Polycryl® Wood Fortifier

Punky, spalted wood can yield some of the most intricate grain patterns and texture, but how do you turn or carve it without the whole thing falling apart? That's where Polycryl steps in. A large molecular weight acrylic polymer, Polycryl fills and strengthens semi-punky or spalted wood, making it easier to turn and carve. It's easy and safe to use, dries clear and will not yellow in the wood. Brush it on, or soak the wood in a Polycryl solution. All types of finishes and glues can be used once Polycryl has dried. Note: final product should be finished to seal Polycryl into the wood.

Polycryl is a large molecular weight acrylic polymer that will fill and strengthen semi-punky or spalted wood. Polycryl is water-soluble and penetrates best when the wood is green. Polycryl may not fortify extremely punky wood. The softer the wood, the better the penetration. Polycryl will not penetrate hard wood. Note: Polycryl should be used before Pentacryl. DIRECTIONS: The wood should be rough carved or turned first in order to obtain the best results. Add 1 part POLYCRYL to 4 parts hot water and mix well. Note: It is important to use a weak solution at first to obtain maximum penetration.

• Soaking Method: Soak wood in the diluted solution overnight or until wood is completely saturated. Once saturated, place wood in a full strength solution of POLYCRYL. Let the wood remain in the solution for at least one week. Large pieces may take longer. Once the wood is saturated with the POLYCRYL, remove from the solution, drain and dry slowly in an unheated, cool area.

• Brushing Method: When a piece of wood to be treated is too large for soaking, the POLYCRYL can be brushed on. First brush on the 1 part POLYCRYL to 4 parts hot water solution until the wood is saturated. Cover the wood with plastic to prevent drying between applications. Once the wood has been saturated with the diluted solution, apply a full strength solution of POLYCRYL. Brush on as much POLYCRYL as the wood will absorb and cover with plastic. Repeat this process until the wood is completely saturated. This may take a week or more of repeated applications. It is important to keep the wood wrapped in plastic during the treatment process. Remove the plastic to allow the wood to dry slowly in an unheated, cool area.