideline only.

Finish Average Waiting Time

Weathered Wood                                  1-15 min.

Semi-Transparent Oil Wood Stain      5-45 min.

Semi-Transparent Latex Wood Stain  5-60 min.

Paint SCENTsations, has been one of the many new products we carry in the retail store!This new and creative technology has given the painting experience a whole new meaning to a fresh coat of paint, you can literally make it smell fresh! Whether you’re trying to bring some new life into an old room or repainting rental units, showing a house on the market, or just trying to eradicate smoke and pet odors, this is sure to leave a long lasting impression!

These small one ounce packets produce a pleasant scent and helps eliminate odors for 3-4 months. This product is zero VOC; produced from natural oils and flower extracts! We recommend 1 packet per gallon and 2-3 packets per 5 Gallons if used in the same unit.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our retail store!

Available scents

Fresh Air

Spring Rain

Sea Breeze     

Cool Linen

Clean & Crisp

Vanilla Bean

Herbal Mist

Citrus Squeeze

Stains

  NGR, Sap, Equalizing, and dye stains – These should be spray applied and only a very light coat is required, usually two or less wet mils. Anything heavier than this and puddling will occur which will result in a mottled look. They are fast dry and usually re-coatable in a manner of 20-30 seconds.

Spray Stains – These types of stains are ready to spray out of the container and as described, should be spray applied. As above, a light coat is all that is necessary, again, two or less wet mils. They also are generally fast drying and ready to seal in four to five minutes. Containers should be vigorously agitated prior to use and checked to insure that all pigments are off the bottom of the container. They should be lightly agitated during use.

Airless spray stain application

Wiping Stains- These stains are usually ready to use out of the containers. They also should be vigorously agitated before use and the bottoms checked for sediment. They also need to be lightly agitated during use. These stains require a heavier application, essentially flooding the wood substrate. A “dwell” or open time is typically allowed, anywhere from ten seconds to two minutes and then the excess stain is wiped off completely with a soft rag. They usually are spray applied but may be hand wiped or brushed on. Depending upon the formulation, dry times could be as quick as ten minutes or as long as 24 hours.

By Brent Miller

If you’re anything like me, you don’t do “spring cleaning” you do end of the year cleaning. I have filled our truck twice with donations and garbage in the last few weeks, and there are still a few closets left. One of the things I had to think about in the midst of all this though is what is safe to throw away? Especially when cleaning the garage.  I know that I personally have 20 or more partial gallons of paint in my garage. What are you supposed to do with that?

Working in a paint factory, I understand that you can’t just put your used paint gallons in the garbage, or rinse things out down the sink. I also know that there is now a solution for all those partial gallons of paint in the garage. Bring it on down to Forrest Paint!

Forrest Paint Company is a drop-off site for the Paint Care program. Since July 2011, Forrest Paint Company has collected over 68,000 partial gallons of paint. And we don’t just take back our own brand, we take ALL brands of paint.

If you have any of the following, we will take it.

• Exterior and Interior Paints: latex, acrylic, water-based, alkyd, oil-based and enamels (all types of finishes and sheens including textured coatings)
• Deck Coatings and Floor Paints (including elastomerics)
• Lacquers, Lacquer Sanding Sealers and Lacquer Stains
• Melamine, Metal and Rust Preventatives
• Primers, Undercoatings, and Sealers
• Stains and Shellacs
• Swimming Pool Paints (single component)
• Varnishes and Urethanes (single component)
• Waterproofing, Sealers and Repellants for concrete, masonry or wood (no tar or bitumen based)
• Wood Coatings (containing no pesticides)

The most common items that we can’t accept are for the following reasons

• Empty containers
• Paint not in original containers
• No original label on container
• Aerosol or Spray paints
• Products that say “For Industrial Use Only”

For a complete list of what is and isn’t covered, you can call 1.800.CLEANUP or visit www.paintcare.org.  Also, we are not the only collection site, so if you are not in our area and you want to dispose of these things properly, please call and find a drop off site near you. Good luck and Happy New Year!!!

By Brenda Williams

Being conscious of our impact on our community and the environment has always been important to Forrest Paint Co. Since our inception we have consistently worked to make our facility safer for our employees and to minimize our effects on the environment. As a chemical company, we are one of the most self regulated businesses in our area. We have done many things over the years to improve the health and safety of our plant.

For instance, early in our history  Forrest Paint eliminated most of the chemicals often assumed to be in paint which cause the most environmental and health problems.  We do not use lead, mercury, chlorofluorocarbons, or methylene chloride. In 2000 we also installed a Biofilter that processes and cleans the air from our plant by using microbes that “eat” the solvents. This process uses much less natural gas than most treatment methods.

Another exciting development in our progress is our water treatment. In the late 1980’s we voluntarily began the Ground Water Remediation project. Wherein we test and/or treat our ground water. Over the years, our ground water has improved so much that the DEQ has deemed it unnecessary to continue with the project.

We have always worked very closely with regulatory agencies at all levels to ensure our knowledge of and compliance with current and future regulations. Over the years we have been inspected by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), both Oregon and Federal, Lane Regional Air Pollution Authority (LRAPA), The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and our local Fire Marshall. We regularly consult with some of these organizations to review our progress and our plans for the future. We are also a member of the American Coatings Association and take part in the Paint Care program.

Forrest Paint is concerned about any effect our facility and our products might have on the community.  We will continue to work toward making our plant and our products safer for our employees, our neighbors, our customers, and our environment.

By Brenda Williams

As a manufacturer, painting is an essential step in the overall process of getting your products in the “hands” of the consumer! A consumer’s attention is caught by color however; protection is an equal factor when painting. Selecting the proper coating will ensure the best long term performance for your job. One of the first things to consider in choosing your paint is the item being painted. Is it wood, metal, plastic concrete, etc.? The chemistry of the paint allows manufacturers to deliver coatings targeted to each specific substrate. In an industrial environment, will your paint be inside or exposed to UV rays and the weather outside? Will it be subject to any harsh chemicals, water, or extreme heat?

Protection and esthetics are the two reasons for painting, and Forrest Paint Co. will help you with the best painting option in your industrial setting. Lighting and sheen levels are also very important factors when selecting your paint. Different lighting sources will definitely alter the appearance of your color so always determine the type of lighting your paint will be viewed in when making your color choice. The gloss (sheen level) is another important consideration in your choice of paint. It can range from flat to glossy and has an impact on the appearance and performance of your paint.

Forrest Paint Co. is among the world leaders in heat resistant technology that manufactures a wide variety of coatings used globally in various markets and industries. We have chemists, application and technical experts ready to guide you through your difficult decision. We can adapt coatings to application equipment, pretreatment conditions and manufacturer’s line parameters, to ensure the best success! Whether you need powder, liquid or aerosol paint, Forrest Paint Co. has what you need.

Today when choosing the right paint, you need to be as informed as possible for optimal results. From changing environmental laws to raw materials to its chemical makeup, Forrest Paint Co. will support and guide you in making the best decision. Our commitment to excellence is just part of our connection to our consumers – Together Start to Finish!

By George Ardolino

There are many reasons people paint their wood or pellet stove.  Whether to refurbish the finish or simply to change color, a successful paint job on a wood or pellet stove really depends upon good surface preparation.

 There are varying conditions that require different approaches to surface preparation.  For instance, if your stove’s finish appears intact without blemishes or rust, then you can simply do the following:

 Using 180 grit sand paper or a medium coarse pad lightly scuff the existing paint finish

1. Using Acetone* on a clean white cotton cloth, wipe the surface to remove debris from the scuffing process and have a nice clean surface
2. Allow the Acetone* to evaporate (about 5 minutes)
3. Apply the paint in two light coats

 * NOTE:  Take care to read and follow instructions for the proper use of Acetone.

 If your stove has any rust, it is very important that you remove all of the rust.  We do not recommend using any type of chemical treatment to remove or “capture the rust”.  These chemicals can leave a residue that will hinder the adhesion of the high temperature paint.  To remove rust with abrasion you can use a wire wheel attachment on a drill, or a wire brush, or sand paper that is coarse and designed to remove rust and paint from metal.  Once the rust has been removed, you can follow the instructions above to scuff the remaining coating and clean the surface with Acetone before painting.

 If your stove has loose paint, or has been painted more than once in the past, then you may find that you get the best results by removing the paint to prepare the surface.  Again, using abrasion with a wire wheel, a wire brush, or sanding will remove most paint from metal.  You may also find using Lacquer Thinner* and a coarse Scotch-Brite pad to remove the paint.

 * NOTE:  Take care to read and follow instructions for the proper use of Lacquer Thinner.