Worth it for contractors who need a penetrating oil stain that won’t peel or require stripping on recoat. The 45-60% solids content fills wood pores for lasting water repellency without forming a surface film, and you can recoat without sanding or stripping if previously maintained. Skip it if you’re looking for budget pricing or need same-day foot traffic — this takes 24-48 hours for full cure.
The High-Solids Penetrating Formula
The oil-based formula contains approximately 45% solids (MC/MS series) to 55-60% solids (CMC/CMS/LMC/LMS series). That’s nearly double what you’ll find in typical retail stains. This high-solids formulation fills wood pores for long-lasting water repellency — crucial when Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles turn trapped moisture into wood-destroying ice crystals.
The penetrating action matters more than the solids content. Unlike film-forming stains, UV Plus protects without creating a surface film. No film means no peeling, no flaking, no stripping required during maintenance. That alone saves hours of prep work on every recoat cycle.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Solids Content (Volume) | 45% (MC/MS) to 55-60% (CMC/CMS/LMC/LMS) |
| Solids Content (Weight) | 50% (MC/MS) to 60% (CMC/CMS/LMC/LMS) |
| Coverage (Rough Wood) | 100-150 sq ft/gallon |
| Coverage (Smooth Wood) | 150-250 sq ft/gallon |
| Dry Time | 24-48 hours full cure |
VOC Compliance and Montana Jurisdictions
Messmer’s offers UV Plus in 550, 250, and 100 g/L VOC formulations. Colorado Brown 5G often comes as the 250 VOC version (CMS-611-5). The product is VOC compliant in all 50 states, but you’ll want to verify which formulation your jurisdiction requires before ordering.
The 250 VOC formulation hits the sweet spot for most Montana projects — compliant without sacrificing penetration or durability. The 100 VOC version exists for stricter regulations, but experience shows the lower VOC content means slower drying and less penetration depth.
Application Temperature Window and Coverage
Apply when surface temperature is between 45°F and 90°F. That temperature range covers Montana’s entire construction season from late April through early October. Avoid applying if rain is expected within 24-48 hours — the stain needs time to penetrate and cure properly.
Wipe off all excess unabsorbed product after 30-60 minutes to prevent shiny spots. This step is non-negotiable. Miss it, and you’ll have sticky, glossy patches that never fully cure. Too many deck jobs get ruined by contractors who think they can skip the wipe-down.
Apply one coat using brush, roller, or sprayer (back-brush if sprayed). Back-brushing after spraying ensures even penetration — especially important on rough-sawn cedar or pressure-treated lumber where the surface texture varies.
The No-Strip Recoat Advantage
Here’s where UV Plus earns its keep: Re-coat vertical surfaces every 3-4 years; horizontal surfaces (decks) every 1-3 years depending on exposure. Just clean and brighten for re-application; no sanding or stripping needed if previously maintained.
Compare that to film-forming stains that require complete stripping every time. The labor savings add up fast. Clean with Messmer’s Wood & Deck Cleaner (Part A) to remove dirt and graying, then brighten with Part B to neutralize cleaner and remove tannins. Allow wood to dry for 24-48 hours before staining.
New redwood should age 6-8 weeks; new treated wood should age until dry before first application. Rushing this step leads to poor penetration and early failure.
The Bottom Line
UV Plus Colorado Brown delivers what contractors need: reliable penetration, no peeling, and simple recoating. The high solids content provides legitimate water protection without creating a maintenance nightmare. At 250 VOC, it’s compliant across Montana while maintaining professional-grade performance.
The trade-offs are real. Slower cure time than water-based alternatives. Higher upfront cost than budget stains. Solvent cleanup instead of soap and water. But for exterior wood that needs to survive Montana winters without annual stripping and refinishing, UV Plus justifies its position in the professional market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does Messmer’s UV Plus take to dry before foot traffic?
Messmer’s UV Plus is walk-on ready after 24 hours under good conditions, with full cure taking 24-48 hours. Always avoid applying if rain is expected within 24-48 hours to ensure proper penetration and curing.
Q: What’s the coverage rate for Messmer’s UV Plus on a rough cedar deck?
Messmer’s UV Plus covers 100-150 square feet per gallon on rough wood surfaces. Smooth wood surfaces get better coverage at 150-250 square feet per gallon due to less product absorption.
Q: Does the old Messmer’s stain need stripping before recoating?
No, Messmer’s UV Plus can be reapplied without stripping or sanding if previously maintained. Just clean with Messmer’s Wood & Deck Cleaner (Part A) and brighten with Part B, then allow 24-48 hours drying time before recoating.
Q: What VOC levels does Messmer’s UV Plus come in?
Messmer’s UV Plus is available in 550, 250, and 100 g/L VOC formulations to meet different regulatory requirements. The Colorado Brown 5G is often sold as the 250 VOC version (CMS-611-5), which is VOC compliant in all 50 states.
Q: How should Messmer’s UV Plus be cleaned up after application?
Messmer’s UV Plus is solvent-based and requires paint thinner, mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, or MEK for cleanup. This oil-based formula doesn’t clean up with soap and water like water-based stains.
Q: What temperature range works for applying Messmer’s UV Plus?
Apply Messmer’s UV Plus when surface temperatures are between 45°F and 90°F. Stir thoroughly before and during use to ensure even pigment distribution, and always wipe off excess product after 30-60 minutes to prevent shiny spots.
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