Sticker Stain

[TonyM]

We are getting sticker stain on our lumber and are looking at different types of hardwood stickers. We are concerned about a few issues, mainly durability and cost but also sustainability, since some of the hardwoods are coming from the rainforests in South America. Does anyone have any recommendations?

[MichaelM]

This is hard to address without knowing more.  Are the stickers the problem?  Sometimes the stickers can transfer chemicals when drying a light colored wood after drying a dark colored wood.  Are the stickers dry and kept dry between charges?  Is the lumber dried as soon as possible after sawing?  Were the logs fresh?  Are there adequate airflow and depression to get the surface of the wood to dry as fast as possible without causing checking?  There are probably other questions, but I would consider those items before changing stickers. 

My understanding is that the dense, high-quality, hardwood stickers have good durability and over time will cost out.  As far as sustainability, I would see ask if the wood has FSC or other certification.
Mike M.

[TonyM]

Also, there was some experimentation being done years ago, in the early 1970’s, with plastics, resins and fiberglass stickers that showed quite a bit of promise for both low cost and durability without staining the lumber. Whatever happened with this? Are they available anywhere?