What is the difference between a water repellent and a preservative?
A water repellent improves the dimensional stability of the wood by preventing swelling and shrinking from water infiltration. Wood unprotected from water damage will suffer checking, cupping and splitting. All WOLMAN sealers and stains include a water repellent that meets or exceeds the NWWDA standards. A preservative’s job is to protect wood from fungal growth, rot and decay. Some preservatives also include an insecticide to prevent attack by termites and other wood boring insects. To be classified as a wood preservative or “pesticide”, the product must contain minimum amounts of active ingredients, and must be reviewed, approved and registered by the federal EPA. Comprehensive test data must be submitted and reviewed by the EPA before qualifying for registration. After approval and registration, the EPA conducts product reviews on a routine basis to ensure that the manufacturing process is meeting tight quality control standards.
