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
I have made some large raised beds out of Scaffolding boards that I have sanded back to clean wood. I’d like to keep their natural color but properly protect them for as long as possible because removing the soil and treating inside and out will be a nightmare.
What is the best treatment to use?
thanks in advance
Ben
Reply to Ben:
Hello Ben,
You could have a look at the Barrettine Premier Wood Preservative (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-premier-wood-preservative) which will help prevent mould, mildew and rot and has wax to make the wood water repellent. Two coats of this will be good and you could follow that up with two coats of an oil such as Barrettine Decking Oil (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-decking-oil) to improve the protection even more.
And ideally line the bed with some suitable liner to help protect the wood even further. I hope that helps and feel free to come back to me if you have any further questions.
Kind Regards Samantha.
Hi,
We have two old wooden carts which we are in the process of restoring. We are anticipating that they will stay outside from spring to autumn with a variety of flowerpots on them. Any advice on which type of preservative would be best would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Kath
Reply to Kath:
Hello Kath,
Thank you for your enquiry, you could have a look at the Barrettine Premier Wood Preservative (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-premier-wood-preservative). This will help to prevent mould, mildew and rot. And then to give protection from water ingress and UV, apply a Decking Oil (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-decking-oil).
Areas of wood with pots on can be susceptible to damage and its worth taking then off periodically to clean the area and remove any dead flower petals or leaves.
If you have a read up of the products and feel free to come back to me if you have any further questions.
All the Best Samantha.
Hi
I have recently built a pergola in my garden. On three sides around the bottom 2.5 to 3 foot I have put a fence topped with some 6×2 timber. I anticipate people to lean on it and rest glasses and cups on it. I’m looking for help to prepare and and choose the right varnish for a natural looking tough easy to maintain surface. I get the image of a good old fashioned wooden bar counter look to it.
Hope you can help thanks for your time.
Reply to Jon:
Hello Jon,
You could have a look the Sadolin Classic Wood Protection (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/sadolin-classic-wood-protection) as an option there is a variety of colours available including the Light Oak and Natural. This is a varnish with flexibility and durability for exterior wood. If you have a read up of the product and feel free to let me know if you have any further questions, I am happy to help. Always try a test area first.
All the best Samantha.
My daughter has had an extension and now has large timber posts supporting a canopy over the front door. I thought I would give 2 coats of cuprinol and then use a dark coloured sikkens. Would this be the best way to stain and preserve the wood? Is it ok to use clear cuprinol then a sikkens with a stain or can you suggest something else? Thanks Sandra
Reply to sandra:
Hello Sandra,
I would not recommend the Cuprinol and the Sikkens together. Ideally the Sikkens should only be used with other Sikkens products and for the best finish on new wood, the Sikkens Cetol HLS Plus (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/sikkens-cetol-hls-plus) followed by the Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 Plus (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/sikkens-cetol-filter-7-plus). This will give great protection to the wood. If you have a read up of the products and feel free to let me know if you have any further questions.
All the Best Samantha.
Hi
We currently have a dark stain on wood tops and would like a limed light grey effect. Which OSMO Products to use. Also an Indian Sandstone Floor internally which us impossible to clean. How to clean and possible paint to protect for future use in high traffic areas. Also has to be non slip for animals. Kind Regards. Barbara
Reply to BARBARA:
Hello Barbara,
Thank you for your inquiry. You will need to remove the existing finish before you can apply a lighter colour as it is unlikely to work unless applying an opaque finish and this would depend on the current finish of the wood. The Polyx Oils (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/osmo-colour-foundation) need to soak into the surface of the wood to work effectively and you may have something on the wood that prevent penetration. If you would like to email me with more details about the area to be finished and I would be happy to advice you further.
I believe that there are some Sandstone sealers out there or a product such as Thompsons water sealer could be used but I am not the best to advice on sealing stone I’m afraid. If there is anything further you would like to ask or you do wish to discuss further you can email me on wood@finishes.direct
All the Best Sam.