SEPT.'09 NEWS FLASH: In volume 143, No. 20, of the Canada Gazette, the Canadian government has published FINAL details of the VOC regulations for the Architectural Coatings segment which includes exterior wood stains. On your request, we would be happy to provide the actual PDF but here is the pertinent information:
1. (pg. 4 PDF) prohibition details include a person must not manufacture or import any coating … if its concentration of VOC’s exceeds the limit (see #3 below);
2. (pg. 4 PDF) the prohibition takes effect on the corresponding anniversary date on which the Regulations come into force (see #4 below);
3. (pg. 18 PDF, category 47) exterior wood stain, clear or semi-transparent: 250 gm/liter *;
4. (pg. 18 PDF, category 47) 3rd anniversary date (for the purpose of prohibition): September 2012;
* All current WoodPlus products (at < 25 gms/liter) are in the range of 10% of the published regulations (see Products page for details on the specific WoodPlus product for your project).
What does this mean to you:
1. if you are a reseller of wood stains, you should be meticulous about the VOC levels in what you’re purchasing today (because today’s clients require tomorrow’s maintenance coats); and,
2. if you are a consumer, you must become diligent about manufacturer’s obtuse claims about “VOC Compliance” (if the VOC level isn’t “proclaimed” on the can and their site, there’s probably a reason);
