Product Name: TIMBER WATER REPELLENT
Tech-Dry® Timber Water Repellent is a water-based sealer based on silicone technology designed to protect outdoor timber from moisture damage. This user-friendly treatment penetrates deep into the timber grain reducing water absorption—one of the leading causes of timber deterioration. Ideal for decks, fences, outdoor furniture and exposed timber structures, the product also suits other permeable, neutral substrates requiring moisture control. Timber Water Repellent helps extend the life of surfaces while preserving their natural appearance and finish.
Timber water repellent is recommended as a water repellent sealer for outdoor timber. It may also be used to treat other neutral substrates such as fabric/paper, permeable stones, and polymer render.
Before application, read the full Product Data Sheet to ensure correct use and safe handling.
Tech-Dry® Timber Water Repellent can be applied using a brush, roller, or spray. For optimal results, a saturation application is recommended using a hand-pressure sprayer or airless spray equipment. This method ensures deep penetration while minimising direct contact between application equipment and the surface.
Apply a generous first coat and allow it to absorb. Immediately follow with a second coat while the surface remains wet—this “wet-on-wet” technique promotes full saturation and enhances water repellency.
A single flood coat may be sufficient. If the substrate absorbs the sealer instantly, apply a second coat while the surface is still wet. After 5 minutes, remove any excess product that remains unabsorbed to prevent uneven finish or surface contamination.
The number of coats required depends on substrate porosity:
Coverage will vary depending on the porosity and texture of the substrate. For general-purpose applications, Tech-Dry® Timber Water Repellent typically covers 5–10 m² per litre per coat. However, actual consumption may fall outside this range based on surface density, absorption rate, and application method.
To determine precise coverage, a small-scale test is strongly recommended prior to full application.
Surface beading will appear shortly after drying, indicating initial water repellency. Optimal performance develops within 24 hours, with full curing achieved in up to 7 days depending on ambient conditions.
Allow the surface to cure undisturbed for best long-term protection and finish quality.
Due to the variability of timber substrates, a pilot test on a small, representative area is strongly recommended prior to full application. This helps confirm the product’s suitability for the intended surface and allows for adjustment of coverage rates and application technique.it is strongly recommended that a pilot test on a small area on site should be conducted prior to application to determine the suitability of this product for intended purpose.
Photos below demonstrates the water-repellent effect achieved on pine fence boards treated with Tech-Dry® Timber Water Repellent: Left: Treated surface showing strong water beading Right: Untreated control with visible water absorption
The timber water repellent penetrates deeply into the surface capillaries, forming a barrier that repels liquid water while keeping the pores open to allow water vapour to escape. This minimises water absorption by capillary action.However, it has a limited resistance to water penetration particularly under prolonged contact or hydrostatic pressure. In highly permeable substrates or under extreme wind-driven rain, water repellency may be insufficient to prevent penetration or surface staining.
Tech-Dry® Timber Water Repellent is a water-based, non-toxic, non-caustic, and user-friendly formulation classified as non-hazardous under Worksafe Australia guidelines. While safe for general use, standard industrial hygiene practices should always be followed during handling and application.
Keep out of reach of children
Timber water repellent is available in 20, 200 and 1,000 litre plastic containers. A concentrated formulation is also available, requiring 1:9 dilution with clean water prior to use. This option offers cost-effective bulk treatment for large-scale projects. Please contact Tech-Dry for further details.