Buckden Marina stands at the head of a tributary of the River Ouse, ideally situated for the mooring and maintenance of river boats and cruisers.

The Marina complex has a village format, with several timber clad properties serving as weekend retreats and holiday homes for the river enthusiasts. At the centre of the complex is the Marina Clubhouse, an impressive timber construction, built in 1990/91 and situated at the water's edge, offering restaurant, bar and health club facilities.

The new owners contacted Sikkens to gain technical advice and specification for the full repair and redecoration of their Clubhouse, which had deteriorated due to weather exposure and the natural dampness inherent to a riverside setting.

On-site visits by Sikkens Technical Consultants revealed the timber to be in a generally poor condition with problems including denatured timber, resin exudation, severe disfigurement, fungi, open joints and general weathering including peeling and flaking of previous protective coatings.

A full survey report was compiled and submitted with a recommendation to remove all previous coatings by mechanical sanding, replace certain affected timbers, fill voids with Sikkens Componex TX and treat mould growth prior to retreatment. A specification was then prepared and submitted for approval.

Alternative methods of application were provided, with an option for either brush or spray applications. A brush application was chosen for windows and other joinery as well as for cladding, fascias and soffits. Sikkens Cetol Novatech was applied as a basestain and Sikkens Cetol Novatop was the finish to give a high build, durable and low maintenance finish.

Colour finishes for the different areas of the Clubhouse were agreed and a full specification was drawn up for the contractor on site. Work commenced in May 1998 and was completed at the end of June.

Peter Blemings - Managing Director, Buckden Marina Limited.

"With the Clubhouse being a central feature of our site, we needed to ensure that the end result would have the necessary blend of high quality finish and low maintenance costs.

Sikkens provide a high level of technical service, well supported by the outstanding quality of their products".

Cliff Lipman - Contractor

"I am a great advocate of Sikkens System products. If you want the best, with easy application and no fear of comeback, Sikkens has to be the first choice in woodstain treatments".