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 Keith:
Good Morning Keith,
As long as the wood is not cedar or a naturally oily hardwood such as Balua or Iroko, then application before construction will be fine. Preservers penetrate the wood and should not make the wood swell in any way, however I would recommend a test area first to check for this before treating all of the wood.
If the wood is a Cedar then a period of weathering is needed after construction, before you are able to apply a treatment, the natural oils will repel or cause adhesion issue with anything that you are looking to apply.
For further advice feel free to get in touch with any of our Wood Wizards via our contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page.
Kind regards Samantha.
Hi, I have just built a corner summerhouse which came as water based dip treated.
I had some Bartoline light brown Creocote already in, so I coated the summerhouse to give it quick protection
as we have lots of rain, a day later the Creocote has sunk right into the wood and the wood now feels dry.
Do iI have to continue using more Creocote or can I now use any oil based protection, stain?
Do you have and recommendations, the timber is smooth not rough cut, I love rich deep exotic woods and like to still see the gain but with maximum protection, aslo what would you recommend for protection on the interior wood?
Thanks Stewart
Reply to stewart:
Hello Stewart,
Creocote is a product very high in wax or resins to repel moisture effectively. These will also repel any products that you now try to apply also. So it will be best to stick with the Creocote that you are already using.
The alternative will be to allow the current application to naturally wear for a year or two and then consider alternative products such as preservative and perhaps a Log cabin Treatment or an oil based top coat.
For more help and advice please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team via the contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page.
Kind regards Samantha.
Hi, what treatment would you advise for a wooden beehive style compost bin?
Thanks for your help.
Reply to Janice:
Good Morning Janice.
We have a wide range of options for project like this and if you would like to get in touch with some further details, of type and condition of the wood? And the look you are hoping to achieve, clear or coloured for example ? Via our contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page.
And I will be happy to narrow down some options for you to consider.
Kind regards Samantha.
Hi
We need to apply a preservative to a new, smooth finished, loglap style exterior wall. The wall is south-facing and has to cope with wind from the sea and plenty of direct sun. The wood is presure treated but not coloured, however we need to colour-match existing walls if possible. What would be the best option for all weather protection?
Reply to Ian Robinson:
Hello Ian,
I am happy to make some suggestions for you, can you tell me a little more about the colour result you are hoping to achieve and if you need an opaque, paint like finish or a more translucent one? The more details you can give me the better and you get send these via our contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page with reference to this post.
many Thanks Samantha.
Hi, I’m just in the process of putting in place some brand new grade A scaffolding boards, they have been sanded to a smooth finish, I want them to look like a mahogany red to match our fence. We also don’t want it to cost the earth as its supposed to be a low cost seating option/bench, they are 5.3M in length by 0.45 wide, they will also be uncovered all year around. Can you please advise on what you would recommend we use for an easy maintainable finish?
Thanks very much
Debs
Reply to Deborah Bailey:
Hi Deborah,
To protect the wood from biological threats such as mould, algae, wood rot and insect attack we recommend treating the wood with 2 coats of wax-free preservative such as Barrettine Premier Universal Preserver (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-premier-universal-preservative). It’s worth paying special attention to any cut ends or end grain and ensure that they are thoroughly treated. Once treated and fully dry (approx 48 to 72 hours) the wood can be treated with a suitable wood stain.
In terms of a Mahogany stain you could consider Polyvine Woodstain Oil or Sadolin Extra Durable Woodstain (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/sadolin-extra-durable-woodstain). Both products are available in Mahogany, are easy to apply and maintain, and will protect your bench from weathering. When applying, ensure that cut ends and the bases of the feet that come into contact with ground are well protected.
I hope the above helps but if you have any further questions about your project or which products to use, please feel free to contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) at any time.
Is it okay to apply oil and wood preservative to rough sawn timber? I don’t want to have to sand the whole thing down (a potting bench)