Men-Wood Coatings
Test Results
A summary of Men-Wood semi-transparent wood finish testing for log-home builders and owners.
Download PDFAbout the test
Men-Wood Coatings and its laboratory conducted a two-year comparison test of MEN-WOOD Semi-Transparent Wood Finish, Amber, alongside nine other exterior wood-finish products.
The product was developed in 1967 and introduced with improved additives in 1977, increasing transparent iron oxides for UV protection and special paraffins for water protection.
Product development
Men-Wood Coatings began selling this product on the West Coast in 1986. Its use expanded across siding, roofs, fences, plywood, decks, logs, and exterior wood products.
In 1989, Men-Wood Coatings worked with chemists to add fungicide for mold, mildew, and wood rot protection, as well as borate for insect protection. The EPA later discontinued the insecticide additive; an additive may be purchased separately.
Comparison method
Nine competing products were tested with MEN-WOOD #TT-08808MW on two-foot cedar samples exposed at 45 degrees south for two years, with periodic monthly checks.
Many tested products dried within 3–8 hours and did not penetrate deeply into the porous substrate, which can increase susceptibility to abrasion, erosion, cracking, peeling, and temperature-related damage.
Reported results
The report states that MEN-WOOD penetrated deeply into the wood substrate and, after a 72-hour drying period, delivered thorough protection that was difficult to abrade away.
The report states that after 12 months, MEN-WOOD retained 97% protection with 5% minimum wood degradation. It states that the nine comparison products averaged 40% protection after one year and 25% after two years.
After 24 months, the report states that U.S. Forestry Products Division Laboratories found MEN-WOOD exceeded natural-oil-finish specifications, met and exceeded VOC minimums, and was environmentally safe.
Typical analysis
Reported typical properties include a 334°F boiling point, 0.95 specific gravity, heavier-than-air vapor density, 1.72 lb/gal VOC, 77% solids by weight, insolubility in water, and a flat to slight sheen.
The report notes that zinc oxide and transparent iron oxides contribute to UV protection.
Important note
These results do not guarantee identical outcomes for every application. Conditions vary, so contact Men-Wood Coatings for application guidance specific to your project.