Yes. Bamboo is remarkably very durable, possessing high strength to weight ratio and exceptional tensile strength. It’s strength, density, flexibility, and sustainability make Bamboo ideal for use in construction, flooring, bedding, screening, fencing etc.
Bamboo however has poor exterior durability because unlike timber, it does not contain the same level of waxes, resin, oils, and tannins providing resistance to insect and microbial attack, UV protection and water damage. Large amounts of starch present in bamboo makes it highly susceptible to mould, fungi, and insect attack. Weathering of Bamboo through repeated humidifying and drying of exposed bamboo can lead to the formation of tiny cracks in the surface.
UV degradation of the cellulose structure combined with the sand blasting effect of wind and sand means untreated bamboo may last 2 years exposed, and 4-7 years under ideal conditions (without exposure to sun and rain).
The durability of bamboo is heavily dependent on proper harvesting, treatment, and maintenance. To help protect bamboo from all detrimental effects of the harsh Australian climate, we recommend sealing all external bamboo flooring, furniture, structures, etc. with Aqualis Bamboo Sealer.
Aqualis Bamboo Sealer is a water-based exterior top-coat sealer designed specifically for all bamboo surfaces. Its unique formulation seals and protects Bamboo from the effects of UV degradation, weathering, mould, and fungal growth.
Bamboo Sealer is easy to apply, self-priming and gives durable protection in the harsh Australian
climate. Aqualis Bamboo dries to an enhanced stained transparent finish.
Applied over correctly cleaned and prepped bamboo, Bamboo Sealer should last up to 5 years exterior exposure and over 5 years if under cover protected from sun and rain. If surface shows early signs of weathering, simply wash with Aqualis Bamboo Cleaner (follow label instructions) and re-apply Bamboo sealer (follow label instructions). If Bamboo is affected by mould or fungal growth, scrub surface clean with Bamboo Cleaner (follow label instructions) and treat with Aqualis No Fungal Pro (follow label instructions), once surface has completely dried seal with Bamboo Sealer.
Bamboo Cleaner is a detergent based cleaner for bamboo. It has been formulated to remove mould and environmental pollutants from the surface of bamboo leaving it conditioned for the application of Bamboo Sealer.
Yes, if sealed bamboo requires cleaning, dilute Bamboo Cleaner with water at a ratio of 20 parts water to 1 part Bamboo Cleaner by volume. It is important not to use strong un-diluted detergents as this may have a detrimental affect the sealer coats.
Yes, the colour of bamboo can be changed. At present Bamboo Sealer is available in three colours, ‘Brown’, ‘Natural’ and ‘Trans Black’.
Yes, severely weathered bamboo can be restored back to new. The first step is to wash and treat the Bamboo using a stiff brush or broom with Aqualis Timber Clean (follow label instructions) then immediately followed by a neutralising wash/scrub with Aqualis Timber Prep (follow label instructions). Ensure all oxidised bamboo and mould has been thoroughly removed, otherwise repeat this cleaning/pre-treatment procedure until satisfied. Allow surface of Bamboo to dry completely, for damp areas which are prone to mould growth, we recommend treating with Aqualis No Fungal Pro (follow label instructions) and allow all treated surfaces to completely dry before sealing. Finally apply two coats of Bamboo Sealer to the cleaned/treated bamboo (follow label instructions).
For general cleaning of Bamboo, we recommend using Aqualis Bamboo Cleaner one part diluted in 20-part water by volume. Using a stiff broom/brush, scrub the bamboo clean with the diluted solution and rinse thoroughly with water. We then recommend sealing the washed bamboo with Aqualis Bamboo Sealer.
Yes, you can clean bamboo, but it will grey off in time.
We recommend that Bamboo should be washed and sealed to protect it from weathering and for areas prone to mould infestation wash and treat with No Fungal Pro then sealed with Aqualis Bamboo Sealer. (Refer Aqualis Bamboo Sealer) Due to its constitution, Bamboo is not as durable as timber especially when exposed to the elements. Bamboo lacks the level of oils, tannins, and natural toxins to protect it from exposure to UV rays, wind, and rain, it will split crack and degrade rapidly compared to timber. High levels of starch in Bamboo also make it a magnet for insect and microbial attack.
Mould infested bamboo can be restored back to new. The first step is to wash and treat the Bamboo using a stiff brush or broom with Aqualis Timber Clean (follow label instructions) then immediately followed by a neutralising wash/scrub with Aqualis Timber Prep (follow label instructions). Ensure all oxidised bamboo and mould has been thoroughly removed, otherwise repeat this cleaning/pre-treatment procedure until satisfied. Allow surface of Bamboo to dry completely. Once dry treat all affected surfaces with Aqualis No Fungal Pro (follow label instructions) and allow all treated surfaces to completely dry before sealing. Finally apply two coats of Bamboo Sealer to the cleaned/treated bamboo (follow label instructions) to help prevent re- infestation.
No.
All existing coatings or oils must be removed before Bamboo is re-sealed with Aqualis Bamboo Sealer.
Oils can be removed as follows:
Wash and old oil from the Bamboo using a stiff brush or broom with Aqualis Timber Clean (follow label instructions) then immediately followed by a neutralising wash/scrub with Aqualis Timber Prep (follow label instructions). If any sign of mould growth was present prior cleaning, allow surface to
thoroughly dry then, treat all affected surfaces with Aqualis No Fungal Pro (follow label instructions) and allow all treated surfaces to completely dry before sealing. Finally apply two coats of Bamboo Sealer.
Existing coatings can be removed as follows:
To remove old coatings, use Aqualis Strip Ease (follow label instructions). Wear safety googles and protective clothing including rubber gloves, apply generous amounts by brush and allow to sit for 30 min. Scrub surface with stiff broom or brush and carefully rinse off with high pressure water jet then immediately followed by a neutralising wash/scrub with Aqualis Timber Prep (follow label instructions). If any sign of mould growth was present prior cleaning, allow surface to thoroughly dry then, treat all affected surfaces with Aqualis No Fungal Pro (follow label instructions) and allow all
treated surfaces to completely dry before sealing. Finally apply two coats of Bamboo Sealer.
Treatment of bamboo with a solution of Borax and Boric acid in water is a highly effective way to protect bamboo against microbial and insect attack, however the treatment process is not as straight forward as it sounds. Simply washing bamboo with borax solution is not sufficient to provide long lasting protection. Bamboo needs to be treated, drilled through its segmented sections and fully submerged in a tank containing borax/boric acid/water solution for two to three weeks, the longer the better for prolonged protection. After the soaking process is completed, the bamboo is either force dried or allowed to dry for several weeks, leaving borate salts throughout its cellulose structure. Treated bamboo can withstand microbial and insect attack for 20 years and beyond, however it will still fade and grey off once exposed to effects of weathering and UV degradation. Using Bamboo Sealer will slow down the effects of weathering and greying, protecting the aesthetics
and colour of all sealed surfaces.
Address:
47A Lara Way Campbelfield, Victoria. 3061
Toll Free: 1300 046 832
Business Hours:
Monday – Friday
9.00am – 5.00pm
Aqualis Coatings Pty Ltd (ABN: 13 616 962 282)
Aqualis Coatings’ comprehensive range of timber and wood care products are environmentally responsible and give long-lasting performance in the harsh conditions of Australia.
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