Perkoleum: what is this and what can you use it for?

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  June 16, 2022
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Perkoleum is a high-quality pickling paint, which is basically a primer and topcoat in one.

The paint is moisture regulating and you can use Perkoleum to paint your garden house or veranda, but it can also be used on windows and doors.

It is important that you use it on types of wood that must be able to breathe. If you use paint on these types of wood that does not regulate moisture, there is a good chance that you will have to deal with wood rot.

Perkoleum pickling paint

However, do not confuse Perkoleum with Ecoleum. They look very similar, but Perkoleum is suitable for smooth woods and Ecoleum for the rougher woods.

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Does Perkoleum need to be diluted?

In principle, Perkoleum does not need to be diluted. Do you want to do this, for whatever reason? Then you can do this with linseed oil, since the Perkoleum is also based on linseed oil, but this can also be done with white spirit. However, it is recommended to always apply Perkoleum undiluted.

Apply percoleum

As mentioned above, Perkoleum can be used as a primer, but also as a topcoat. This is also known as a one pot system (EPS). When you start working with the paint, you can simply apply it directly to bare wood. Of course after you have degreased and sanded it. Keep in mind that you will probably need three coats, and after each coat you will need to let the paint dry according to the time indication on the can. Before you apply the next layer, it must also be sanded again. Sanding is best done with 240-grit sandpaper.

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Do you have fences that you would like to treat with Perkoleum? That is certainly possible. However, you should keep in mind that this may not be impregnated wood. If this is the case, then the wood must already be at least one year old, because then the substances have only been removed from the wood.

Can it be painted over?

Perkoleum can be painted over, but you have to keep in mind that you always do this with a paint based on white spirit. It is ideally suited as a base for other topcoats and because it adheres very well, it can be used as a primer, so overpainting is no problem at all.

Incidentally, the paint is available in any desired color, because it can simply be mixed. As a result, it may not be necessary to paint it over at all.

Also interesting to read:

Repairing wood rot in the outside frame

Painting window and door frames outside

The sun and the impact on painting

Painting exterior walls

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.