FAQs
We welcome your questions about Repair Care, the use and application of our products, and product safety. On this page, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you still have an unanswered question, or don’t see what you need: Get in touch. A specialist will personally answer your question as thoroughly as possible.
General
Do I get a discount if I register for all three training levels at the same time?
Yes, it is also possible to register for a course at all three levels simultaneously. In that case, you will receive a discount of €150 per participant or €200 per company on the total amount. This discount applies only to courses at our head office in Waalwijk.
I already have experience repairing wood rot; which course should I start with then?
You always start with training level 1: introduction to sustainable maintenance. There you learn the basics of working with our products; the 7 steps to sustainable facade maintenance. You also learn background information regarding occupational health and safety and environmental aspects, as well as material knowledge for facade carpentry.
Must there be a specific time gap between level 1, level 2, and level 3 training?
You can choose to take all three levels in quick succession if there is availability. You can also choose to spread this out. For example, level 1 one year, level 2 the next, and level 3 the year after that.
Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
After completing our training, you will receive a personal pass. You can choose between a physical or digital pass.
How long does a Repair Care training course take?
Each level represents one training day, and a training day is from 08:00 to 15:00 or from 09:00 to 16:00 (depending on the location).
Do I have to start the Level 1 program, or can I also start the Level 3 program?
You always start by taking our Level 1 training: Introduction to Sustainable Maintenance.
Where can I take Repair Care courses?
Our training courses can be taken at our head office in Waalwijk, but also on location throughout the country at our sales points. For current dates and locations, see the training pages.
Product applications
Sometimes, after some time, you see the paste showing through the paint, even though everything was completely smooth before painting. How is that possible?
This has to do with the swelling and shrinking behavior of the wood, which the paste cannot imitate. If the repair is done properly, this will not lead to damage but is more of an aesthetic issue.
Can I color all the pastas?
Yes indeed, the pastes color exceptionally well. Use small amounts of non-water-based pigments for this.
Is repairing moving parts advisable?
Moving parts such as windows and doors do not necessarily need to be replaced in the event of damage; their lifespan can be extended by repairing them. When determining whether damage to moving parts qualifies for repair, the following factors must be taken into account:
Moving parts must be made of solid wood. Moving parts with a hollow core, solid chipboard core, or made of plywood, MDF, or similar materials are excluded from warranty provisions.
If joints are open on both the exterior and interior sides, we recommend carrying out repairs on both the exterior and interior.
Moving parts made of inferior wood species will not improve in terms of durability class after repair but will remain the same.
Is it necessary to sand DRY SEAL® MP before painting?
It is not necessary to sand DRY SEAL® MP before repainting. If painting is delayed or the MP is heavily soiled, it is advisable to lightly sand DRY SEAL® MP to achieve better adhesion of the paint layer. The MP may discolour slightly due to the influence of sunlight.
Can the products still be used after the expiration date?
Several properties of the epoxy disappear if it is past its expiration date. Use after this date is therefore not recommended.
With which paint system can my paste repair be painted over?
DRY FLEX® and BIO FLEX™ products can be overpainted with all paint systems (A-brands).
What does the curing time of the pastes depend on?
Due to its nature (chemical curing), the curing of DRY FLEX® and BIO FLEX® depends on mass and (ambient) temperature. A greater layer thickness (meaning more mass) or a higher temperature results in faster curing. A smaller layer thickness (meaning less mass) or a lower temperature results in slower curing.
What is the minimum layer thickness for a paste repair?
A minimum layer thickness of 5 mm is necessary to absorb stresses during repairs with DRY FLEX® 1, 4, 16 and IN and BIO FLEX® ALLROUND AND COOL.
DRY FLEX®
Can I also use DRY FLEX® 1-4-16 for filler?
No. The minimum layer thickness for these pastes is 5mm. Use DRY FLEX® SF for filling.
What is the difference between DRY FLEX® and BIO FLEX™?
The raw materials of the BIO FLEX™ products consist partly of bio-based raw materials. These are recovered raw materials from residual products, for example, originating from the food industry.
Is it harmful if the paste gets wet while hardening?
Yes. The surface of the paste will react with moisture from the air, will no longer fully harden, and must be removed.
Can DRY FLEX® SF be applied over paint?
DRY FLEX® SF adheres well to paint, but the question then is: how firmly is the paint attached to the wood? The paint is the weakest link here. We recommend cleaning and degreasing the surface before sanding. Then remove defective paint layers (peeling, detached, blistering, etc.) at the site of the damage. You can read more information about this in technique P9, repairing surface damage.
Can DRY FLEX® SF be used without milling?
Yes, DRY FLEX® SF is a filler and can be used for natural cracks and minor defects (< 6mm) in new and unpainted wood. Any raised wood fibers on the contact surface can be removed by sanding.
What is the maximum size I can repair with DRY FLEX®?
We apply a rule of thumb for repairs. If a paste repair becomes larger than a fist, lamination is a cheaper solution. If the damage extends behind the glass line, a partial replacement must be performed. Depending on the paste used and/or application, repairs can be carried out up to 50 mm deep (DRY FLEX® 16, BIO FLEX™ COOL and DRY FLEX® 4 <10°C). After a layer of paste has cured, a new layer of paste or filler (DRY FLEX® SF) can always be applied over it, provided the amine layer has been removed.
The epoxy is cracking. How is that possible?
To determine how the epoxy cracked, several factors are important.
- Was it mixed sufficiently well, and was the mixing ratio correct?
- Does the repair have a layer thickness of at least 5 mm everywhere (including at the edges)?
- Has the repair cured evenly without external heat sources?
- Is the repair properly built up (without air entrapment)?
If in doubt, always consult one of our specialists.
DRY FIX®
Is DRY FIX® also a wood rot stopper?
No. DRY FIX® does not stop wood rot, but strengthens the substrate for optimal adhesion of the paste. To stop wood rot, it must be removed thoroughly down to the healthy wood. There are no remedies to stop wood rot.
Why do I need to use a primer (DRY FIX®)?
When using repair paste, a good bond must be established between the paste and the wood, because the paste is too firm to penetrate the substrate properly. To create a strong bond with the wooden surface, a (liquid) epoxy bonding primer is first applied, which will form a bond with the epoxy paste to be applied later.
Safety and environmental pollution
Do I need to take special safety precautions when sanding cured epoxy?
The epoxy is fully cured by the time of sanding. As a result, nitrile gloves are no longer necessary. Furthermore, the same precautions apply as when sanding normal wood. So ensure good dust extraction.
Can a fire start due to the curing epoxy?
To ignite wood, a temperature of >270°C is required. The temperature of curing DRY FLEX® will not reach this temperature. However, care must be taken to ensure that the curing epoxy does not exceed its maximum permissible temperature, as this will cause the epoxy to “destroy” itself and partially negate its elastic properties. Therefore, be mindful of direct sunlight, high air temperatures, and the amount of paste used.
Why is it recommended to wear nitrile gloves?
We recommend wearing protective gloves to avoid skin contact with epoxy. Nitrile is ideally suited for this purpose. Latex, vinyl, painter’s gloves, etc., provide insufficient protection.
Do the empty tubes belong with residual waste or with small chemical waste?
The cartridges must be shaken, scraped, and cleared to be disposed of as ordinary waste. The nozzle, however, always contains a small amount of unmixed product and must therefore be cut off and disposed of with hazardous waste.
Course
Do I get a discount if I register for all three training levels at the same time?
Yes, it is also possible to register for a course at all three levels simultaneously. In that case, you will receive a discount of €150 per participant or €200 per company on the total amount. This discount applies only to courses at our head office in Waalwijk.
I already have experience repairing wood rot; which course should I start with then?
You always start with training level 1: introduction to sustainable maintenance. There you learn the basics of working with our products; the 7 steps to sustainable facade maintenance. You also learn background information regarding occupational health and safety and environmental aspects, as well as material knowledge for facade carpentry.
Must there be a specific time gap between level 1, level 2, and level 3 training?
You can choose to take all three levels in quick succession if there is availability. You can also choose to spread this out. For example, level 1 one year, level 2 the next, and level 3 the year after that.
Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
After completing our training, you will receive a personal pass. You can choose between a physical or digital pass.
How long does a Repair Care training course take?
Each level represents one training day, and a training day is from 08:00 to 15:00 or from 09:00 to 16:00 (depending on the location).
Do I have to start the Level 1 program, or can I also start the Level 3 program?
You always start by taking our Level 1 training: Introduction to Sustainable Maintenance.
Do I get a discount if I register for all three training levels at the same time?
Yes, it is also possible to register for a course at all three levels simultaneously. In that case, you will receive a discount of €150 per participant or €200 per company on the total amount. This discount applies only to courses at our head office in Waalwijk.
I already have experience repairing wood rot; which course should I start with then?
You always start with training level 1: introduction to sustainable maintenance. There you learn the basics of working with our products; the 7 steps to sustainable facade maintenance. You also learn background information regarding occupational health and safety and environmental aspects, as well as material knowledge for facade carpentry.
Must there be a specific time gap between level 1, level 2, and level 3 training?
You can choose to take all three levels in quick succession if there is availability. You can also choose to spread this out. For example, level 1 one year, level 2 the next, and level 3 the year after that.
Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
After completing our training, you will receive a personal pass. You can choose between a physical or digital pass.
How long does a Repair Care training course take?
Each level represents one training day, and a training day is from 08:00 to 15:00 or from 09:00 to 16:00 (depending on the location).
Do I have to start the Level 1 program, or can I also start the Level 3 program?
You always start by taking our Level 1 training: Introduction to Sustainable Maintenance.
Where can I take Repair Care courses?
Our training courses can be taken at our head office in Waalwijk, but also on location throughout the country at our sales points. For current dates and locations, see the training pages.
Sometimes, after some time, you see the paste showing through the paint, even though everything was completely smooth before painting. How is that possible?
This has to do with the swelling and shrinking behavior of the wood, which the paste cannot imitate. If the repair is done properly, this will not lead to damage but is more of an aesthetic issue.
Can I color all the pastas?
Yes indeed, the pastes color exceptionally well. Use small amounts of non-water-based pigments for this.
Is repairing moving parts advisable?
Moving parts such as windows and doors do not necessarily need to be replaced in the event of damage; their lifespan can be extended by repairing them. When determining whether damage to moving parts qualifies for repair, the following factors must be taken into account:
Moving parts must be made of solid wood. Moving parts with a hollow core, solid chipboard core, or made of plywood, MDF, or similar materials are excluded from warranty provisions.
If joints are open on both the exterior and interior sides, we recommend carrying out repairs on both the exterior and interior.
Moving parts made of inferior wood species will not improve in terms of durability class after repair but will remain the same.
Is it necessary to sand DRY SEAL® MP before painting?
It is not necessary to sand DRY SEAL® MP before repainting. If painting is delayed or the MP is heavily soiled, it is advisable to lightly sand DRY SEAL® MP to achieve better adhesion of the paint layer. The MP may discolour slightly due to the influence of sunlight.
Can the products still be used after the expiration date?
Several properties of the epoxy disappear if it is past its expiration date. Use after this date is therefore not recommended.
With which paint system can my paste repair be painted over?
DRY FLEX® and BIO FLEX™ products can be overpainted with all paint systems (A-brands).
What does the curing time of the pastes depend on?
Due to its nature (chemical curing), the curing of DRY FLEX® and BIO FLEX® depends on mass and (ambient) temperature. A greater layer thickness (meaning more mass) or a higher temperature results in faster curing. A smaller layer thickness (meaning less mass) or a lower temperature results in slower curing.
What is the minimum layer thickness for a paste repair?
A minimum layer thickness of 5 mm is necessary to absorb stresses during repairs with DRY FLEX® 1, 4, 16 and IN and BIO FLEX® ALLROUND AND COOL.
Can I also use DRY FLEX® 1-4-16 for filler?
No. The minimum layer thickness for these pastes is 5mm. Use DRY FLEX® SF for filling.
What is the difference between DRY FLEX® and BIO FLEX™?
The raw materials of the BIO FLEX™ products consist partly of bio-based raw materials. These are recovered raw materials from residual products, for example, originating from the food industry.
Is it harmful if the paste gets wet while hardening?
Yes. The surface of the paste will react with moisture from the air, will no longer fully harden, and must be removed.
Can DRY FLEX® SF be applied over paint?
DRY FLEX® SF adheres well to paint, but the question then is: how firmly is the paint attached to the wood? The paint is the weakest link here. We recommend cleaning and degreasing the surface before sanding. Then remove defective paint layers (peeling, detached, blistering, etc.) at the site of the damage. You can read more information about this in technique P9, repairing surface damage.
Can DRY FLEX® SF be used without milling?
Yes, DRY FLEX® SF is a filler and can be used for natural cracks and minor defects (< 6mm) in new and unpainted wood. Any raised wood fibers on the contact surface can be removed by sanding.
What is the maximum size I can repair with DRY FLEX®?
We apply a rule of thumb for repairs. If a paste repair becomes larger than a fist, lamination is a cheaper solution. If the damage extends behind the glass line, a partial replacement must be performed. Depending on the paste used and/or application, repairs can be carried out up to 50 mm deep (DRY FLEX® 16, BIO FLEX™ COOL and DRY FLEX® 4 <10°C). After a layer of paste has cured, a new layer of paste or filler (DRY FLEX® SF) can always be applied over it, provided the amine layer has been removed.
The epoxy is cracking. How is that possible?
To determine how the epoxy cracked, several factors are important.
- Was it mixed sufficiently well, and was the mixing ratio correct?
- Does the repair have a layer thickness of at least 5 mm everywhere (including at the edges)?
- Has the repair cured evenly without external heat sources?
- Is the repair properly built up (without air entrapment)?
If in doubt, always consult one of our specialists.
Is DRY FIX® also a wood rot stopper?
No. DRY FIX® does not stop wood rot, but strengthens the substrate for optimal adhesion of the paste. To stop wood rot, it must be removed thoroughly down to the healthy wood. There are no remedies to stop wood rot.
Why do I need to use a primer (DRY FIX®)?
When using repair paste, a good bond must be established between the paste and the wood, because the paste is too firm to penetrate the substrate properly. To create a strong bond with the wooden surface, a (liquid) epoxy bonding primer is first applied, which will form a bond with the epoxy paste to be applied later.
Do I need to take special safety precautions when sanding cured epoxy?
The epoxy is fully cured by the time of sanding. As a result, nitrile gloves are no longer necessary. Furthermore, the same precautions apply as when sanding normal wood. So ensure good dust extraction.
Can a fire start due to the curing epoxy?
To ignite wood, a temperature of >270°C is required. The temperature of curing DRY FLEX® will not reach this temperature. However, care must be taken to ensure that the curing epoxy does not exceed its maximum permissible temperature, as this will cause the epoxy to “destroy” itself and partially negate its elastic properties. Therefore, be mindful of direct sunlight, high air temperatures, and the amount of paste used.
Why is it recommended to wear nitrile gloves?
We recommend wearing protective gloves to avoid skin contact with epoxy. Nitrile is ideally suited for this purpose. Latex, vinyl, painter’s gloves, etc., provide insufficient protection.
Do the empty tubes belong with residual waste or with small chemical waste?
The cartridges must be shaken, scraped, and cleared to be disposed of as ordinary waste. The nozzle, however, always contains a small amount of unmixed product and must therefore be cut off and disposed of with hazardous waste.
Do I get a discount if I register for all three training levels at the same time?
Yes, it is also possible to register for a course at all three levels simultaneously. In that case, you will receive a discount of €150 per participant or €200 per company on the total amount. This discount applies only to courses at our head office in Waalwijk.
I already have experience repairing wood rot; which course should I start with then?
You always start with training level 1: introduction to sustainable maintenance. There you learn the basics of working with our products; the 7 steps to sustainable facade maintenance. You also learn background information regarding occupational health and safety and environmental aspects, as well as material knowledge for facade carpentry.
Must there be a specific time gap between level 1, level 2, and level 3 training?
You can choose to take all three levels in quick succession if there is availability. You can also choose to spread this out. For example, level 1 one year, level 2 the next, and level 3 the year after that.
Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
After completing our training, you will receive a personal pass. You can choose between a physical or digital pass.
How long does a Repair Care training course take?
Each level represents one training day, and a training day is from 08:00 to 15:00 or from 09:00 to 16:00 (depending on the location).
Do I have to start the Level 1 program, or can I also start the Level 3 program?
You always start by taking our Level 1 training: Introduction to Sustainable Maintenance.
Your question not listed?
We’re happy to assist you. For any questions or feedback about our products and/or services, please contact us via:
- (332) 699-4426
- supportus@repair-care.com
- 228 East 45th Street Suite 9E, New York, New York 10017
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