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
Hi Samantha
I have read with interest your questions and reply and have a project in hand which i would appreciate your advice The outside wood cladding on my house west facing west of scotland red cedar strip is looking the worse for wear after 30 years flaking and peeling The wood facing is still servicable and i do not wish to go to great expense renewing it Area is triangular approx10m across x5mht Product and application please
Many thanks
john
Reply to john shaw:
Hello John,
Thank you for getting in touch. A good option for an exposed area is some of the products from the Sikkens Range. In particular you could have a look at the Sikkens Cetol HLS Plus (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/sikkens-cetol-hls-plus). It is recommended for use on bare wood and so I would recommend removing all the pre-existing product, especially as it is peeling and flaking as this will continue to get worse.
Once back to bare wood 3 coats of the HLS Plus is ideal for use on cladding. It is available in a range of colours and will last around two years with a 3 coat system, before you will need to consider applying a top up coat. For many it will last longer, but 2 years is the guide from Sikkens. Coverage will vary depending on the condition of the timber and so for your slightly aged wood it may be on the higher side.
I hope this helps and do feel free to get back to me if you have any questions.
All the best Samantha
Hi
I need some advice please. I have just had a new decking built. The actual decking is composite but the sides and railings are a soft wood. Which is best to protect the wood, Osmo or berratine?
Many thanks
Michael
Reply to Michael:
Hello Micheal,
I would recommend a basecoat of Barrettine Premier Universal Preservative (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-premier-universal-preservative) first, this will help to prevent mould mildew and rot. Once this is dry an application of Exterior Oil would be recommended. Oils are easier to apply, maintain and repair over time and for one with not only moisture repellency but also UV protection. You could look at the Osmo UV Protection Oil Extra (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/osmo-uv-protection-oil). This is our best oil in terms of slowing down the silvering process.
If you have a read up of these products and feel free to get back to me if you have any further questions. Always try a test area first.
All the Best Samantha.
Dear Samantha ,
Guidance please ,
I am about to replace the ,ship-lap T&G ,external wood surround on my bungalow,about 100 m linear length .
This will be bare wood ,can you please tell me how best to prepare and best finish for this .Dark brown ,mahogany Matt finish preferred .
Being 78 yrs of age ,the minimum of work and hopefully about 10 yrs life .
Many thanks ,
John
Reply to John Owen:
Hello John,
Thank you for getting in touch. For a long lasting finish you could have a look at the Sikkens Cetol HLS Plus (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/sikkens-cetol-hls-plus). This has a range of colours and you can apply 2-3 coats for a semi gloss, natural looking finish. It is brush application and if you are able to apply to both sides before installing this will also prolong the protection to the wood.
I would expect this to last for a minimum of 5 years and possibly longer, depending on how exposed to the elements it is. A top up coat at the 5 year mark may help to prolong even further.
I hope that helps and if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in touch (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact).
Kind Regards Samantha.
I have two fresh sawn gate posts 200mm square. What would be the best thing to use to protect the posts. I want to try and keep the posts a natural lighter colour. I also have a new shed which has been pre treated. The are a medium brown and would like to make them a lighter colour. Is my only option to use something like Cuprinol Garden shades?
Reply to Pauline:
Hello Pauline,
You could have a look at the Preservative (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/osmo-wr-base-coat) to be applied first. This will help to prevent mould, mildew and rot. Then two thin coats of the Osmo UV Protection Oil Extra (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/osmo-uv-protection-oil). This will help to slow down the silvering process and make the wood moisture repellent.
It will darken the wood slightly to give what we call the ‘wet look’ and you can get an idea of this by wiping a damp cloth over the surface of the wood. It will leave the wood looking and feeling very natural.
For the shed, lightening wood can be difficult and applying an opaque finish is more likely to get the best result. Cuprinol Garden Shades (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/cuprinol-garden-shades) is a possible option and is available in sample sizes to allow you to try a test area first.
I hope that helps and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact).
Kind regards Samantha.
hello, I am installing an air dried oak beam 200mm square, across the garden at high level to grow plants across the patio, connect to the kitchen extension, using stainless steel wires, a continental open roofed patio area. It has been suggested to protect this beam with linseed oil. The issue, oak does not allow for deep penetration. How many coats and is it recommended to dilute the first, primer coat?
Thank you in anticipation.
Reply to barry luxton:
Hello Barry,
Linseed can be used for your project however it will offer limited protection, have a long drying time and require a number of coats to be applied, up to 5. It will then need topping up regularly, around every six months to maintain its durability.
For Oak I would recommend the Barrettine Teak Oil (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-teak-oil). It is a thin oil designed for use on hardwoods such as oak. It will make the wood moisture repellent and allow it to silver naturally. It only require two very thin coats to be applied and so a litlle goes a long way.
I hope this helps and if you have any questions please feel free to get back in touch (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact).
Kind regards Samantha.