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Thumbnail Filmstrip of Pentacryl Wood Stabilizer - 32oz Images
I turn quite a few end grain boxes out of Apricot, a very hard wood to dry without checking. Prior to using Pentacryl it was not unusual to lose 60% of my rough turned boxes. Its very hot in Chico CA. Since using Pentacryl I've turned 75 boxes and haven't lost a box. I have never endorsed a product before, but this is one that does all it claims.-Tom Arcoleo Chico CA
Pentacryl is a product that was originally created for museums to stabilize old waterlogged pieces of wood by penetrating and combining with the water molecules. Pentacryl will keep troublesome woods from cracking and splitting. On average it takes about 4oz of Pentacryl to stabilize one board foot of medium density wood. Pentacryl adds no color to the wood, is non toxic when dry. It can be finished with oil, lacquer or water-based finishes. Apply it to roughed out green turnings by either soaking or brushing on until saturated and then left to dry. Pentacryl works best on wet wood.
Unsure how much pentacryl you need to purchase for your project? Use their wood calculator here.
PENTACRYL FAQ The following are some of the most common questions and answers relating to the use of PENTACRYL.
Q - How much PENTACRYL is needed?
A - The amount of PENTACRYL the wood will absorb depends upon the type and size of the wood. For very dense grained hardwoods, it will take as little as 3-4 ounces per board foot. For very soft, open grained wood it will take as much as 8-10 ounces per board foot. Refer to the WOOD CALCULATOR on Preservation Solutions' Webpage to help determine the amount needed.
Q - Does PENTACRYL absorb all the way through the wood?
A - Yes, PENTACRYL will absorb all the way through the wood by soaking, brushing, or rolling it on. The time it takes depends upon the type of wood. Keep in mind that most of the absorption is through the end grain. When using the brushing method, keep applying until the wood will no longer absorb any more PENTACRYL.
Q - Is complete saturation necessary?
A - In most cases the wood should be completely saturated with PENTACRYL. In some cases however, woods that are quite stable by themselves may only require several coatings to the surface, while other woods with wild grain, a lot of tension, a lot of exposed end grain, or those that are unstable such as fruitwoods, require full saturation.
Q - How do I know when PENTACRYL is done soaking?
A - Using the soaking method, 1-2 days per inch of thickness is generally sufficient.
Q - Can too much PENTACRYL be applied?
A - No. Too much PENTACRYL cannot be applied. The wood will absorb PENTACRYL until it is saturated. Any excess can be cleaned off the surface.
Note: If using the soaking method, any PENTACRYL left over in the soak can be reused to treat other wood, or strained and poured back into the original container.
Q - How long will it take PENTACRYL treated wood to dry?
A - Air drying wood can be a slow process and there is not a specific answer to the time it will take. Drying time will vary depending on the original moisture content - how much water is in the wood to start with - the temperature and relative humidity where the wood is being dried, plus the size and type of wood. Since PENTACRYL displaces moisture in the wood, it will speed the drying time by approximately 30%. If the piece is a turning that is thin, then it may be dry enough to finish in 1-2 months. If it is a thick carving, slab, or other large piece, it make take up to 1-2 years to completely dry.
Q - Why does the wood need to dry slowly?
A - Wood treated with PENTACRYL must be allowed to dry very slowly! If dried too rapidly, you will get cracking. Ideal drying conditions are between 55° - 65°F and 45%-50% relative humidity in an area with no direct heat and away from sunlight and any air movement (we do NOT recommend using fans).
Is your wood drying too fast? To slow drying, wood can be covered with a cardboard box (leave a gap on the bottom to allow air to still reach the wood), loosely wrapped in brown paper or buried in dry wood shavings. END GRAIN SEALER can also be applied to treated wood to slow drying.
Q - Can a moisture meter be used?
A - Yes. To help determine if the wood is dry, a moisture meter can be used as PENTACRYL will not affect the reading. Keep in mind a moisture meter with prongs will only read the moisture content of the wood surface and is not a good indicator for measuring the inside of larger pieces.
Q - Can wood treated with PENTACRYL be stained and finished with conventional finishes and stains?
A - Yes. Wood treated with PENTACRYL can be finished with urethane varnishes, lacquers, tung oil, linseed oil, and waxes - all have been successfully used. The wood can also be stained with aniline dyes or oil stains. We do not recommend applying water based stains and finishes as these products add moisture back into the wood and may leave the surface tacky.
Prior to sealing, be sure you have allowed the wood to thoroughly dry, meaning all the water is out. If a finish is applied before the wood is completely dry, moisture will have no way to escape and the wood will eventually rote from the inside out.
Q - Can a colorant be added to PENTACRYL?
A - Yes. A colorant can be added directly to PENTACRYL. Aniline dyes, oil based dyes and stains, and pigments may be mixed with PENTACRYL. The amount used depends on the desired effect. Test the colorant in a small amount of PENTACRYL first. Again, we do NOT recommend water based products.
Q - Can wood treated with PENTACRYL be glued?
A - Yes. Wood treated with PENTACRYL can be glued. Tests have been successful using carpenter's glue, cyanoacrylates, and epoxies. Again, it is important to clean the wood surfaces with solvent and be sure that the solvent has completely evaporated prior to gluing.
Q - Can wood treated with PENTACRYL be wood burned?
A - Yes. Wood treated with PENTACRYL can be wood burned. Be sure that the treated wood is completely dry first.
Q - Can treated wood be turned and carved?
A - Yes. The wood can be turned and carved. As a bonus, PENTACRYL makes it easier because it also acts as a lubricant for your tools until it dries.
Q - Will wood treated with PENTACRYL weigh more?
A - Depending upon the type of wood, it will weigh only slightly more when the wood is dry. On average, a cubic foot of wood treated with PENTACRYL will weigh approximately 8-10 ounces more than wood that is untreated.
Q - Should wood be sanded before or after treating with PENTACRYL?
A - It's best to treat the wood soon after it is cut. So, sanding can be done after it is treated and dried. If the sandpaper clogs up, it is an indication that the wood is not completely dry yet.
Q - Will PENTACRYL stabilize rotted or spalted wood?
A - PENTACRYL is not intended for use on rotted or spalted wood as these areas act like a sponge, absorb the product, and prevent the wood from drying.
Q - Does PENTACRYL reduce shrinkage and distortion?
A - Yes. PENTACRYL does reduce the shrinkage up to 600% depending on the orientation of the wood grain. Quarter grain shrinks less than flat grain. Distortion is also significantly reduced.
Q - Does PENTACRYL change the color of the wood?
A - In most wood species, PENTACRYL will help keep the wood looking natural and bright. In some cases, it may alter the color slightly. Wood such as Birch that has a very light color and has highly absorbent bark may leave stains on the bark. In woods with a high tannic acid content, there may be a slight graying on the surface. This is only superficial and will sand off when the wood is dry.
Q - Can PENTACRYL be used to treat fruitwoods?
A - Yes. PENTACRYL can be used to treat fruitwoods which have a 1h amount of tension and can be challenging to stabilize.
Q - What if mold starts growing on my treated wood?
A - If the wood is left in plastic too long, or is being dried in a highly humid area, you may see mold on the wood. This is generally just the surface and can be treated with Lysol or another fungicide to the mold spores. The mold can also be sanded off when the wood has dried.
Q - Can PENTACRYL be used on bowls and eating utensils?
A - Although PENTACRYL is considered safe, it is not registered and proved as food grade. Therefore, we cannot endorse or recommend that it can be used on items intended for direct use with foods or beverages.
Q - If PENTACRYL freezes, will it lose its properties?
A - PENTACRYL has been run through 16 freeze-thaw cycle tests. Solids may settle after being frozen 2-3 times, but will readily disperse when slowly brought back to room temperature and shaken.
Q - Will PENTACRYL keep the bark on?
A - It will help. Since PENTACRYL will help to keep the wood from cracking and pulling away from the bark. For best results to keep the bark on, the tree should be cut during the dormant period (winter) because the sap stops running and the wood has hardened off.
Q - How is PENTACRYL different from PEG (Polyethylene Glycol)?
A - PENTACRYL will penetrate the wood in one day where it could take PEG 6 months to do so. PEG may need to be soaked with heat elements to keep it hot while applying. PEG acts as a humectant and encapsulates the water molecules by drawing in moisture from the air and makes the wood sticky and hard to apply a finish. PEG treated wood is heavier and darker. PENTACRYL treated wood does not have these issues.
Q - Does the odor of PENTACRYL remain in the wood after the wood has dried?
A - Once completely dry, 95-100% of the odor will dissipate.
Q - Will PENTACRYL kill bugs in the wood?*
А - То keep PENTACRYL safe, it does not contain an insecticide. If your wood has bugs, we recommend treating it first with Borate. This is a safe product that will kill insects and also act as a fungicide to prevent mold growth.
*Note, PENTACRYL treated wood will not attract insects.
Q - How can I clean brushes used to apply PENTACRYL or clean up a spill?
A - Brushes can be cleaned with soapy water or mineral solvent. Small spills can be wiped up with paper towels.