Two years ago, we put four popular wood finishes to the test on a tired-looking garden shed: Cuprinol Garden Shades, Barrettine Wood Preserver, Osmo Country Shades and Sadolin Superdec.
We revisited the shed this year to see how each finish has stood up to real-world conditions. Taking into account that each side of the shed faces a different direction, they have held up well overall:
Sadolin Superdec has proved particularly impressive on the west-facing side, retaining its colour and finish remarkably well.
Osmo Country Shades has also performed exceptionally. Its thicker consistency can make application a little more challenging, but the resulting finish is extremely hard-wearing, with very little evidence of colour bleaching on the south-facing side.
Cuprinol Garden Shades is beginning to show some signs of weathering, although this is consistent with what you might expect from a popular, more budget-friendly garden paint. A maintenance coat would help freshen up the finish and provide continued protection.
Meanwhile, Barrettine Wood Preserver has done exactly what it is designed to do – preserve and protect the timber. The Holly Green colour is beginning to fade, so a maintenance coat would help restore its original appearance.
The Verdict
All four products have earned a thumbs-up. For those looking for particularly long-lasting finishes, Osmo Country Shades and Sadolin Superdec stand out, with both appearing capable of providing several more years of protection before maintenance is required.
Of course, the lifespan of any exterior wood finish will depend on factors such as exposure, orientation, timber condition and preparation.
If you’re unsure which wood finish is right for your project, our wood care experts are always happy to help on 01303 477555.
Where This Project Began
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