Messmer’s UV+ Natural Cedar delivers water repellency through 50-60% solids content that fills wood pores without using waxes or paraffin. The penetrating oil covers 100-200 square feet per gallon on rough wood, 150-250 on smooth surfaces.
Worth it for contractors who need reliable cedar protection without film formation. The formula penetrates rather than sitting on top, preventing the peeling and flaking that plagues film-forming stains. At 4.8 stars across 8 reviews, users praise the natural cedar look and excellent protection.
Skip it if you’re looking for maximum opacity. This semi-transparent stain enhances wood grain rather than hiding it.
Coverage and Application Specs
Coverage runs 100-200 square feet per gallon on rough-sawn cedar, pine, or fir. Smooth surfaces stretch that to 150-250 square feet. Those numbers matter for bidding accuracy — a 500-square-foot deck with rough cedar boards needs 3-5 gallons minimum.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Coverage (rough wood) | 100-200 sq ft/gallon |
| Coverage (smooth wood) | 150-250 sq ft/gallon |
| Application temperature | 45-95°F (surface 50-90°F) |
| Dry to touch | 4-24 hours |
| Rain/traffic ready | 24-48 hours |
| Full cure | Up to 2 weeks |
| Cleanup | Mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, or MEK |
The 45-95°F application range fits Montana’s construction season perfectly. That’s a wider window than most stains offer. Apply with brush, roller, or sprayer in thin, even coats. Remove any excess that hasn’t penetrated within 30-45 minutes.
For previously stained wood, UV+ works over existing coats after cleaning. Film-forming finishes need stripping or sanding back to bare wood. New pressure-treated lumber should weather for several weeks before application.
High Solids Technology
The 50-60% solids content fills wood pores to repel water without waxes or paraffin. That’s the key difference here. Wax-based stains create a barrier that prevents future coats from penetrating properly. You end up stripping the deck every time you refinish.
UV+ uses Trans-Oxide pigments to block UV rays while maintaining transparency. The pigments do the heavy lifting — clear finishes offer zero UV protection and fail within months in Montana sun. The formula enhances natural wood grain without obscuring it.
The penetrating formula helps reduce warping, shrinking, and cracking. That matters on south-facing decks where thermal cycling stresses lumber daily. The stain moves with the wood rather than cracking like a film-former would.
Montana Performance Factors
The 45-95°F application window gives contractors flexibility during Montana’s variable weather. Spring and fall temperature swings won’t shut down your staining projects like they would with narrower-range products.
UV protection becomes critical at elevation. Montana’s intense sun exposure — especially at 3,000+ feet — destroys unprotected wood faster than sea-level installations. The Trans-Oxide pigments block damaging rays while letting wood grain show through.
Fungicides inhibit mold and mildew growth on the coating. Montana’s temperature swings create condensation that feeds mildew. Built-in resistance beats adding mildewcide separately.
Suitable surfaces include decks, fences, siding, log homes, outdoor furniture, and pergolas. The formula works on cedar, redwood, pine, fir, spruce, and all types of pressure-treated lumber. That covers every softwood species contractors encounter in Montana.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does UV+ compare to clear sealers?
Clear finishes lack pigment and offer no UV protection. They’ll leave your cedar gray within one season. UV+ includes UV-absorbing pigments that maintain the natural cedar tone while blocking sun damage.
Q: Do I need to strip my old stain first?
Compatible with previous coats of UV Plus after cleaning. Film-forming finishes must be stripped or sanded back to bare wood. If your old stain is peeling or flaking, that’s a film-former — strip it completely.
Q: What’s the actual working time in hot weather?
Remove any excess material that hasn’t penetrated within 30-45 minutes. Avoid applying in direct sunlight on hot days. Morning application works best during Montana summers.
Q: How much do I need for a typical deck?
Coverage runs 100-200 sq ft/gallon on rough wood, 150-250 on smooth. A 500-square-foot rough cedar deck needs 3-5 gallons. Buy extra — color matching between batches isn’t guaranteed.
Q: What about cleanup and VOC compliance?
Cleanup requires mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, or MEK. The formula meets EPA standards (<250 g/L) in many regions, with 550 g/L versions available where permitted. Available in 550 VOC, 250 VOC, and 100 VOC formulations depending on local regulations.
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