Zero VOC exterior wood stain and sealer

Rubio Monocoat's Hybrid Wood Protector is a non-toxic odor-free one-coat oil-based sealer for all types of exterior wood. Most oil-based wood sealers have petroleum solvents that are hazardous. Rubio's Hybrid is the first zero VOC oil-based finish to raise the bar and offer long-lasting wood protection without the off-gassing of toxic chemicals.

Rubio's Hybrid Wood Protector is a one part system and requires no catalyst*. It applies easily (we recommend using our White or Red Application & Scrub Pads) and soaks deep into the grain of any wood in one coat. This is a translucent stain. It comes in 20 beautiful colors. We recommend that you purchase samples to test for the right color.

* For faster dry times Rubio and GBS recommend mixing in the Rubio Accelerator B as per Rubio’s Application instructions. Without the accelerator added Hybrid Wood Protector will dry, but curing will occur slower. Curing without Oil Accelerator B takes 7 days, using Oil Accelerator B gives you a full cure in 5 days in ideal drying circumstances.

Use Rubio Monocoat Hybrid Wood Protector on new or weathered wood indoors or outdoors. It will protect against fading, wood rot, and it won't flake off. Ideal for raised garden beds, decks, fences, siding, soffits, furniture, doors, shutters, etc. Clean any grayed wood with Rubio Exterior Wood Cleaner which is an amazing wood cleaner. Rubio Wood Cleaner has our strongest recommendation if you are treating wood with algae or mildew damage.

Completely safe, even for the chemically sensitive.

NOTE : Porous woods such as pine and cedar will absorb more than hardwoods, affecting the spread rate. We recommend ordering 25% more than you think you need. If you have leftovers, you can save for several years.

NOTE : The pigment in the various RMC Hybrid Wood Protector colors contributes to the protection of the wood from graying. The color PURE is not pigmented, which will cause the natural graying to occur in exterior environments.

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Tips for Staining Pine and Other Softwoods

Problem: Stain looks blotchy and does not absorb evenly.

Cause #1: Mill glaze (new pine) that feels and looks smooth but is difficult for stains to penetrate.

Cause #2: Dirty or cleaned with a solution that is high or low pH.

Cause #3: Previous stains have worn off in high traffic areas but not others.

Cause #4: Sanding with one grit of sandpaper and a different grit somewhere else.

Solution: Lightly sand with 100-150 grit evenly to remove the glaze or stains and open the pores.

Problem: Pressure Treated Pine will not take stain

Cause #1: Pressure treatments are still fresh which prevents stains from penetration or adhering to the wood.

Solution: Allow pine 6 months to one year to weather or season with nothing on them before attempting to stain or paint.

Problem: Previous stain or paint is peeling/flaking off

Cause #1: Surface was not primed properly

Cause #2 : The surface paint or stain was applied to was dirty.

Cause #3: The underside/backside of the wood was not sealed and moisture migrates up through the surface.

Solution: Always clean, sand and prime new wood before painting and seal the backside if possible.

Problem: Stain is wearing off or fading too quickly.

Cause #1: Clear coatings lack UV protection and gray in 1-2 years.

Cause #2: Pigmented stains were not applied heavy enough or with the correct number of coats.

Cause #3: Stain is in direct Southern sun all day with no protection or has excessive moisture on it.

Solution: Pigmented stains work best if applied over freshly sanded wood. They will hold up longer if maintained every few years rather than allowing them to grey out. Northern and Eastern exposures require less maintenance but all colors will eventually fade.

Problem: Lap marks, steaking and variations in color

Cause #1 Water-based stains dry super fast making it hard to keep a wet edge.

Cause #2 Uneven sanding will allow more pigment to absorb in rougher grain.

Solution: Lightly mist or wipe down the surface of the wood with damp rag before staining to help even out the stain and slow down the dry time.

Solution: Finish off with the same grit sandpaper evenly throughout the project.

Solution: Do not exceed 120-150 grit or it will close the pores.

This item description was written by Joel Hirshberg