The FRX® treatment does not substantially change the physical characteristics of ordinary lumber. The chemicals in FRX wood are of low toxicity and will not harm those involved in the use and handling of the product. You should be aware of proper handling and hygiene practices, which are much the same as if you were using untreated wood. Keep the following guidelines in mind when using and handling FRX® wood.
| 1. FRX wood should not be installed where it will be exposed to high interior temperatures. |
| 2. FRX wood should not be used in contact with the ground. |
| 3. When painting or staining, the paint or stain manufacturers' recommendations should be followed. Not all paints and stains are compatible with FRX wood. See below for more details and a list of coatings recommended by their manufacturers for use on FRX wood. As with untreated lumber, the surface should be clean and dry. |
| 4. The same common sense precautions should be taken when handling FRX wood as with untreated wood or other building materials. Dust masks and eye protection devices are recommended to avoid possible irritation from sawdust and wood chips. Gloves will help avoid splinters. Hands should be washed after doing construction work. |
| 1. Allow 1/4" to 3/8" gaps between deck boards. |
| 2. Deck joists should be 16" o.c. (except knotty grades of 5/4 cedar at 12"). |
| 3. For best results promptly apply water repellent to clean, dry surface. |
Painting & Staining
FRX® wood can be painted or stained, but due to tannins and resins in wood and the nature of the polymer in the treatment, not all coatings are compatible with this wood. Furthermore, the flammability of the coating should be considered before application.
The manufacturer, treater, and seller of this fire retardant treated wood product make no representations, provide no warranties express or implied, and assume no responsibility for the color and stain pattern variations that may occur during the weathering/aging process or for the compatibility and durability of coatings applied to FRT wood.
There is expert debate on the necessity for a natural drying period prior to coating, with regard to recommendations on stain-blocking primers, on latex solid-color stains vs. non-film oil-based solid color stains, and on whether two coats of paint or stain are needed. It is the user's responsibility to test the finishing system on sample material and expose it to actual use conditions to determine if the desired effect can be obtained. In any case, the recommendations of the coating manufacturer should be followed regarding which coating and method of application is best suited for this treated wood.
Aged wood does not retain its original color or necessarily color uniformly or in a cosmetically expected manner. Wood may take on a myriad of color and stain variations at different rates depending upon many factors, such as species growing conditions, season of harvest, the nature of weather/moisture exposure primers and coatings if applied, and extent of extractive bleeding (wood naturally contains extraneous materials, the organic components of which are called extractives). The treatment process, including its chemicals, may also affect the nature, timing, and patterns of coloration and staining of the wood. Prior to purchase, consumers should examine similar treated wood products of varying ages in the same environment/location of intended use for an idea of likely color variations, understanding that all wood is unique in that regard.
As with untreated wood, the surface should be clean and dry before coating.
Acceptable Coatings
The following coatings have been tested on FRX wood and, when applied in accordance with label instructions, are warranted by their manufacturer to perform as stated:
| • Olympic® Maximum™ Tinted Waterproofing Sealant - 57502, 57503, 57504 |
| • Olympic® Premium Acrylic Latex Stain semi transparent - 59500 Series |
| • Manor Hall® - 79-45 Series |
| • Seal Grip® Interior/Exterior Acrylic Latex Stain Blocking Primer - 17-21 |
| • Rez® Exterior Semi-Transparent Latex Stain - 77-460 |
| • Rez® Stain Semi-Transparent Oil - 77-860, 77-911, 77-916 |
| • Olympic® Machine Coat Exterior Finish Acrylic Latex |
| • Olympic® Machine Coat Exterior White Wood Primer |
| • Olympic® Machine Coat Tintable Exterior Finish Acrylic Latex |
| • Machine Pro Interior & Exterior Latex Primer |
| • Olympic® Exterior Alkyd Wood Primer |
| • Olympic® Exterior Alkyd Lo-Sheen Finish |
| • Olympic® Stain-Lok® Tannin Stain Inhibitive Sealer |
