Imagine a nice, warm, sunny day where you are barbequing on your backyard deck while also entertaining your family and friends. A feeling of satisfaction is present from knowing that you have just recently sealed the deck with an environmentally safe, nanotechnology wood stain. Your friends remark that the deck looks great. Happily, you know that it will not be necessary to re-apply another coat of stain or sealant for up to ten years. Even more importantly, because Green nanotechnology stain and sealant products are water-based, non-flammable and do not contain any toxins, you have confidence that your children and pets can play on your deck safely. Additionally, if your deck is in close proximity to a garden, plants or grass, they also will not be harmed by using a Green, eco-friendly product.
The bad news is that most sealants and stains being sold today are petroleum based and use an out-dated beading technology to repel water. These formulas require reapplication frequently as they wear away more quickly. They also do not prevent mold or mildew very effectively.
Fortunately, however, there are now new nanotechnology or Environmentally Green based sealants and stains that actually create a watertight seal by penetrating the material with 200 nanometer sized particles. Beading is far less evident because these stains and sealants now penetrate deep into the wood. This technology prevents water from getting into the wood which also prevents mold and mildew from growing.
The new nanotechnology products do not change color, become yellow or streak. Additionally, the stains and sealants can be applied in any climate from 35 degrees Fahrenheit and up. Unlike most products on the market today, they provide long lasting waterproofing, mold and mildew protection as well as protection from sun damage. Typically, a broad choice of tinted or clear formulas are now available. They are quite easy to apply, and, importantly, soap and water clean up eliminates the need for toxic solvents. Unused products can be safely stored inside because they are non-flammable.
Several companies falsely claim they manufacture eco-friendly stains and sealants and say they are specifically designed for all types of wood structures, including Composite Decking and Exotic Woods. However, with a "real" green stain, composite decking will maintain its original color when using a stain resistant clear formula. If you have exotic woods, there are formulas available for bamboo, mahogany, Brazilian IPE and other tropical woods. Because nanotechnology based sealants penetrate the surface rather than sit on the top, these stains are much more effective for use on these dense woods.
Additionally, there are some products lines that have Concrete and Masonry formulas that can be used on chimneys, garage floors, steps, curbs, retaining walls, planters, walkways, driveways or any concrete, stucco or masonry surface. Nanotechnology Concrete and Masonry Sealants can penetrate concrete surfaces up to one inch, protect against mold and mildew and are resistant to salt, chlorides and freeze/thaw cycles. Some manufacturers also include a line of "fish friendly" Marine Sealants designed to be applied to docks, piers, ramps, railings, walkways, or any structure over or around fresh or salt water.
Although it is easy to believe that Green, nanotechnology products may seem expensive as compared to other brands, an informed consumer will soon discover that over time long lasting nanotechnology based stains or sealants are far less costly than other labor intensive sealants, saving you both valuable time and money.
In this age of green technology, you can serve the environment well by seeking out quality stain and sealant products that are environmentally safe, contain no VOCs, toxins or irritants and are non-flammable. Additionally, ensure that the products you are considering are Green Spec Listed as an environmentally preferable building material and are also on the Green Approved Products List for the Master Painters Institute. Using safe, environmentally products will give you peace of mind knowing that either no living creature or the environment will be harmed by your use of these innovative new products.
The bad news is that most sealants and stains being sold today are petroleum based and use an out-dated beading technology to repel water. These formulas require reapplication frequently as they wear away more quickly. They also do not prevent mold or mildew very effectively.
Fortunately, however, there are now new nanotechnology or Environmentally Green based sealants and stains that actually create a watertight seal by penetrating the material with 200 nanometer sized particles. Beading is far less evident because these stains and sealants now penetrate deep into the wood. This technology prevents water from getting into the wood which also prevents mold and mildew from growing.
The new nanotechnology products do not change color, become yellow or streak. Additionally, the stains and sealants can be applied in any climate from 35 degrees Fahrenheit and up. Unlike most products on the market today, they provide long lasting waterproofing, mold and mildew protection as well as protection from sun damage. Typically, a broad choice of tinted or clear formulas are now available. They are quite easy to apply, and, importantly, soap and water clean up eliminates the need for toxic solvents. Unused products can be safely stored inside because they are non-flammable.
Several companies falsely claim they manufacture eco-friendly stains and sealants and say they are specifically designed for all types of wood structures, including Composite Decking and Exotic Woods. However, with a "real" green stain, composite decking will maintain its original color when using a stain resistant clear formula. If you have exotic woods, there are formulas available for bamboo, mahogany, Brazilian IPE and other tropical woods. Because nanotechnology based sealants penetrate the surface rather than sit on the top, these stains are much more effective for use on these dense woods.
Additionally, there are some products lines that have Concrete and Masonry formulas that can be used on chimneys, garage floors, steps, curbs, retaining walls, planters, walkways, driveways or any concrete, stucco or masonry surface. Nanotechnology Concrete and Masonry Sealants can penetrate concrete surfaces up to one inch, protect against mold and mildew and are resistant to salt, chlorides and freeze/thaw cycles. Some manufacturers also include a line of "fish friendly" Marine Sealants designed to be applied to docks, piers, ramps, railings, walkways, or any structure over or around fresh or salt water.
Although it is easy to believe that Green, nanotechnology products may seem expensive as compared to other brands, an informed consumer will soon discover that over time long lasting nanotechnology based stains or sealants are far less costly than other labor intensive sealants, saving you both valuable time and money.
In this age of green technology, you can serve the environment well by seeking out quality stain and sealant products that are environmentally safe, contain no VOCs, toxins or irritants and are non-flammable. Additionally, ensure that the products you are considering are Green Spec Listed as an environmentally preferable building material and are also on the Green Approved Products List for the Master Painters Institute. Using safe, environmentally products will give you peace of mind knowing that either no living creature or the environment will be harmed by your use of these innovative new products.
