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 Terry Matthews:
Good Morning Terry,
Thank you for your questions, unfortunately it not possible to apply a lighter colour over the dark, it would just come out as a similar colour. It may be possible to apply a paint over the top and this will give an opaque finish to the wood that will cover the dark stain, it is essential to carry out a test area first, The test area is to check not only that you will like the colour but also that there are no compatibility or adhesion issues.
For a paint to go over the top you could have a look at the Cuprinol Garden Shades (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/cuprinol-garden-shades) you may find that you need and extra coat for full coverage and again test areas will show this.
I hope this helps and if you have any questions at all you can get in touch via our contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page.
Kind regards Samantha.
Hello,
I have built an outdoor bench using light coloured pressure treated kiln dried spruce. I’d like to protect it but also show the grain so I have considered yatch varnish but I don’t want the maintenance hassle so I am considering oils. I am also looking at a light warm coloured stain to the wood to enhance the colour.
Can you recommend a stain and treatment that is easy to maintain and apply that won’t stain clothing when dry? The bench will be exposed to full sun and the elements all year.
Many thanks.
Reply to Anthony Williams:
Good Afternoon Anthony,
Thank you for getting in touch with your enquiry. I can recommend the Barrettine Garden Furniture Oil (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-garden-furniture-oil) as a good option, easier to maintain and will enhance the natural tones and grain of the wood.
To slow down the silvering effect of UV damage you could also look at the UV Protection Oil Extra (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/osmo-uv-protection-oil) this is a durable oil that requires just two thin coats for application. It will help to slow down the silvering process and make the wood moisture repellent. Osmo do not recommend it for horizontal surfaces, however for a bench I believe you will be fine, just ensure that you keep it maintained and add refresher coats when you feel that the wood needs it.
Always try a test area first.
Kind Regards Samantha.
Hello,
I belong to a sailing club based directly on the seafront which needs a bit of a spruce up outside. It has 4 fairly large wooden bench tables which although are old are sound, so i want to brighten them up and give them protection. I don’t mind a 1-2 year recoverable but i don’t want to have to repaint them constantly through flaking or cracking paint.
At the moment I’m thinking brown, but is there a colour paint that will work just as well? The biggest issue really is as they’re on the seafront there is no protection from the elements.
Thank you
Reply to Emma:
Good Morning Emma,
Thank you for getting in touch with your enquiry. What you are able to use will depend on what is currently on the benches. If you have a varnished or painted finish currently on there and do not wish to remove it then a you will need to consider a similar product to go over the top after carrying out some preparation.
If you are planning to strip the furniture back to bare wood however, this will open up your options for alternative and easier to maintain products.
If you would like to email me via the contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page and I can make some recommendations based on the information you send me about the current finish.
Kind Regards Samantha.
…. we will be installing birch venner rated fire doors (core is a plaster type filler) on the exterior of an old church. We decided on wood vs steel fire doors because of the difficulty of sizing eac door properly. All exterior doors are protected by a roof overhang and wwould rarely get wet except for a windy storm. What will be the best way to protect doors to last? I was thinking 3 coats oil poly.
Thankj you
Reply to Richard De Russo:
Good Afternoon Richard,
A good option for exterior oil is the Osmo UV Protection Oil Extra (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/osmo-uv-protection-oil) this is the external equivalent to the Polyx Oil. It is a clear oil that soaks into the surface of the wood and slows down the silvering process and repels moisture. You will only require two very thin coats applied and test areas are vital to ensure that you like the finish to be achieved and that it is suitable for your project.
You can also increase the protection to the door by applying a preservative first , such as Osmo WR Basecoat (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/osmo-wr-base-coat) this will help to prevent mould, mildew and rot.
If you take a look at the products recommended and feel free to let me know if you have any further questions.
Kind Regards Samantha.
Hello,
We have newly-made chestnut exterior gates. We would like to find a solution with the least possible maintenace – mainly avoiding having to sand and re-do every year. We get a lot of sun and rain damage to our wood here. I assume to avoid sanding I will have to keep the wood natural- looking, and not paint it with a colour?
Thank you in advance
Reply to Anna:
Hello Anna,
Thank you for getting in touch with your enquiry. For low maintenance and a natural finish you could consider the Osmo UV Protection Oil Extra (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/osmo-uv-protection-oil) this is a clear oil that soaks into the surface of the wood and enhances the natural colours and grain of the wood. It requires just two very thin coats for application, so a little goes a long way.
Thin application is particularly important as Chestnut is a hardwood and will absorb less oil and it is important to not allow any oil to dry on the surface of the wood. So for the best application method use a suitable natural bristle brush and then with a lint free cloth remove all excess oil.
Test areas are vital to ensure you are getting the finish you desire and that the product is right for your wood, this oil requires application to bare wood. The benefit of an oil is that it will not peel and flake or need to be removed to refresh, simply ensure the wood is clean and dry and then apply a fresh coat when you feel the wood needs it. This can be annually or bi annually depending on exposure.
If you have any questions please do let me know I will be happy to help.
Kind regards Samantha.
I have a black fence painted in cupinral fence life + with the blue lid. The sun has absolutely drained my fence and it is all flaking off – all I have to do is touch this cuprinral fence life + paint with the blue lid – what a disastrous decision – the only decision is to take it back to the bare wood – HELP.
Colleen