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 Cliff Parker:
Good Afternoon Cliff,
Thank you for coming over to Wood Finishes Direct with your question. The ideal product for your project will be the Cuprinol Garden Shades (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/cuprinol-garden-shades) This has a wide range of colours that will suit your needs and can last for up to 5 years. If you take a look at the product and feel free to get back in touch via our contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page if you have any further questions.
Always try a test area first.
Kind regards Samantha.
Hi
What would you recommend to preserve a hardwood door exposed to a lot of wind and rain stained with Colron wood dye
Thanks Ian.
Reply to Ian beswick:
Good Afternoon Ian,
The Coloron is probably in Interior product and so not one recommended for the exterior area of a door, however it can be over coated with Colron Refined Teak Oil (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/colron-refined-teak-oil) which is a suitable finish for an exterior area.
If you take a look at the product and read up to see if it is suitable for your project and also try a test area first. And if you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kind regards Samantha.
Hello
I am having a new softwood shed built and the manufacturer says it will be delivered with one coat of ‘clear preservative’ on. I don’t know the type or brand. I want to achieve a final finish of a dark grey/charcoal colour with white window frames. The location is pretty damp as it is under trees so a treatment that is effective is important. If possible, I don’t want to be having to re-coat every couple of years and i don’t like the idea of a product that eventually flakes and needs removal before re-treatment. What can you suggest?
Regards
Andrew
Reply to Andrew:
Good Afternoon Andrew,
Thank you for getting in touch with your enquiry. To avoid a product that will peel and flake you could look at the Osmo Country Colour (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/osmo-country-colour) this is a penetrative oil that gives a paint like opaque finish. It has a great range of colours to choose from and may be ideal if you wood is smoothfinished and the preservative does not have any wax in it.
If the preservative that they have applied contains wax this will cause problems for application of many treatments including the Osmo above and paints. The wax will repal and cause adhesion problems and so if you are able to check with the manufacturers to see this will help with recommendations.
Please always try a test area first and if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kind regards Samantha.
Hi,
I am installing a front porch using Meranti (new) hardwood frame and (used) mahogany doors. What would you recommend for maximum protection of both? A mixture of weather where I live but I suppose rain more so. Thanks.
Reply to Shafqat:
Good Afternoon,
There are many product that you are able to consider for your project. As a starting point and assuming all the wood is sanded and with out any previous treatments remaining. I will advice the Sikkens Cetol Range as a long lasting protective finish for your wood. Sikkens Cetol HLS Plus (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/sikkens-cetol-hls-plus) one coat of this followed by two coats of the Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/sikkens-cetol-filter-7-plus) the combination of the two will allow flexibility to cope with the changes in environment and is a moisture repellent finish. The colour will offer UV protection to slow down the silvering impact of the sun.
Good preparation and test areas are key to a good finish and wiping over with Methylated Spirits first to de grease and clean the surface before application is recommended.
If you have a read up of the products and of course I am here to help if you have any further questions, via our contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page.
Kindest Regards Samantha.
Hi , I have a new corner shed /summerhouse fitted under conifers and will get a lot of damp in the future , I will use the Barrettine wood preserver on the viewed parts of the shed , what if I were to use a more sealed type of coating like a roof coating to keep out the damp on the hidden sides of the shed or would this starve the wood and make it dry out.
Regards
George.
Reply to GEORGE BAIRD:
Good Morning George,
Honestly, I am not sure about using a roof coating such as felt for the hidden sides. However I can recommend a very durable and waterproofing product that you could consider Barrettine Water Seal (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/products/barrettine-premier-water-seal) two coats of this will give an moisture repellent membrane to the surface of the wood.
If you take a look at this product and feel free to get back to me via our contact us (https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/pages/contact) page
Kind regards Samantha.
i have a house cladded completely with pine
The north face is ok but the south has taken a beating from the sun and cold winters and will need sanding completely and re-protecting
Its a very large property and i want to use the best product available
What would you suggest
Regards and Happy New Year
David