ALBI CLEAR and MAX

Image of ALBI CLEAR and MAX product

Contractor information

ORDERING & AVAILABILITY

All ALBI products are available within 24 hours from a nationwide distributor network. Contact Rentokil Initial Supplies on 0151 546 5131 to find your local stockist. It is our policy, wherever possible, to deliver all UK mainland orders placed before 12.00 noon, the next day (except Saturday).

STORAGE

ALBI coatings should be stored between 15°C (59°F) and 25°C (77°F).

GETTING STARTED

Check site conditions
The building must be weather tight and all wet trades completed with sufficient time allowed for drying out before applying ALBI MAX. Particular attention should be paid to the internal conditions where the work is being carried out i.e. minimum temperature of 18°C and maximum relative humidity of 70% during the entire application and drying period. Should the site fail to meet these conditions the installation of electric heaters and/or de-humidifiers should be used to achieve these conditions. Adequate ventilation during the application procedure is essential, especially when the product is being used in confined spaces. If this is not possible the appropriate respirator must be used.
Is the moisture content of the timber acceptable?
The maximum moisture content of the timber substrate must be 14%.
Has the timber been correctly prepared?
Remove existing finishes by mechanical abrasion or the appropriate varnish stripper and clean the surface with cellulose thinners and/or a slightly damp cloth. It is essential that all surfaces are clean and free from surface moisture and any contamination such as oil, grease and wax. Highly absorbent timber should be lightly wiped over with a clean water/liquid detergent mix prior to the application of the first coat of ALBI MAX BASECOAT. Avoid excessive wetting. All surfaces should be sanded prior to application of the coating to ensure adequate penetration and long term adhesion.

APPLICATION OF ALBI MAX BASECOAT

Stir product well - do not thin. There are three methods for applying ALBI MAX BASECOAT:- Application by brush allows access to those awkward corners. Whilst roller application is faster it may require laying off by brush (we recommend the use of short pile, lambswool rollers).

Airless spray can be used for large flat areas, coverage being achieved by repeated passes. The following information is a guideline only which may need to be modified to suit local conditions. To achieve the required working viscosity ALBI MAX BASECOAT should be heated to 30-40°C in a water bath, heating cabinet or similar. Remember to loosen the lid! Up to 6.6m²/litre may be achieved in a single coat when spraying.

Allow each coat to dry for 24 hours at a constant air temperature above 18°C, and relative humidity of not more than 70% before applying a further coat. For best results de-nib with flour grade glass paper between coats and before overcoating. Plastic containers must be used for the coating when applying the ALBI MAX BASECOAT. Clean brushes and equipment with a mixture of warm water/10% acetic acid (household vinegar).

ALLOW 24 HOURS (MINIMUM) DRYING TIME BETWEEN COATS, AND A FURTHER 24 HOURS DRYING TIME ONCE FINAL COAT APPLIED.

APPLICATION OF ALBI OVERCOAT

ALBI MAX BASECOAT must be completely dry prior to applying the ALBI OVERCOAT. Stir well - do not thin. Apply by brush or short pile roller in one even coat. It is essential to maintain the wet edge otherwise joints may show. In areas where heavy wear is likely to occur, a further coat of ALBI OVERCOAT should be applied for maximum protection. Metal containers must be used for the coating when applying ALBI OVERCOAT. Clean brushes and equipment with cellulose thinners. It is not recommended to spray the ALBI OVERCOAT.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE FOR HIGH HUMIDITY SPECIFICATION

  1. Ensure the correct site conditions are achieved and maintained - see Getting Started
  2. Seal the reverse face, end grains and edges of the timber with two coats of ALBI OVERCOAT (gloss)
  3. Fix the timbers and allow them to stabilise in position achieving the moisture content expected in service life (no greater than 14%). This avoids sealing excessive moisture into the timber which may subsequently cause a breakdown in the ALBI MAX system.
  4. Apply a compatible stain if desired and allow at least a week to dry
  5. Apply the ALBI MAX BASECOAT as per the application rate table
  6. Apply two coats of ALBI OVERCOAT in the preferred finish (matt, satin or gloss) at 12m²/litre

Timber coated in the ALBI MAX system should be allowed at least one week to dry out before being subject to high humidity. In the case of swimming pools, the pool should not be filled until at least two weeks after application has been completed and the central heating system is in full operation.

TREATMENT OF TIMBER OFF-SITE, PRIOR TO FIXING

Where project requirements involve application of the ALBI MAX system off-site, the following method of application must be followed to ensure that premature breakdown of the coating does not occur.

  1. Make sure the application instructions have been read thoroughly by everyone involved in applying the product. Ensure the correct site conditions are achieved and maintained - see Getting Started.
  2. Seal the reverse face, end grains and edges of the timber with two coats of ALBI OVERCOAT gloss finish.
  3. Apply the ALBI MAX BASECOAT to the front face of the timber.
  4. Apply one coat of ALBI OVERCOAT (required finish) to the front face. The final coat should be allowed to dry thoroughly for two weeks before transportation to site.
  5. When transporting to site tape the boards together with release paper in between them to prevent adhesion
  6. Once the timber is on site and fixed in position, apply a further coat of ALBI OVERCOAT to the front face.

PROBLEM SOLVING

ALBI MAX BASECOAT is sensitive to moisture and failure to follow the application instructions may result in a breakdown of the system, typical symptons being crazing, blooming or failure to cure/dry. Where deterioration of the ALBI MAX system has occurred the system should be redecorated, dependent on the cause of the problem, as follows:

FAILURE TO CURE/DRY
This problem is often the result of incorrect application conditions. It is essential that the correct site conditions are achieved i.e. minimum temperature of 18°C and maximum relative humidity of 70% during the entire application and drying period.
LIGHT SURFACE BLOOMING/MINOR SURFACE DAMAGE
The ALBI OVERCOAT should be thoroughly cleaned with a damp rag; stubborn or greasy marks can be removed using methylated spirits.
BLOOMING/CRAZING IN THE ALBI MAX BASECOAT (SEVERE DAMAGE)
When this occurs the whole system will need to be removed. The ALBI OVERCOAT should be stripped by swabbing with cellulose thinners and the ALBI MAX BASECOAT by mechanical abrasion. The ALBI MAX system should be re-applied in accordance with the instructions on this website.

MAINTENANCE

Correctly applied, maintenance of the ALBI MAX system should normally take place in line with the internal re-decoration schedule of the building. At this point the ALBI OVERCOAT may require re-applying in order to maintain its decorative, protective properties. This can be done by cleaning the surface thoroughly with a damp rag; stubborn or greasy marks can be removed using methylated spirits. Apply one coat of the ALBI OVERCOAT.

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