| The term sapstain and blue stain is used in many | | | | Preventing Sapstain |
| articles concerning rot and wood preservation. One | | | | To prevent sapstain from discoloring the lumber and |
| should understand this term as a first step in | | | | to prevent further degradation through decay, many |
| understanding wood degradation and rot. | | | | mills will dip the product into a fungicide to deter mold |
| What is Sapstain? | | | | from attacking the lumber. This is particularly |
| A tree consists of many parts, but for this short | | | | important in the humid areas of the United States |
| treatise two terms, heart wood (physiologically dead | | | | and its use is highly recommended for high quality, |
| wood located near the center of the tree) and sap | | | | valuable lumber. |
| wood, which are located on the outer periphery of | | | | Lumber which has a high propensity of sapstain will |
| the tree (physiologically active) will suffice. The sap | | | | not take a finish evenly. The area which has the sap- |
| wood carries water and nutrients up though the tree | | | | stain will absorb wood finishes more than unaffected |
| and thus is a perfect environment for sapstain | | | | areas. Thus, when finishing a piece of lumber so |
| growth. | | | | infected, one will have to use a number of wood |
| When a board or timber is cut from a log, mold | | | | finish coats to even out the look. For high quality |
| spores can come in contact with the nutrient rich | | | | products such as furniture or mouldings, the lumber |
| wood with its inherent high moisture content and | | | | infected with sapstain is discarded. |
| they begin to multiply and spread over the face of | | | | If one is installing wood which has mildew present, it |
| the lumber. | | | | should be washed thoroughly before applying any |
| As they spread they create a stain which is normally | | | | type of finish. We are talking about a surface coating |
| blue, but can actually be different colors. Throughout | | | | of mildew, not a stain that has penetrated deep into |
| the years I have seen not only blue, but also black, | | | | the wood. Use a mixture of three quarts of water, |
| red and yellow. | | | | one quart of household bleach, and 1/4 cup of liquid |
| If this mold/stain is not checked, it can penetrate into | | | | dishwasher detergent which does not contain |
| the wood with tendrils and take the infection deep | | | | ammonia. Never mix bleach and ammonia as it will |
| into the lumber or timbers. They will eventually emit | | | | give off hazardous fumes. This formulation can be |
| enzymes which will break down the wood and then | | | | sprayed on using a pump sprayer. After 15 to 30 |
| you have the start of serious decay. We are talking | | | | minutes, it can be washed off using a power washer. |
| about lumber which is wet (unseasoned) and in a | | | | Remember that once the stain goes deep into the |
| nutrient rich environment. Many people talk of dry | | | | wood, it cannot be removed with bleach or any |
| rot; but in reality there is no such thing. This is a | | | | other product. It is there to stay. Always remember |
| misnomer. since wood needs to be between 30 and | | | | not to play chemist and experiment by mixing various |
| 60-percent moisture content for it to begin the | | | | chemicals as they could give off hazardous |
| decay cycle. | | | | fumes...and more! |