Priya Kapoor
Creosote and fence paint are both used to coat fences and timber products. Creosote is a by-product of carbonization, where coal is converted to coke and various liquids are collected from it as coal tar. Traditional creosote was withdrawn from sale to the general public in 2003 due to the presence of carcinogenic chemicals. Creocote, a substitute for creosote, is oil-based and penetrates deeper into the timber, preserving the natural look of the wood. Fence paint, on the other hand, is typically water-based and sits on the surface of the timber, often masking the grain and distinct features of the wood.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Banned | Creosote was banned from sale to domestic customers in the UK in 2003. |
| Health implications | Creosote contains nasty chemicals that can cause chemical burns. |
| Use cases | Creosote is mainly used for fencing. |
| Use with sprayers | Creosote cannot be applied with a sprayer. |
| Use with paint | Creosote cannot be painted over. |
| Use on decking | Creosote can be used on decking but is harmful to dogs if they lick or chew the wood. |
| Use near plants | Creosote can be harmful to plants. |
| Use near water bodies | Creosote can be harmful to wildlife near ponds or bird baths. |
| Smell | Creosote has a smell that fades over time. |
| Colour | Creosote is black. |
| Cost | Creosote is expensive. |
| Finish | Creosote has a natural finish that retains the grain and knots in the wood. |
| Water-resistance | Creosote is water-repellent. |
| Durability | Creosote lasts much longer than normal fence paint. |
| Bug repellence | Creosote deters bugs. |
| Horse repellence | Creosote deters horses from chewing wood. |
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What You'll Learn
Creosote is banned for domestic use in the UK
Creosote is a by-product of carbonisation, where coal is converted to coke, and various liquids are collected from it as coal tar. Coal tar is then distilled to collect different hydrocarbons and other chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic. Due to these health concerns, the UK government banned the sale of Creosote to domestic customers around 20 years ago.
Creosote was commonly used to treat wood, particularly fences, sheds, and barns, to protect them from water damage, cracking, twisting, and swelling. It was also used to deter animals from chewing on wood. However, despite its effectiveness, Creosote has been replaced by alternative products such as Creocote, which is safer for domestic use.
Creocote is an oil-based product that penetrates wood more effectively than water-based fence paints, providing better protection against water damage. While it does not contain the same wood-preserving chemicals as Creosote, Creocote is still effective at deterring some wood-boring pests. It is important to note that Creocote stays oily for an extended period and may not be suitable for areas with frequent human contact, such as decking or areas with pets.
Although Creosote is banned for domestic customers in the UK, it is still available for trade customers such as farmers and professional gardeners. Creosote should be used with caution due to its harmful chemicals, and it is recommended to leave it to dry for a week to ensure any trace of solvent has evaporated. Overall, while Creosote was once a popular wood treatment, its health and safety concerns have led to its domestic ban in the UK, with Creocote emerging as a safer alternative.
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Creocote is safe for wildlife once dry
Creocote is a substitute for creosote, which was withdrawn from sale to the general public in 2003 due to health and environmental concerns. While creosote is still available for trade customers such as farmers and professional gardeners, Creocote is a suitable alternative for domestic customers.
Creocote is oil-based and penetrates deeper into timber than most fence paints, which are water-based. It is very waterproof and helps to stop bugs, although it is not marketed as a specialist timber preservative or pesticide. Creocote does not contain the same wood-preserving chemicals as creosote, and it may not be as effective at deterring animals from chewing wood.
Creocote has a similar finished look to creosote, retaining the desirable "natural" look of the wood. However, it is smelly and greasy for a long time and may not be suitable for use around pets or for barefoot areas. It is also more expensive than some other fence treatments.
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Creosote lasts longer than fence paint
Creosote is a by-product of carbonization, where coal is converted to coke and various liquids are collected from it as coal tar. Traditional creosote was withdrawn from sale to the general public in 2003 due to health and environmental concerns. However, it is still available for trade customers such as farmers and professional gardeners.
Creosote is known to last much longer than fence paint. It is highly effective at preserving wood and preventing rot, cracking, twisting, and swelling. It also provides protection against water damage and can be used on rough, sawn, or smooth timber.
One of the main advantages of creosote is its longevity. While fence paint may need to be reapplied every few years, creosote can last for many years without the need for re-treatment. This makes it a cost-effective option in the long run, despite its higher initial cost.
In addition to its durability, creosote is also effective at deterring animals from chewing on wood. This makes it ideal for use in paddocks or similar settings where horses or other animals may be present.
However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of creosote. It has a strong odour that can persist for a long time, and it can be harmful to plants and wildlife if not properly dried before exposure. Creosote also contains nasty chemicals that can cause chemical burns and other health issues if not handled carefully.
Therefore, while creosote offers superior longevity compared to fence paint, it is essential to weigh its benefits against potential health and environmental risks before making a decision.
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Creocote is oil-based and penetrates wood
Creocote is a suitable alternative to Creosote, which was banned for domestic use in the UK in 2003 due to health concerns. While Creocote does not contain the same wood-preserving chemicals as Creosote, it is oil-based and offers several advantages over other fence paints.
Firstly, Creocote is oil-based, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the timber. This is in contrast to most fence paints, which are water-based and sit on the surface of the wood. As a result, Creocote provides better water repellency and protection against weather damage, helping to prevent the wood from cracking, twisting, and swelling.
The oil content in Creocote acts as a natural wood nourisher, enhancing the timber's appearance and making it more resistant to water damage. This is particularly beneficial for exterior fences, sheds, and barns, where weather protection is crucial.
Creocote's ability to penetrate the wood also means that the natural grain and knots of the timber remain visible, retaining the desirable "natural" look. On the other hand, water-based fence paints tend to be thicker, masking the distinct features of the wood.
Additionally, Creocote contains oils and additives that help deter some wood-boring pests. While it is not marketed as a specialist timber preservative, it offers some protection against insects and pests, making it a more durable option for fencing and exterior wood treatments.
However, it is important to note that Creocote stays oily for an extended period, which may not be suitable for all applications, especially those with potential contact with the human food chain. It is also advisable to allow sufficient drying time, typically about a week, to ensure any trace of solvent has evaporated, making it safe for wildlife.
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Creosote can be harmful to animals
Creosote is a by-product of carbonization, where coal is converted to coke, and various liquids are collected from it as coal tar. Coal tar is then distilled to collect different hydrocarbons and other chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic. Due to health and environmental concerns, the UK government banned the sale of Creosote to domestic customers.
Frogs
A user on the MoneySavingExpert forum reported that they "accidentally killed [their] garden frogs using creosote". They advise being careful around ponds or birdbaths.
Dogs
Creosote can be used on decking, and once dry, it is safe for dogs to walk on. However, it could be harmful to dogs if they lick or chew the wood after it has been treated.
Horses
Creosote can be used to stop horses from chewing on timber. However, it will only deter them for a short while until the odour wears off.
Birds
Creocote is safe for birds and other wildlife once it is completely dry. It is recommended to leave it to dry for a week to ensure any trace of solvent has evaporated.
Humans
Creosote has been known to cause chemical burns in humans. One user on the Horse and Hound forum reported that their skin was burned by creosote.
Creocote, an alternative to Creosote, does not contain pesticides and is considered safer for use around animals and humans. However, it is still smelly and greasy and may not be suitable for all applications.
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Frequently asked questions
Creosote is a by-product of carbonization, where coal is converted to coke, and various liquids are collected from it as coal tar. It was traditionally used to coat fences and other timber products.
Fence paint is a water-based product that is commonly used to coat fences. It contains dyes and fungicides.
Creosote is typically applied by brush, while fence paint can be applied by brush or sprayer.
Creosote is no longer available for general consumers due to health concerns. Fence paint is a suitable alternative for domestic customers.
Creosote is known to last longer than fence paint and does not turn green. Fence paint, on the other hand, offers a wider range of colour options and is considered safer for domestic use.
