We recently raised a frame made of Trestlewood "Salty Fir" in the Virgin Islands. The roof is on the frame and the walls are up. The timbers get damp every morning due to the dew and humidity. Part of this is due to the location (on an island) and part is due to the salt leaching out of the timbers and binding to the moisture in the air. I have told the owner that it will take several months for the frame to adjust to the climate and to heavily oil the frame. He is concerned that this will not totally ameliorate the salt leaching/ moisture issue. I have been told that a solution containing potassium permaganate will bind with the salt and prevent leaching. However, potassium permaganate also darkens the wood. Has anyone else out there dealt with this type of wood in this sort of environment?
Thanks
Justin Bush