Check Mate 2 Log Check Sealant

Product Description

Check Mate 2 is an outstanding water resistant smooth sealant that prevents water and air infiltration through pronounced cracks (called checks) in logs, timbers and wood siding. Check Mate 2 is a fantastic alternative to using caulking to fill cracks in wood. Check Mate 2 forms a tough elastic filler and coating. It has superb color stability and resists ultraviolet rays, ozone, mold, mildew and airborne contaminates. Even the most troublesome checks can be sealed with Check Mate 2.

Please Note: It is especially important to seal upward facing checks in any location where they may accumulate water. If these checks are left unsealed, they become sites where rot may begin to take hold. If you have old checks where rot is a risk, be sure to apply Shell-Guard before sealing with Check Mate 2.

If you are planning to stain over the Check Mate 2, choose a color that’s a shade lighter than the stain. Be sure to request a Check Mate 2 sample card which shows all cured colors for an accurate choice.

Uses: Cracks (checks) in logs from ¼” to 1”

Waterproof
Remains flexible to allow for log movement
For exterior and interior applications
Excellent woodtone color selection to match your project
Prevents further cracking and splitting
Stainable when cured for 72 hours with water based stains
Quick drying
Low odor
Easy soap and water clean up

Coverage

Bead Size	Linear Feet
1/4″ Bead	32 linear feet / 11oz tube
3/8″ Bead	14 linear feet / 11oz tube
1/2″ Bead	8 linear feet / 11oz tube

Product Facts

Shelf Life	1 Year
Application Temperature	40° to 90°
Application Methods	Caulking Cartridge Gun
Surface Preparation	Clean and dry. Free from any oil and wax Backing material wherever possible Free of mold and mildew
Frequency	As needed
Special Instructions	Apply to approximately 3/8″ thickness Avoid application in direct sunlight When applied before oil based stains, curing time for Check Mate 2 should be longer than 72 hours
Drying Time	Skins over in 1 hour Cures in 2-3 days Cure test: using a tooth pick or spackling knife insert into sealant. If they come out clean sealant has cured; if not allow sealant to cure longer and test again.

What is Checking?

“Checking” or seasoning is a normal occurrence in logs and wood as it ages. Fortunately, with a log home you can see any checks that could cause moisture seepage inside the home. Seepage is troublesome only when the check occurs in the upper half of the log, runs down into the heart of the log, and runs the length of the log into the “bucking” (jamb) which is behind the framing of a door or window. Most trouble spots usually occur where moisture is common on the sides of a log home that are exposed to excessive wind and rain. Checks that occur under eaves or porches where rain does not reach should not be considered problem areas.

Surface Preparation

If you have old checks where rot is a risk, be sure to apply Shell-Guard before sealing with Check Mate 2.
Apply Check Mate 2 to clean, dry, bare surfaces that are free from contaminants including dirt, dust, old finishes, water repellents, wax and mildew.
Mask the area adjacent to the check to allow easy cleanup.

Backer Rod

Backing materials are an integral part of a sealant system and should be used wherever possible. The overall performance of any sealant system is dependent on the use of correct application thickness and proper backing. For small joinery the most commonly used backing is round backer rod. It comes in a range of sizes and is relatively inexpensive. It is flexible it and can be pushed into a crevice without needing to be nailed or stapled. In situations where joinery is too narrow to insert some type of backing material, a narrow strip of water-resistant masking tape works well. (Avoid masking tape that wrinkles when wet because the wrinkles may show through the sealant after it has cured.) A good option is to use pinstripe tape available at most automotive supply stores. The tape is waterproof, so Check Mate 2 does not adhere to it, making it a suitable backer material. Pinstripe tape is available in widths down to 1/8”.

Weather

Freshly applied sealants should be protected from direct rainfall for a minimum of 24 hours. Either watch the weather or drape a newly sealed wall with plastic film. Be sure to allow some airspace between the wall and the plastic to facilitate drying.
Avoid applying sealants in cold weather (below 40°). It’s important that the logs be free of frost and dew in order to ensure that the sealant adheres tightly to the wood.
Apply when sealant and surface temperatures are between 40°F and 90°F.
Do not apply in direct sunlight.
Do not apply if rain is expected within 24 hours.

Application

Insert the Check Mate 2 tube in a standard caulking dispenser and cut the tip to the width of the check.
Make certain Check Mate 2 has good contact with the wood on each side of the crack.
Do not fill the crack completely – seal just the outer area.
When checks are 1/4” or more in width, use backer rod.
Insert backer rod approximately 3/8”-1/2” below the check surface.
When Check Mate 2 cures it has considerable shrinkage. Some checks may require a second application. It is important to make sure water cannot lay in the check or run down to window or door jams.

Clean up

Please note: If you get any sealant on the surface of the wood, be sure to wipe it off with a wet rag immediately. Dried sealant is very difficult to remove. Clean your tools and equipment with clean water occasionally during application.

Remove masking tape.
If properly applied, the cleanup area for Check Mate 2 should be confined to the tube and utensils used.
Warm soap and water is sufficient for proper clean up.

Maintenance

Check Mate 2 has a 25-year durability. If during the life of your log home if you plan to sand blast the logs, make certain you proceed with caution around areas that contain Check Mate 2.

Storage

Store Check Mate 2 in a clean dry area, out of direct sunlight and away from children
Keep from freezing
Shelf life is 1 year under these conditions