table of contents
- What is boron salt?
- Uses of boron salt
- Possible applications
- Protection when used
- frequently asked Questions
Boron salt is used for preventive wood protection, but also for the treatment of pests. It is easy to use and extremely versatile. Our guide shows where the advantages lie.
In a nutshell
- Boron salts are poisonous, so caution is advised
- simple and versatile wood preservative
- helps against fungal attack
- effective insecticide
- suitable for combating woodworms
What is boron salt?
Boron salts are so-called borates. These substances act against both insects and fungi and are therefore often added to paints and varnishes in their crystalline form. They serve as wood preservatives and are used, for example, to impregnate roof trusses.
Uses of boron salt
The use of boron salts or wood preservatives containing boron salts makes sense for several reasons. Because the substances protect against:
- Fire
- insects
- mushrooms
Therefore, they are suitable, for example, as impregnation.
Note: However, boron salts do not help against water damage. This is true at least if they are not added to a varnish or a corresponding color.
Possible applications
Boron salts can be applied to different. For example for:
- insulation
- Colours
- Wood protection
- Lacquers
The funds can therefore be attached as a solid material between the outer and inner walls, or they can be painted on. Another option is to immerse the wood in a suitable solution.
Since boron salts can penetrate the natural material very well, the wood is protected all around. Dip impregnation is a little more complex than painting or using solid building materials. However, dip-impregnated wood can already be purchased or ordered. This is particularly recommended for larger projects, such as building a roof structure or building a tool shed.
Use against fungi
Fungi, among other things, produce mold and rot. They can rot the wood and even pose a health hazard.
Boron salt solutions can solve this problem, as they change the pH value and therefore fungal spores do not offer a suitable breeding ground.
Use against insects
Insects can cause considerable damage in wood. These include:
- Drill holes
- Feeding marks
- instability
- Impurities
Boron salt makes the wood repellent to insects.
Insulation materials
As a substance in insulation materials, boron salts are harmless. However, this only applies as long as they do not come into contact with water. Otherwise they can be washed out and pose a risk.
Paints and varnishes
Paints and varnishes that contain boron salts and boron solutions are in themselves well suited for indoor use. They are easy to use, effective and inexpensive. They are also odorless. So there is no nuisance.
On the other hand, these substances should not be used outdoors, because there is a risk that borates will be washed out of paint or varnish and thus penetrate the soil. Since it is a poisonous substance, it should be avoided.
Paint over boron salt
Whether it is dip-impregnated or boiler-impregnated wood, when used outdoors and for safety, the material should be provided with an additional layer of varnish. This prevents poisonous boron salts from dissolving.
Protection when used
Since borates are dangerous substances, appropriate protective measures must be taken when using them. That means:
- Latex gloves
- Mouthguard
- safety goggles
Note: Direct contact is to be avoided at all costs. Comprehensive protection is advisable even when painting wood in order to avoid risks.
frequently asked Questions
Yes, borates or borate salts are poisonous. Since these are crystalline substances, however, they do not outgas. However, they can be inhaled in the form of dust, for example. They can cause discomfort even if they come into direct contact with the skin.
To protect the wood, the salt must have dissolved in a liquid. Otherwise the agent cannot penetrate the wood. It should also not be used dry against fungi or insects, as the dust can be dangerous.
Borates do not help against the effects of weather. Appropriate other means must be used for this purpose. Boron salts can, however, be present in the mixture so that as many dangers as possible are excluded.