Frequently Asked Questions
Master Blend Paint
Allow new softwood timber (pine etc) to weather for a minimum of 4-6 weeks prior to applying paint.
This allows moisture and resins time to exit the timber.Â
Hardwoods require extended weathering prior to painting.
In periods of prolonged cold or wet weather, a longer period may be required. If in doubt it is recommended to trial paint a small area or a test piece first and monitor it for satisfactory drying and adhesion.
Confirm the existing paint is water based:
- Apply methylated spirits to a rag that is a different colour to the paint.
- Hold the rag against the paint for a minute
- Rub the surface and check for colour transfer to the rag. If the colour transfers the existing paint is water based & can be painted over with Master Blend Paints.
- Master Blend Paints cannot be used over enamel paints unless an enamel primer is applied prior.
The sump oil needs to have weathered. Generally for 6-12 months minimum.
Water Beading Test
Wet the fence with water. If the water beads due to the sump oil, you will need to wait a few months and do this test again.
If the water does not bead, then you can proceed with painting the fence
Apply methylated spirits to a rag which is a different colour to the paint. eg white paint = dark rag. Press, and hold on the painted surface, and then rub.
If the paint colour comes onto the rag it is water based, and can be painted over.Â
If the paint does not come off, you will need to prime the fence.
We recommend Forever Black or Forever White for most applications where you’re after a great look that lasts a long time. Classic Black is designed as a lower cost product for clients who may be wanting to do a quick tidy up and are not too fussed about an exact long lasting look.
Master Blend Paint is water based and designed to be used via brush, roller or airless sprayer without the need for thinning.
If you are using a pot sprayer (driven via an air compressor) you may need to thin the paint.Â
You can thin with up to 10% water.
- Apply masking tape to some test areas.
- Rub it a few times to adhere.
- Remove masking tape and inspect to see if paint/substrate surface has come off with the tape.
- To be sure all surfaces are sound, cut a small X in the surface to be painted, press sticky tape firmly on to the X and then remove it. If the original paint comes off with the tape then it is unsound and should be removed. Repeat as necessary to test the overall surface quality. If so it is recommended to clean the surface. Water Blaster/ Wire Brush.
All hardwoods should be left uncoated for as long as possible, until all tannins have leached from the timber.
For oily timbers: Kwilia (Merbau), Tallowood, Blackbutt etc. A minimum of 3-6 Months is recommended.
For dense timbers: Ironbark, Spotted Gum, Yellow Balau, Batu, Ulin, Messmate etc. a minimum of 6 months is recommended. Ironbark may require significantly longer.
Rain/Moisture is required for the tannin to release from the timber. For dry areas/drought the time required may be longer.
Tannins are usually visible on the surface of the timber as a brownish or tan discolouration. Tannins are an acid and will break down any product applied to the timber.
Hardwood Weathering Test
Apply some water to the hardwood timber. Let it sit for a few minutes. If the water is absorbed into the timber, the timber should be ready for painting. If the water beads then the timber needs to be weathered for a further period.
Yes, it can be used on Hardwood & Treated pine.
Brief application instructions
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- Apply only when air & surface temperature are between 10°C – 30°C
- New timber (Softwoods, pine etc) should be weathered for a minimum of 4-6 weeks to allow resins and moisture to evaporate.
- For Hardwoods refer to the Hardwood FAQ
- Stir thoroughly with flat bladed stirrer using a stirring lifting action
- Ensure timber is free of dirt, moss, bark etc. Apply with a brush, roller, or airless sprayer.
- Soapy water cleanup for brushes & tools.
Never Crib is an anti-cribbing solution in a concentrated level much stronger than the Master Blend Paints. It dries to a clear finish.
Applied to timber surfaces, it has a repulsive taste which discourages horses, birds (Cockatoos) & dogs from cribbing or chewing.
Cribbing/windsucking is detrimental to your horses health – They can cause colic, dental damage & weight loss plus damages your stables and fencing.
Colour: Clear
Designed for timber, but will bond to other surfaces as well.
Features:
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- Water/Weather resistant. Will last up to 24+ months outside.
- Doesn’t rub or wash off.
- Animal and people safe – Non Toxic
- Environmentally Friendly – Water Based and Non Hazardous.
- Rapid drying
- Easy Clean up. Brushes and tools clean up in water.
Coverage: Up to 14 square metres per litre depending on surface porosity and application method.
Application: Brush, roller or spray. Clean up with warm soapy water.
Lasts longer than Stop Crib, Crib Stop, Red Hot Spray etc.
Yes this is fine however do not paint the leaves, only the trunk or specific ‘chew’ area’s
Definition: is a compulsive behavior or “stable vice” seen in some horses. It involves the horse grabbing a solid object, such as the stall door or fence rail, with its incisors, arching its neck, pulling against the object, and sucking in air.
Causes
- Boredom
- Research indicates the cause may be due to acidity build up in the horse’s stomach. Due to feed concentrates
Stomach Acidity
Horses naturally graze for ~16 hours per day. Constant grazing keeps stomach acidity balanced. Saliva also helps regulate acidity – but saliva is only produced when chewing.
Solutions
A multifaceted approach should be taken – Cause, and discouraging the behaviour.
- Ensure adequate daily paddock exercise
- Avoid constant stabling or yarding.
- Provide unlimited hay – Ensure it doesn’t run out. The horse will self regulate intake after a few days.
- Social interaction or stable toys.
- Behaviour – Treat stables and fences with Never Crib
Wood Chewing
Does not involve sucking in air; the horse simply gnaws on wood rails or boards as if they were food
Causes
- Boredom
- Possibly deficient in copper or lime
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Solutions
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- Ensure constant access to hay.
- Addition of copper to their diet – Place a piece of copper pipe in the water trough, or Mineral Salt licks.* Check with your vet first.
- Behaviour – Treat stables or other wood areas.
