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 Sam, I have recently purchased an 8′ × 5′ shed as a flat pack, sides, roof and floor, it’s already coated in factory preserver but they recommend it be recoated in more protection. Once the shed is erected and in position, because of limited space, one side will be difficult if nigh on impossible to re-treat, could you recommend a long lasting protection, especially for the side that’s close to the rear of a concrete garage. Cheers Brian.
Reply to Brian Atkinson:
Hello Brian,
Thank you for your enquiry. I can recommend a whole range of products and some will last longer than others. Essentially all treatments will need a top up over time. The one that should be longer lasting is a combination of Sadolin Classic Wood Protection (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/sadolin-classic-wood-protection) and the Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/sadolin-extra-durable-woodstain). These two will give a long lasting protection to the wood.
It is flexible and water repellent. A test area should be carried out to ensure that there is no adverse reaction to the preservative already on there. If you have a read up of the product and feel free to get back to me if you have any further questions.
Kind Regards Samantha.
Hi We have a vertical wooden post at the corner of a porch I would say approx 6inch sq.
It is old but in good condition and a surveyor recommended we keep it. We are about to have it clad along with the wooden windows to be replaced with UPVC. I was thinking about stripping the paint (which is flaking) and giving the post some sort of protection before they start on the porch. What would you recommend?
Thanks
Geoff
Reply to Geoff Davies:
Hello Geoff,
Thank you for getting in touch. If the post is exposed to the outside world then a good quality preserver would be recommended Barrettine Premier Wood Preservative (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-premier-wood-preservative) offers great protection against mould, mildew and rot. It also contains wax to repel moisture.
If the post is inside the porch then a couple of thin coats of Hard Wax Oil (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/fiddes-hard-wax-oil) will give a natural and durable finish to the wood. Always try a test area first and if you have any questions about these products please do feel free to let me know.
Kind regards Samantha.
Hi I have purchased a wooden framed gazebo it has been stored for three years. I Have no knowledge of wether it has been treated in the past or what with if it has. Can you please advise my best options.
Thanks
Chris Leach
Reply to Chris Leach:
Hello Chris,
The first thing to do is carry out a water test. Splash some water at the wood and see if it beads off the wood, if it does then there is likely something on the wood that is still protecting it. If it soaks in (don’t use too much water) then you may be able to consider applying a fresh treatment.
If you do the test and then feel free to email me at wood@finishes.direct with the results and maybe a photo of the wood to be treated and I can advise from there.
Kind regards Samantha.
I have a North facing Oak front door, it has been varnish in the past but has not stood up to the weather and is now patchy. What is the best treatment for it now.
Reply to Diane:
Hello Diane,
Thank you for getting in touch. For a door that is particularly exposed you may find it better to apply a product that is quick and easy to maintain over time. Osmo UV Protection Oil Extra (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/osmo-uv-protection-oil) is an oil that soaks into the surface of the wood, and helps to make the wood moisture repellent and slows down the silvering process.
Then a top up of oil annually will help to maintain the protection longer still. You can simply re apply a coat without the need to sand back, just ensure the door is clean and dry. The first application of this will need to be to bare wood, any varnish remaining will prevent the oil from penetrating the wood and protecting effectively.
I hope this helps and feel free to get back to me if you have any further questions.
Kind Regards Samantha.
Hi I have just put up a canopy and porch sitting on 5 inch treated posts I want to know the best looking oak stain or oil for the posts and facia board
Thanks Daz
Reply to daz:
Hello Daz,
Thank you for your enquiry, could you email me with a little more details, for example what type of treatment is currently on there and what type of wood are you treating. Will be happy to advice on the products that would suit your needs. You can email me at wood@finishes.direct
Kind regards Samantha.