Creosote substitute

ITRUK

Quick question really.

Is the creosote substitute any good? The water based stuff.

I've got quite a large fenced area that needs treating. I've tried some water based paint, but once it's dried, it looks the same as previous since it's soaked in.

I can get hold of the real creosote. I'm just thinking about if my neighbors would question the smell and if it would run down and damage any of my plants/shrubs.

Yorkie1

The original creosote was banned as it is carcinogenic. It is illegal to use it unless you are a) a professional and b) the fence was treated with creosote before it was banned 10 years ago.

Personally I wouldn't risk it - either for myself or for my neighbour.

ITRUK

^ Thanks.
I reckon I'll be going with the substitute stuff. It's oil based, but is it any good?

Yorkie1

TBH I've never used it. If it's oil-based then it will be better than the water-based wood stains, but I suspect that it's not as good as the original, banned version!

Aletank

My Dad use to save his old engine oil from oil changes n mix it in with his Creosote

Gloomendoom

Aletank wrote: »

My Dad use to save his old engine oil from oil changes n mix it in with his Creosote

Old engine oil is probably more carcinogenic than original creosote. It really is nasty stuff.

I've used the oil based creosote substitute and it is ok. It doesn't smell as nice as the proper stuff though. I reckon it may just be diesel.

cyclonebri1

There is a solvent based substance called Creocote or Creokote from memory.

Bought a can this year for treating the cut ends of a new pergola.
It certainly smells like it should do the job, quite reminiscent of creosote.;)

Avoriaz

My neighbours used Creocote or something like that.

It stinks for a few days but it does a good job.

Warn your neighbours about the smell before starting. The smell goes away in a few days.

SplanK

I used water based stuff before and I found it just flaked off and didn't properly soak into the wood!

I was recommended the oil based alternative and it looks really good and seems to be doing its job at protecting. Hopefully it should also last longer before needing to be re-done!

Valli

The water based stuff is dyes, water (obviously) and anti-fungal chemicals; the ones we used to test/blend in the lab contained NaOPP (aka SOPP) which was sodium ortho phenyl phenate IIRC

I wan't involved with that testing as I worked in the creosote lab at the time, testing the various creosote blends.

Not only is creosote carcinogenic BUT it also sensitises the skin to the sun and burns are likely in sunny weather. If you get hold of creosote your should cover your skin (overalls) and protect your eyes with goggles. Wear strong rubber gloves.
Remove it from skin with oil (ie vegetable oil or olive oil, rubbed gently) applied with cotting wool; keep replacing. Then wash off with copious amounts of soap and water. (This works for tar too)