Coconut wood, which has the scientific name Cocos Nucifera , is a palm tree with a great capacity for natural dispersal. The palm tree commonly found in humid tropical and subtropical regions of the world such as coastal areas of Melanesia and South-East Asia, probably Malaysia, Indonesia (Moluccas Islands), Philippines and Papua New Guinea
Coconut wood part which is used for construction is the core part which has an average dried weight of 600 - 900 kg/m3. This inner part of coconut wood has the strength to withstand the load very well, in both direction, either parallel to the wood grain, or perpendicular to the wood grain. The outer part will be considered as soft wood.
Coconut wood is a type of wood that is quite resistant to weather (heat and rain) so it is often becomes the choice of materials for making gazebos. Coconut trees are found along the coast of Indonesian islands, commonly found in the islands of Sulawesi and Maluku.
Coconut wood has dark brown color, with the presence of black fibers makes the appearance of coconut wood very unique. Coconut wood does not have crown grain, or knots because the coconut tree has no branches. Sometimes smooth hair cracks often appear, coconut wood should not be recommended for finishing solid paint, because the basic color is dark, coconut wood suitable with dark wood stain.
Coconut Wood Grain
Coconut Wood Finishing Options
Coconut wood can be finished by using a water-based finishing system, or solvent-based finishing system as follows.
1. Acrylic Water-based Finishing (transparent and solid color water-based)
Water-based finishing is an environmentally friendly, odorless, non-toxic paint that is easily applied with a spray or brush evenly, also easy to repaint. Because of its excellent resistance to ultraviolet light, this finishing is suitable for use in interiors and exteriors. Besides being weather resistant, this finishing is also resistant to mold and insects. Acrylic water-based finishing has good adhesion to the surface of the wood, seeps into the wood pores and is quite elastic, so that the wood will not easily peeled off. The last / top coat of finishing can be selected with the choice of doff / matt or gloss appearance.
There are two types of color in this acrylic water-based finishing system: transparent colors and solid colors. In case of coconut wood, we recommend using transparent wood stain (dark color). Meanwhile, if you choose not to use any color / type of wood stain , then the final appearance of the coconut wood color will look like the natural color of the coconut wood, just apply the final layer: clear doff / matt or clear gloss only then.
1.1. Transparent Wood Stain (visible wood grain )
1.2. Solid Color Wood Stain (invisible wood grain)
Coconut wood when adjusting to the environment it often appears smooth hair cracks on its surface. When a solid color paint finishing system applied, during the adjustment period, soon later, it will appear smooth hair cracks. It is advisable not to use solid color.
2. Melamine Solvent-based Finishing (transparent color solvent-based)
Melamine finishing is a two-component wood finishing system with low formaldehyde content so it is relatively odorless and less poignant in the eyes. This paint has a low level of yellowing tendency, and a good level of scratch resistance, has a matt or glossy look, hard and thick coating, and resistant to water and household chemicals. This finishing system still has good transparency so that it can show the authenticity of the wood grain. The last coat / top of finishing can be selected with the choice of doff / matt or gloss appearance.
Melamine finishing has very high transparency properties. Below is a choice of wood stain that can be applied to coconut wood, either light or dark colors are available. Meanwhile, if you choose not use any wood stain color then the color of the coconut wood will look like the natural color of the coconut wood, just apply the final layer : clear doff / matt or clear gloss only then.
2.1. Choice of Transparent Color Wood Stain (visible wood grain )
3. Paint Finishing (solid color solvent-based)
Paint is a nitrocellulose-based auto refinish lacquer paint that is dry, fast, has high glossy visual and is available in a variety of durable color choices. This paint finishing system also has excellent adhesion and durability to be applied to wood. Beside applied to wood, this paint is also known as a painting system on vehicles, machinery, iron and steel. The final coat of paint finishing can be applied with a matte / doff or gloss top coat finished.
Coconut wood when adjusting to the environment it often appears smooth hair cracks on its surface. When a solid color paint finishing system applied, during the adjustment period, soon or later, it will appear smooth hair cracks. It is advisable not to use this finishing system.
