Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is TIMBERMATE toxic, flammable or harmful?
Answer: It is advisable to carry out safe work practices, as you would when working with dust. (Use an approved dust mask and safety goggles). TIMBERMATE contains no harmful ingredients and is non flammable.
Question: Can TIMBERMATE be used externally?
Answer: No, as TIMBERMATE® is resoluble in water it is not advisable to use it outdoors. TIMBERMATE IS RECOMMENDED FOR INTERIOR USE. For external use, we recommend Earls MulTFill, Powder Putty or MulTflex Flexible Filler.
Question: Can TIMBERMATE be used with stains and other finishes?
Answer: Yes, TIMBERMATE® will take all types of known stains, coatings and colourants which can be Water based, Oil based, Solvent or Spirit based and even Acid Catalysed Lacquers.
Question: Can TIMBERMATE be grainfilled?
Answer: Yes, TIMBERMATE is a non solvent based filler and is ideal for grainfilling. Mix 10-15% hot water to thin the Timbermate, then rub over the grain or spread thinly (see below for more detailed instructions). TIMBERMATE will: *Not raise the grain *Not damage the grain TIMBERMATE is: *Easy to sand when dry *Easy to stain when dry *Heat proof so you can speed the drying time by heating with a hair dryer, heat gun, lights etc.
Question: How is the grainfiller applied?
Answer: Take some TIMBERMATE out of the tub and place it in a separate container. Add approximately 10-15% water, (1gm=1ml) and mix into a slurry like paste (like toothpaste). Use a LINT FREE CLOTH AND RUB ACROSS THE GRAIN.When grainfiller goes “whitish” and sands off easily like talc powder, it is dry. TIMBERMATE will not blind the sandpaper (ie. clog up). If sandpaper gets clogged the grainfiller is not dry. Sand off in the same direction as the grain. Stain or coat when dry.
Question: When is the stain applied?
Answer: You can stain before or after applying TIMBERMATE (see “How do I match colours”).
Question: How are colours matched?
Answer: Colour matching is easy. You can do it either of the following ways: Add your colourant to the putty and match the exact colour whilst wet. TIMBERMATE will dry lighter, but coat back to its original wet colour once coated with clear finishes. The final result is what you see (wet) is what you get. You can stain TIMBERMATE once it is dry. To test if dry, just rub sandpaper over putty. If putty clogs the sandpaper the filler is still wet. Wait for TIMBERMATE to dry and then stain.
Question: How long does TIMBERMATE take to dry?
Answer: Depending on the weather and depth of fill, TIMBERMATE will dry as follows: In hot weather TIMBERMATE dries quicker. In cold weather the depth of fill will determine the drying time. You can speed up the drying time by using a heat gun, hair dryer or light.
Question: What depth or width can be filled?
Answer: Do not fill holes deeper than 6-8mm at a time. TIMBERMATE dries quicker when filled in layers. Allow TIMBERMATE to dry between layers.
Question: Why is the tub hard some days and feels dry and soft on other days?
Answer: TIMBERMATE is waterbased. It contains no harmful solvents or acrylics and is therefore temperature sensitive. The warmer the weather or environment the softer the putty. On hot days it will start to dry in the tub if not properly sealed. Add a few drops of water to re moisten.
Question: How is TIMBERMATE softened?
Answer: Add a few drops of warm water to the top of the tub. It will soften quite quickly. If tub is frozen, thaw out by standing tub in a tub of hot water or place in a microwave for 20 seconds. TIMBERMATE is freeze thaw stable.
Question: Can TIMBERMATE be used for any other purpose other than wood repair?
Answer: TIMBERMATE does not shrink, sink, crack or fallout and can therefore be used on Plasterboard, Masonry, Fibreglass, Plastic and any other surface.Bearing in mind that steel must be coated with a primer to avoid rusting.
Question: Can TIMBERMATE go off or does it have a shelf life?
Answer: TIMBERMATE has an unlimited shelf life and will last indefinitely. If contents become dry merely add a few drops of water to reconstitute. DO NOT add more water than is necessary or leave excess water in tub for a long period of time. The trapped excess water in the tub will cause the putty to become contaminated and will start to degenerate.
Question: Why are so many colours available?
Answer: We manufacture 13 colours to match almost all shades and types of timber. If you are using a clear coat you must match your putty colour. If staining, use Natural (tinting base).
Question: What is Tint Base (Natural) putty and why?
Answer: Tint Base (Natural putty) is putty in its natural state uncoloured. You may add the lightest shade of tint to change its colour.
Question: Can TIMBERMATE be used on floors?
Answer: TIMBERMATE is ideal for filling cracks, gaps, and nail holes in floors. TIMBERMATE will enhance the grain on the floor. As it does not shrink, sink, crack or fall out it is highly recommended for all floors.
Question: Can TIMBERMATE be used with French Polish and Waxes?
Answer: You can use all types of Waxes, Shellac and Oils on TIMBERMATE.
Question: How is a incorrect match or badly filled hole fixed?
Answer: Errors can be fixed with ease. If TIMBERMATE is not coated then wash out. If already coated, then break the top coat and then wash out. Refill or rematch if necessary.
Question: Where can TIMBERMATE be purchased?
Answer: TIMBERMATE is available at all leading hardware, paint and department stores in Australia. See list of international contacts for overseas suppliers. For larger quantities contact the TIMBERMATE head office for your nearest distributor. For all inquiries please call 03 9873-4811 or Free Call 1800 354 811 (mobile phones excluded).
Question: Is TIMBERMATE Australian owned and manufactured?
Answer: Yes. TIMBERMATE is 100% Australian owned and manufactured. An all Australian dedicated workforce does all manufacturing in our Melbourne factory.