Exterior Wood Finishes

Exterior Wood Finishes

Timber that is unprotected and exposed to rain and sunlight will start to break down fairly quickly (depending on the species of timber). This deterioration will cause surface checking (cracking) due to the moisture change with in the timber. The timber will loose its natural colour and bleach down to various shades of grey spoiling the appearance. Dimensional changes in the timber resulting in changes in moisture content will have detrimental effects on exterior joinery, windows and doors, which for instance will swell and be difficult to open and close.

Exterior coatings are manufactured to stop this deterioration and maintain its dimensional stability, coloured coatings also maintain a desired appearance. We have products available in various forms from wood stains to wood paints and oils.

Exterior Wood Stains

Wood is a natural material, the cell structure, similar to our skin can take on and release moisture, it breathes. Wood stains are manufactured to ensure this exchange is not prevented, but not all wood stains are the same.

What is a good exterior wood stain and why? It has to allow the timber to breath while providing protection from the elements at the same time as being a decorative finish. The coating has to be elastic to cope with the expansion and contraction of the timber without splitting and the quality of the pigment has to be the very best available today to prevent the timber from the ravages of the sun (just like sun creams).

Good quality pigments are expensive so the price of a good wood stain is not cheap. We have in stock Osmo Natural oil wood stains and Impra wood stains, two of the best.

Exterior Wood Paints

Exterior wood paints provide a solid colour finish while protecting from the rain and sun. Just like the exterior wood stains, paint for the exterior have to have a few special properties within to withstand the rigors of the weather and at the same time looking fresh and bright.

Maintenance on exterior wood work is always high and time consuming so we stock Osmo and Impra products that guarantee your maintenance work is always kept to a minimum.

Exterior Wood Oils

Wood oils provide a water proof finish and enhance the natural colour of the wood. Wood oil feeds, seals, nourishes and protects most types of wood and is suitable for new or old. Some oils also provide a hard wearing surface, such as decking oils and some oils provide protection from the sun such as Osmo UV protection oil, but very few do both.

As most oils are clear/colourless (except Osmo wood oils) these products will not give long term protection if exposed to the sun so the maintenance cycle is quite high compared to wood stains.

Decking Oils and Cleaners

Decking oils feed the timber, seal and enhance the natural beauty of your decking while providing a tread fast surface. They are usually applied to horizontal surfaces, but can also be used for any type of exterior wood work. There are few good decking oils around today, but there are lots of rubbish cheap decking oils which will require re-applying every six months or so.

Exterior Wood Varnishes

Exterior varnishes have been formulated to protect exterior timbers from the extremes of the weather and provide a clear glossy finish. We only hold in stock two types of exterior varnish, Yacht Varnish and Outdoor Varnish. Other types of varnishes are available but are manufactured for a particular type of application and we don’t stock any other type.

Patio and Garden

Includes products such as Path and Patio Cleaner and Garden Furniture cleaner.