The sun is out and temperatures are on the rise. This is the time when we venture out to the garden to survey the surroundings and draw up the list of maintenance tasks.
When talking about exterior wood finishes, there’s always an assumption that it’s about treating your decking, garden shed or fence. Although these are indeed the most common garden features that need maintenance after a winter of wind, rain and freezing temperatures, wooden window frames, doors and porches should also be checked and given attention if required.
Dulux Trade Opaque Coating Systems
It’s all about the knowledge
A question we get asked a lot here at Wood Finishes Direct is “What is the best exterior wood treatment?” Unfortunately, there’s no single product that is better than another for every project and type of wood. In fact, deciding what product should be used can be a complex matter. That’s why we invest heavily in the training of our sales and service team, or as we call them, the SAS team. All of our support staff are rigorously trained so that they’re familiar with the products we stock, their properties and their suitability for any number of given scenarios. This means that we’re always able to give expert advice and guidance on which products and brands are best suited to your project.
Just some of the top brands available at Wood Finishes Direct
Exterior wood finishing types
Essentially, there are two types of exterior wood treatments: those that are absorbed into the surface of the wood, such as oil-based products, and those that form a protective coating on the surface of the wood. Both have their own unique characteristics and benefits.
Penetrative wood treatments
Penetrative wood treatments are products that soak into the wood and protect from within, such as decking oils, shed & fence treatments. These products are predominantly oil- and wax-based. They work by penetrating and then drying in the surface grain of the timber to provide a tough, durable, weather-resistant surface.
Oil-based products are popular for garden decking, sheds and fences.
The key benefit of this type of product is that it’s very easy to apply and maintain. When the finished surface starts to look tired and worn, it’s simply a case of reapplying a fresh coat. No need to sand, strip back or remove the old finish. Wood oils are very forgiving for patch repairs, meaning that localised areas of wear are very easy to repair and blend in with the surrounding areas. Leading brands that specialise in these types of exterior wood finishing products include Osmo, Ronseal, Barrettine and Cuprinol.
Exterior coating systems
What was once the realm of paints and exterior wood varnishes is now dominated by an array of ultra-modern wood coating systems. Whereas old paints and varnishes had a reputation for cracking, flaking and peeling, modern coating systems have been scientifically developed to withstand the effects of weathering and the constant movement of the timber as a result of moisture and temperature changes.
Sikkens exterior wood treatments seal and protect.
Modern exterior wood coatings are flexible and durable, meaning that they rarely need to be stripped back to bare wood if maintained correctly. This makes them a firm favourite for exterior joinery such as wooden window frames and doors. Coatings from brands such as Sadolin and Sikkens are designed in such a way that as the top coat wears over time, it starts to lose some of its colour and sheen. This is an indicator that the finish needs maintenance. Surfaces that require maintenance can be restored by following a few simple steps.
- Wipe down with methylated spirit to degrease the old finish.
- Lightly sand the surface to remove any ingrained surface dirt and debris. This also provides a key for the new top coat.
- Wipe down a second time after sanding with methylated spirit to remove all traces of sanding dust and any residual grease from hands and fingertips.
- Once dry, a fresh top coat can be applied to restore the appearance and maximise protection of the timber.
Other brands that specialise in translucent and opaque exterior coatings include Dulux Trade and Crown Paints. Also, see Sadolin’s Superdec Opaque Wood Protection finish.
Have a question about exterior wood care projects?
If you have an exterior wood care project to tackle and are not sure which product to choose, give our resident wood experts a call. They’re able to provide free, expert wood finishing advice, so that you can make a well-informed choice on which products are suitable for your project.
We love to see before, during and after photos of any wood finishing project. If you would like to share your decking project pictures with us, you can either send us some photos or share them on our Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram pages.
10 comments
Hi .
Some type of fungus or mold has seemingly spread through my home . I’ve noticed many white, yellow and a few black small round stains on the wood that are embedded and I can’t seem to remove as well as new holes and increasing cracks . Then I found some brown particles, hyphae and a weird looking ( mushroom?) that looks like brown flaky cork. Is it possible to indentify if this is some kind of wood rot? Is it possible to remove or clean it ?
Reply to Shiri-lee uriel:
Hi Shiri-Lee,
Thank you for your enquiry. This is certainly something we can help you with. Although we are unable to identify the mould or rot please consider one of these strong multicides.
https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-fungicidal-wash-multicide
https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/zinsser-mould-killer-and-remover
If the problem persists I would recommend a professional has a look for you.
I hope this helps.
So Im Trying to find out how long it take
Hydrongen Peoriaxide to
rot wood????
Reply to Corinna Dunham:
Hi Corrina,
It shouldn’t rot the wood unless left on the surface for an extended period of time. If you’ve applied this we’d recommend removing it within 10 minutes of application.
If you’re using this for cleaning, take a look at this product. https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-fungicidal-wash-multicide
Hey, great post,
I stupidly left a pumpkin on my oak table, not noticing it started to rot and not has left a small dark patch. Where 2 parts of the table join up. Just wondering if there’s anything I can do to help this? Starting to panic ? Thankyou
Reply to Helena:
Good Morning Helena,
You are not the first! Can you tell me what the current finish is on the table ? If oiled it will be easier to patch repair, simply sand back the effected area with a 120 grit paper and then with the same oil re apply and blend with existing finish.
If the finish is varnish then this could be harder to deal with. If you would like to send a photo of the effected area and some further details of the finish and I may be able to advice further. You can email me directly at wfd.advice@wood-finishes-direct.com
Kind regards Samantha.
Hi I found some lovely old wooden trestle tables in our scout hut shed. The shed roof had obviously been damaged for a while and the tables have been wet. They have dried out fine but the feet of the legs, and the edges of the tables look a little crumbly. There may be a little insect damage. Is there anything I can treat them with to rescue them?
One set of legs has a small amount of white fungus on it. What do I do with that?
If it’s worth rescuing them I would like to clean them off and re-cover them. What do you recommend – varnish-wise or similar?
Reply to Amanda Greenley:
Hello Amanda,
Are you able to send me any photos of the effected areas and maybe I can advice further on your project. For rot you could have a look at the Ronseal Wet Rot Wood Hardener (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/ronseal-wet-rot-wood-hardener) as this may help, but if you send the photos to wood@finishes.direct and I’ll take a look.
All the Best Samantha.
Hello,
Many thanks for this article. Found much of the information to be very helpful.
A specific question concerning wood rot. My husband bought a plant and kept it on our wooden counter, using a bamboo plant to catch excess water. We have since discovered that the seepage has damaged a patch, leaving what looks to be white rot. Any advice as to how to address?
Reply to T Kelly:
Hello,
It the rot is on the surface and can be cleaned off, then I can recommend the Barrettine Mould and Mildew Cleaner (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-fungicidal-wash-multicide) and then allow the wood to dry out. If it dries out okay you may just get away with no long term damage to the wood. Feel free to email me if you need any further help at wood@finishes.direct
Kind Regards Samantha.