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
Reply to Ciaran:
Hello Ciaran,
Thank you for getting in touch with your enquiry. I would recommend looking at the Barrettine Premier Wood Preservative (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-premier-wood-preservative) this is available in clear or coloured finishes and will give great protection to your fence. The clear will darken the wood very slightly should you choose that one and it will help to prevent mould mildew and rot as well as offer some moisture repelency to the wood as it contains wax.
As you are treating feather board it is likely that you will need more of the product than the coverage guide as the wood will be more porous and depending on how exposed the wood is to the elements, top ups can be done every few years, although for the best protection to your wood an annual refresher coat is recommended.
Always try a test area first and if there is anything further that I can help with please do not hesitate to get in touch via our contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page.
Kind Regards Samantha
Hi,
Is it ok to paint Sadolin Superdec onto new timber that has just had a covering of Thompson’s water seal?
I’m guessing not but would appreciate some advice thanks.
Reply to Paula:
Good Morning Paula,
The Thompsons Water Seal will repel pretty much any product that you try to put on it. It is a very strong moisture repellent barrier and will cause issues with adhesion if you try to apply anything over the top.
If there is anything else that I am able to help with please do let me know.
Kind Regards Samantha.
I have 20 × 8ft x 4 ft sleepers im away to use in my garden for small retaining walls. They are already pressure treated but im wondering if a should apply a further coat of protection before i lay them down.
Perhaps creocote ?? Any advice welcome thanks
Ash
Reply to Ashley Forbes:
Good Afternoon Ashley,
It will only be of benefit to apply a good quality treatment such as Barrettine Premier Wood Preservative (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-premier-wood-preservative) it is a good product for all round treatment, it will help prevent mould, mildew and rot and also contains some wax to help prevent water ingress. If you take a look at the product and feel free to get back to me if you have any questions.
Kind regards Samantha.
Hi, I am building a 4×2×2 shed and thinking of using either osb 3 or ply to construct it. What would you recommend? And what preservative to use. Cheers..
Reply to tony:
Hello Tony,
I am sorry to say that building sheds and what to use is not my field of expertise. I can tell you that OSB can be problematic with many treatments as the adhesives and resins used to make it can repel may of the products.
I can advice on products to use to protect your shed however and as a guideline I tend to recommend a preservative first to help prevent mould mildew and rot. Followed by an exterior oil to help make the wood moisture repellent.
Some possible options for you to consider are the Barrettine Premier Universal (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-premier-universal-preservative) or the Barrettine Premier Wood Preservative (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-premier-wood-preservative) these can help to prevent mould, mildew and rot.
And then a top coat product such as Barrettine Log Cabin Treatment (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-log-cabin-treatment) to help make the wood moisture repellent.
If you take a look at these products and feel free to come back to me if you have any questions.
Kind Regards Samantha.
Hi, I have a new 20ft x 20ft wooden garage that I want to protect. I’ve been advised oil based product would be best. Can you advise?? Just looking for a natural finish and something that protects the wood from the elements..
Thanks in advance
R
Reply to Robbie:
Good Afternoon Robbie,
My apologies for the delay in getting back to you with a response. Exterior Oils are often recommended as they have the benefit of being easy to maintain over time and Decking Oil is a great option to consider. It is a really versatile product that can be used for a wide range of projects not just decking.
I can also recommend a preservative first and Barrettine have a very good product called Barrettine Premier Universal Preserver (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-premier-universal-preservative) which will help to prevent mould and rot, it is a clear product although it will darken the wood slightly to give the ‘wet look’
Once this has dried you can apply two coats of oil and here are two possible choices for you to consider Barrettine Decking Oil (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-decking-oil) or the Barrettine Log Cabin Treatment (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-log-cabin-treatment) both are oils that will penetrate the surface of the wood and repel moisture.
Test areas are always recommended and advice is based on application to bare wood if you have any questions at all please feel free to get in touch via our contact page contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page
All the Best Samantha
Hi, I have an open fence with vertical slats. It’s about 20 years old and has had quite a number of treatments over the years – mainly Cuprinol. At the moment it is covered with a dark oak stain. I have jet washed it to remove green mould and it is now patchy.
I’d like to stain it with a lighter colour -say medium oak -but I don’t particularly want to try and stripe the old colour off.
Is there anything that will overcoat the dark stain with a lighter colour please?
Regards,
Terry Matthews