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.
260 comments
First off – thanks for all the great info!
I’ve got a house in Massachusetts with wooden bulkhead doors. After 20 years, they’ve rotted away – and we have a local handyman rebuilding them. He’s built using #2 Pine for the framing and AC exterior grade plywood for the doors themselves (no pressure treated, which surprised me). This surface is sloped / not flat…but flat enough that it takes a pretty heavy beating from the elements in all 4 seasons. In the winter, we have to clear the snow off, so literally scrape the surface with our snow shovels when clearing up after a storm. These are also highly-trafficed doors because the laundry’s down there, and there’s multiple units in the house.
I’m trying to figure out how the most durable method of finishing it. JUST paint? Or some combination of oil (to penetrate the wood) with paint applied on top of that? Any recommendations?
Thanks so much!
Reply to Wade Wofford:
Hi Wade,
We would always recommend a wax-free wood preserver followed by paint for maximum protection. The paint will form more of a film on the surface of wood but please ensure that all parts of the door are coated including top and bottom.
Hope that helps!!
Hi,
I have purchased some Barrettine Premier Wood Preserver which I am intending to use as a Base Coat under OSMO Natural Oil Woodstain. I just want to double-check this product is compatible. OSMO recommend their WR Base Coat but it is almost twice the price for half the amount. I have compared the data sheets and they appear to contain the same ingredients. I believe the wax within the Premier Preserver shouldn’t cause a problem since the top-coat stain is oil based. Also, will one coat of the preserver be sufficient with two coats of the OSMO on top?
Reply to James:
Good Morning James,
We have had many customers use this combination with out issue and so I would say yes this will be fine. As always I do recommend that important test area first. This ensures not only compatibility but also that you will like the result that will be achieved.
If there is anything further that I can help with please do not hesitate to get in touch.
kind regards Samantha.
Our daughter and son-in-law had their entrance remodeled with 6×6 timber and want to know the best way to protect it. It is about 3 years old and they don’t know if they need to sand it first and then apply a finish or just apply a finish. What would be the best finish to apply, it is a natural look.
Reply to David Lauck:
Hi David,
Thank you for getting in touch with your question. Could you get in touch via our contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page with some more details of the project please? For example is this an interior or exterior area of the entrance? What type of wood is the Timber ? And has it had any treatment at all applied? And what look and feel are you hoping to achieve?
I will be happy to narrow down some options for you to consider,
Kind regards Samantha.
Hi
I am replacing the balustrade on my decking with smooth planed horizontal planks. What product(s) would you recommend for preserving and staining these to a light oak colour?
Many thanks
James
Reply to James Freeman:
Good Afternoon James,
My first recommendation will always be to apply a preserver first, this helps to prevent mould and decay on the wood, alo repelling wood boring insects. The Barrettine Premier Universal (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-premier-universal-preservative) is a clear option that can have most top coat products applied over the top.
I would then recommend considering a Decking oil, to apply. Decking oil can be a great all rounder for exterior projects, it will repel moisture from any wooden surface that you apply it to and if you go with a coloured oil this will also offer UV protection, slowing down greatly the silvering effect of the sun.
Horizontal surfaces are more susceptible to weathering and damage, this is because they are often exposed to standing water as well as all the elements 365 days of the year. Decking oil is easy to top up when needed.
For more help and advice why not get in touch via our contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page.
Kind regards Samantha.
That’s really nice post. I appreciate your skills. Thanks for sharing.
Hi,
I have used a C24 4m x 145mm x 45mm treated timber as bench slats for a newly built outdoor space. I want to give them an oak finish. What sort of stain should i use please?