Messmer's

Messmer’s makes two distinct lines of premium wood finishes — UV Plus penetrating oils and Timberflex film-forming coatings. The company focuses on oil-based penetrating wood finishes and film-forming coatings for decks, fences, log homes, siding, and other exterior wood surfaces. Their 37 years in the business shows in formulations that handle Montana’s temperature swings and altitude UV exposure better than most alternatives.

The UV Plus Penetrating Oil Platform

UV Plus works differently than typical deck stains. The high solids content (approximately 35-40%) means more protection stays in the wood after the solvents evaporate. The formula won’t peel when properly applied because it doesn’t form a surface film.

Coverage varies by wood texture and porosity:

Surface Type	Coverage per Gallon	Source
Rough Wood	100-150 sq ft	Manufacturer
Smooth Wood	150-250 sq ft	Manufacturer

The multiple VOC formulations let contractors work anywhere. Available in 550 g/L (Standard), 250 g/L, and 100 g/L variants for regional compliance. Colorado Brown 5G often sold as 250 VOC (CMS-611-5). This matters in counties with stricter air quality regulations — you get the same performance regardless of which VOC level you need.

One-coat penetrating oil-based finish saves labor time. No primer needed. The formula uses trans-oxide pigments for UV resistance, high solids to fill wood pores for water repellency, and fungicides to prevent mold growth.

Application specs that matter:

Specification	Value
Flash Point	104°F (40°C)
Application Temperature	40°F to 90°F surface temp (50°F+ recommended)
Dry Time	24-48 hours for rain/foot traffic
Cleanup	Mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, or MEK

The UV Plus for Hardwood Decks variant was the industry’s first finish specifically formulated for dense exotic hardwoods. Standard deck stains sit on top of Ipe and Mahogany — they can’t penetrate the tight grain. This formula actually soaks in.

Timberflex Film-Forming System for Log Homes

Timberflex takes the opposite approach from UV Plus. It’s a solvent-based alkyd resin system with 55% to 65% solids by volume that builds a flexible protective film. At 7.8 to 8.2 pounds per gallon, it’s heavy-bodied compared to typical stains.

The coverage increases with each coat because you’re building on the previous layer:

Coat Number	Coverage per Gallon	Source
First Coat	200-250 sq ft	Manufacturer
Second Coat	250-300 sq ft	Manufacturer
Third Coat	300-400 sq ft	Manufacturer

The product requires at least 24 hours between coats in good drying conditions. Don’t rush it — that flexible film needs time to develop properly.

Critical restrictions: Vertical surfaces only. Do not use on decks or any other walking surface. The film-forming nature makes it slippery when wet. Also cannot be applied over coatings with stearates, waxes, silicones, or Teflon.

Temperature and Application Windows

Both product lines share similar temperature requirements. Surface temperature between 40°F and 90°F (manufacturer recommends 50°F+ for best results). In Montana, that means April through October for most elevations.

The 104°F flash point makes UV Plus safer to store than some solvent-based competitors. Still needs proper ventilation during application.

Both systems require maintenance every two to three years. That’s realistic for Montana’s UV exposure and temperature cycling. Anyone promising 5+ years between coats is selling dreams.

The beauty of penetrating oils like UV Plus? Recoating doesn’t require stripping. No stripping or sanding required for recoating - just clean and reapply. That saves massive labor compared to film-forming products that peel.

Wood Species Coverage

UV Plus works on cedar, pine, fir, redwood, and pressure-treated lumber. The hardwood variant specifically targets Ipe, Mahogany, Brazilian Redwood, Massaranduba, Meranti, Teak, and Tigerwood.

The natural oil blend enhances wood grain without excessive pigment or orange tones — a common complaint with cheaper stains that turn everything pumpkin-colored.

Timberflex offers natural colors including Pine, Fir, Cedar, Redwood, and Sequoia Red. Colors yield a gloss sheen with topcoats available in Satin and Gloss.

FAQ

What’s the actual difference between UV Plus standard and the hardwood version?

The hardwood formula penetrates dense exotic woods that standard deck stains can’t enter. UV Plus for Hardwood Decks was the industry’s first finish specifically formulated for dense exotic hardwoods. Regular UV Plus works fine on cedar and pine. The hardwood version soaks into Ipe and Mahogany.

Can Timberflex be used on a deck?

No. Do not use on decks or any other walking surface. Timberflex creates a film that becomes slippery when wet. It’s designed for vertical surfaces like log home walls and fences.

How often do these products really need recoating in Montana?

Every two to three years for both product lines. That’s honest for Montana’s UV exposure and temperature swings. UV Plus makes it easier since you don’t need to strip — just clean and recoat.

What about the multiple VOC levels — which one should be used?

Use whatever your county allows. The products come in 550 g/L (Standard), 250 g/L, and 100 g/L variants. Performance stays the same across all VOC levels. The 100 g/L works in the strictest jurisdictions.

Is the high solids content worth the premium price?

High solids (approximately 35-40%) fills wood pores for enhanced water repellency. More solids means more protection stays in the wood after drying. Cheaper stains with lower solids need recoating sooner. Do the math over 10 years — the premium products usually win.