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 Shak:
Hi Shak,
I would recommend taking a look at the Osmo Natural Oil Woodstain (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/osmo-wood-stain-protector) This is a penetrating colour and protective oil in one, that makes the wood look and feel very natural, whilst offering great protection from the elements. Plus there are sample sachets available for test areas, I would recommend these as the wood type, age and condition will have an impact on the result that will be achieved.
For application, just two very thin coats need to be applied to well prepared wood, and can then be topped up annually or bi annually when the wood needs it.
I hope that helps and if you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kind regards Samantha.
Hi i just got a new shed that is pressure treated what do i use to waterproof it and how much would i need to buy for a 6 × 12
Reply to Sinéad:
Good Afternoon Sinead,
Thank you for your question. I would recommend taking a look at the Log Cabin Treatment (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-log-cabin-treatment) this is an oil that give a clear finish to the wood, it will darken slightly, much like water does. The oil penetrates the wood and give a moisture repellent protective finish that is easy to top up when needed.
It comes in a 5 litre tin and will cover approximately 20 m2 with two coats. Coverage will vary depending on the wood type, age and condition. And I always recommend test areas first to ensure you like the result that will be achieved.
If you are looking for something with a bit of colour then perhaps a Decking Oil is a good option, we have lots of Decking Oil products and wide range of colours and these oils are very versatile, they can be used for a wide range of exterior projects and adding colour, even a light one to the wood will increase UV protection to the wood. For more advice 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,
I have horizontal panels of what I think is red pine. I have had to strip the varnish that was on there as it was blistering and water was accumulating. I want to make it watertight without changing the appearance. I have previously used Roxil wood protection liquid but am not pleased with the results as the water repellent only works up to a point and the colour has faded to gray within 6 months. What do you recommend to maintain the grain of the wood and add enough color to negate the effect of UV.
Thanks, Nick
Reply to Nick Berrow:
Hello Nick,
Thank you for getting in touch with your question. Horizontals areas are difficult to protect in outside spaces, because they are so exposed to the elements all year round. There is also the issue of standing water on horizontals, this will make what ever product is applied wear quicker for sure.
Varnishes and surface sealers can last longer, however the smallest break in the seal that allows any moisture to get underneath will result in the product lifting and flaking. You could take a look at a Sadolin product that has great adhesion and colour options the Sadolin Classic Wood Protection (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/sadolin-classic-wood-protection) which gives a durable finish and because it penetrates the wood some will have better adhesion.
The alternative is to consider an oiled finish, these are perhaps not quite as durable as sealers, however they have the benefit of being far easier to maintain, with a simple refresher coat when needed annually or bi annually, depending on exposure. It is a product that adds colour and still allows you to see the grain and texture of the wood.
If you take a look at that and do feel free to get back to me if you have any questions at all via our contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page.
Kind regards Samantha.
Hello,
I have just purchased a playhouse made of soft wood – it hasn’t been treated yet so what would you advise I use to treat/seal it?
Not fussed about painting it a colour as I like the wood finish
Many thanks
Hannah
Reply to Hannah T:
Hi Hannah,
The first thing to apply is a preserver, this will help to prevent mould and decay from developing. Once they are dry they are safe for humans and animals, its only in the wet state you need to ensure animals and kids are kept away. Barrettine Premier Universal Preserver (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-premier-universal-preservative) is a product that can be used under most top coat products.
For ease of maintenance I would then recommend a exterior oil, this penetrates the wood and gives a natural look and feel, it will repel moisture well and you are able to easily apply a refresher coat when the wood needs it. Decking oil is a great all rounder for exterior projects such as yours and again safe once dry, Barrettine Decking Oil (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-decking-oil) comes in a clear of coloured option, clear oils will darken the wood a little. Application of a colour will give better UV protection to the wood, and slow down the silvering caused by UV damage.
If you take a look at these options and do feel free to get back to me with any questions you may have via our contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page and please always try a test area first.
Kind regards Samantha.
The untreated post for our fence, have rotted at the base so we have to remove them. I am about to buy 20 new 3″×6″ 8ft post to replace them. I have removed all the rails untreated 2″×3″ 16ft ( been up about 12 years) and most of them look in good condition. Could I treat the timber rails before I put them up again. And what advise would you give for a long life for the post which I will be putting down again.
Reply to declan hehir:
Hello Declan,
Thank you for your question. I think it would be fair to say that any wood that is submerged into the ground, will eventually rot. Constant contact with soil/mud and moisture will damage the wood. That said there are things that you are able to do to help slow this down. Metal casings for fence panels will help, and soaking the wood in a preserver before construction, and by this I mean literally filling up a bucket with preserver and standing the wood in there for a few hours. The wood will be able to soak up as much preserver as it can and then allow it the drying time needed before putting into the ground.
For the rails, I would say yes, treat then on all sides before putting then back up, paying particular attention to the cut ends and the surface that will be the upside and will be the most exposed to standing water.
I hope this helps and if you need product recommendations please do not hesitate to get in touch via our contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page.
Kind regards Samantha.
I had purchased a summerhouse 12 months ago and it was installed professionally and was pre-treated, unfortunately, I used Cuprinol Ducksback for rough sawn wood and not smooth timber to treat it, and the structure leaks through the roof & I’ve been told by the manufacturer that this is why this has happened, i.e. using the wrong treatment, but surely the structure was not watertight before I used the treatment if this is happening and me using the wrong treatment on the outside of the structure is immaterial?
I have had sheds in the past and I have never had this type of problem so I am very confused, as to why this structure is leaking as I can’t believe it is down to condensation.
I have a couple of racks in the building and they have mold on them, I have never experienced this either. Any thoughts or help you can advise would be very much appreciated. Many thanks, Darryl