ACS Ecobor 20 Gel - Boron Woodworm & Rot Treatment

Bats:

All bats are protected under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Before treating any structure used by bats, consult English Nature, Scottish National Heritage, The Countryside Council for Wales or The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland.

Preparation:

Clean all wooden surfaces using a brush or vacuum cleaner.

To aid brushing out on any timbers which are very dry or remain dusty, apply a little water to the surface before the application of ACS Ecobor 20 Gel.

Application Method:

Apply a generous brush coat of ACS Ecobor 20 Gel, taking care to ensure that end grains, corners and joints are well treated. Brush apply to any surfaces exposed by cutting after initial treatment.

Brush the ACS Ecobor 20 Gel well into the surface taking care not to overload the brush with product, particularly on overhead, horizontal faces.

ACS Ecobor 20 Gel may be used in outdoor conditions provided that the timber treated is then protected from weathering by an appropriate coating or sealant.

As a surface application the gel will not penetrate through paint, varnishes or other coatings and these should be removed before treatment. ACS Ecobor 20 Gel can be injected through predrilled holes in areas where paint and coatings cannot be removed.

Clean all tools, brushes and equipment with water.

Coverage:

By Brush: 1 litre to 2m² - 2.5m² of timber surface. Large dimensional timbers may need more than one coat or additional treatment with ACS Ecobor 40 Paste.

By Injection: Apply as necessary or until refusal through pre-drilled holes.

Q) What is ACS Ecobor 20 Gel and what are its primary uses?

A) ACS Ecobor 20 Gel is a professional-grade wood preservative designed for protecting wood against a wide range of threats, including wood-boring insects, wood rotting fungi (such as dry rot and wet rot), algae, mould fungi, and other wood-destroying agents. Its primary uses include the treatment of high-risk areas in timber structures, such as joist ends, purlins, wall plates, cut ends, and rafter ends, to preserve structural integrity and longevity.

Q) How does ACS Ecobor 20 Gel work?

A) The gel works through its active ingredients, mainly 20% disodium octaborate tetrahydrate and 2-2.5% w/w Benzalkonium Chloride. These ingredients deeply penetrate the timber, providing long-lasting protection by acting against pests and decay-causing organisms, ensuring the wood's durability against environmental threats.

Q) Can ACS Ecobor 20 Gel be applied over paint or varnish?

A) No, ACS Ecobor 20 Gel cannot penetrate through paint, varnishes, or other coatings. These should be removed before treatment to ensure the gel's effectiveness. However, the gel can be injected into predrilled holes in areas where paint and coatings cannot be removed, offering an alternative method of application.

Q) Is ACS Ecobor 20 Gel suitable for outdoor use?

A) Yes, ACS Ecobor 20 Gel can be used in outdoor conditions, provided that the treated timber is then protected from weathering with an appropriate coating or sealant. This ensures that the protective properties of the gel are not diminished by exposure to the elements.

Q) How should ACS Ecobor 20 Gel be applied for maximum effectiveness?

A) For maximum effectiveness, apply a generous brush coat of ACS Ecobor 20 Gel, ensuring that end grains, corners, and joints are well treated. It's important to brush the gel into the surface without overloading the brush, especially on overhead and horizontal faces. For very dry or dusty timbers, applying a little water to the surface before the gel can aid in brushing out.

Q) What is the recommended coverage rate of ACS Ecobor 20 Gel by brush?

A) The recommended coverage rate when applying ACS Ecobor 20 Gel by brush is 1 litre to 2m² - 2.5m² of timber surface. Large dimensional timbers may require more than one coat or additional treatment with ACS Ecobor 40 Paste for complete protection.

Q) Can ACS Ecobor 20 Gel be used in heritage and conservation projects?

A) Yes, ACS Ecobor 20 Gel is suitable for use in heritage and conservation projects where preserving the authenticity and integrity of timber elements is crucial. Its clear, non-staining formulation ensures that the visual appearance of historic structures is maintained while providing effective protection against wood-destroying threats.

Q) Is ACS Ecobor 20 Gel safe for use in environments frequented by bats?

A) Before treating any structure used by bats with ACS Ecobor 20 Gel, it's essential to consult with the relevant wildlife protection authorities, such as English Nature or Scottish National Heritage, due to the protection of bats under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This ensures that the application complies with legal requirements and does not harm these protected species.

Q) How does ACS Ecobor 20 Gel differ from traditional wood preservatives?

A) ACS Ecobor 20 Gel offers several advantages over traditional wood preservatives, including its non-drip formulation, odourless and non-flammable nature, and its ability to provide permanent protection without breaking down over time. Its versatility in application (brushable and injectable) and clear, non-staining formulation make it a superior choice for professional wood preservation.

Q) How should tools and equipment used with ACS Ecobor 20 Gel be cleaned?

A) All tools, brushes, and equipment used with ACS Ecobor 20 Gel should be cleaned with water. This ensures that the gel is completely removed from the equipment, preventing potential damage or degradation and maintaining the tools' longevity and effectiveness for future use.

Q) Can ACS Ecobor 20 Gel be overpainted or coated after application?

A) Yes, once dried, ACS Ecobor 20 Gel leaves no surface residues and is non-staining, allowing it to be overpainted or coated as needed. This flexibility allows for seamless integration into various building and restoration projects without compromising the aesthetic appeal of the wood.

Q) What makes ACS Ecobor 20 Gel environmentally friendly?

A) ACS Ecobor 20 Gel's formulation, being odourless, non-flammable, and non-drip, minimises the environmental impact commonly associated with traditional wood treatments. Its efficacy allows for targeted application, reducing the need for repeated treatments and thereby lessening the ecological footprint of wood preservation efforts.

Q) Is ACS Ecobor 20 Gel approved for professional use?

A) Yes, ACS Ecobor 20 Gel is approved under the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 for professional use as a wood preservative. This approval indicates its compliance with stringent regulatory standards, ensuring its reliability and safety for professional applications.

Q) How should wooden surfaces be prepared before applying ACS Ecobor 20 Gel?

A) Wooden surfaces should be cleaned using a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any dust, debris, or existing fungal growth.

Q) Is it necessary to remove paint or varnishes before applying ACS Ecobor 20 Gel?

A) Yes, paint, varnishes, or other coatings should be removed before treatment as the gel will not penetrate through these layers. For areas where these coatings cannot be removed, ACS Ecobor 20 Gel can be injected through predrilled holes to ensure the treatment reaches the wood.

Q) How should tools and equipment be cleaned after using ACS Ecobor 20 Gel?

A) All tools, brushes, and equipment used with ACS Ecobor 20 Gel should be cleaned with water. This ensures that the tools can be reused and prevents the gel from hardening on the equipment.

Q) What is the coverage area of ACS Ecobor 20 Gel when applied by brush?

A) When applied by brush, 1 litre of ACS Ecobor 20 Gel covers approximately 2 to 2.5 square meters of timber surface. However, large dimensional timbers may require more than one coat or additional treatment with ACS Ecobor 40 Paste for optimal protection.

Q) How is ACS Ecobor 20 Gel applied by injection?

A) For injection application, ACS Ecobor 20 Gel is applied through pre-drilled holes as necessary or until refusal. This method is particularly useful for treating areas where surface coatings cannot be removed or for deeper penetration into the timber.

Q) Is ACS Ecobor 20 Gel suitable for use on all types of wood?

A) ACS Ecobor 20 Gel is suitable for use on most types of wood, providing effective protection against a wide range of wood-destroying insects and fungi. However, it's always a good idea to check the compatibility with specific wood types or conduct a small patch test if unsure.

Q) Can ACS Ecobor 20 Gel be used for preventive treatment?

A) Yes, ACS Ecobor 20 Gel is not only effective for treating existing infestations but also serves as a preventive measure to protect untreated wood from future attacks by wood-boring insects, fungi, and other destructive agents.

Q) How long does it take for ACS Ecobor 20 Gel to dry?

A) The drying time for ACS Ecobor 20 Gel can vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. It is generally recommended to allow the treated surface to dry completely before applying any coatings or sealants, which can take from a few hours to a full day.

Q) Is ACS Ecobor 20 Gel environmentally friendly?

A) ACS Ecobor 20 Gel is designed to be a safer alternative to more toxic wood preservatives, with a focus on effective protection while minimising environmental impact. However, like all chemical treatments, it should be used responsibly and in accordance with manufacturer guidelines to ensure environmental safety.

Q) How often should wood be treated with ACS Ecobor 20 Gel for ongoing protection?

A) The frequency of treatment with ACS Ecobor 20 Gel depends on the exposure and risk level of the wood to infestation or decay. For most applications, a single treatment provides long-term protection due to the permanent nature of the active ingredients. However, in high-risk areas or environments with extreme conditions, periodic inspections and additional treatments may be necessary to maintain protection.

Technical Data Sheet

Safety Data Sheet