Twice in the last five-and-a-half years, it is known that there were staining problems on hardwoods that were treated with Fire Preventer. Both incidents occurred in Kentucky with oak.

This problem appears to be one that is inherited from the lumber mills and is inherent throughout the lumber industry. During our investigation, we have uncovered just a few of the many causes of the staining or extractive problem. a few of the causes are blue mold, brown mold, or extractives such as tannins.

One of the solutions to the mold problems is kiln drying below 155° F and above 150°F for 24 hours until the moisture content of the wood is below 12 percent.

Another solution is the application of stain killers which can be mixed with Fire Preventer. This is not a solution that we necessarily want to recommend, as we do not advocate mixing anything with Fire Preventer for quality control and toxicity reasons. Some of these products are "Woodstat", "Amical Flowable", "Erodawood 200EC", "Nytek GD", and "Arquad C33W".

RECOMMENDED TREATMENT PROCEDURE FOR INTERIOR, DECORATIVE OR TRIM WOODS:

Step 1)  At least three (3) days before treatment with Fire Preventer, test moisture content. Either test the wood itself or scrap pieces after construction is complete.

Step 2)  When treating the test samples, treat in the building where the Fire Preventer is going to be applied and in the conditions that will exist during application. This is not a procedure for structural wood that will be covered after construction.

Step 3)  Make sure that the moisture content is below 12%. There are many models of resistance meters available under $100.

Step 4)  If the ambient humidity in the building being treated is above 30%, use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity prior to treatment.

Step 5)  Run a dehumidifier after the actual application of Fire Preventer to dry the decorative wood as quickly as possible.

Step 6)  A water repellant coating should then be applied to the finished wood to further prevent the possibility of any staining on humid days. This is particularly appropriate in horse barns or other agricultural buildings.

The staining problems that occur usually only occur in wood that is either over 12% in moisture content or is exposed to a combination of high humidity and temperatures exceeding 95°F. Wood that has been kiln dried at above 150°F and the blue mold spores killed can be re-contaminated by saw blades that have been used to mill other lumber that has either blue or brown mold problems, then be activated by any water-base stains or chemicals.

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