How to Protect Exterior Wood

Over time, wood exposed to the outdoors will suffer wear and tear. From window frames to garden sheds, outdoor wood is susceptible to weathering and rot, which can reduce its lifespan. To keep exterior wood looking great for longer, there are several outdoor wood treatments that provide protection.

Our range of exterior wood treatments features products by professional-standard brands, so expect long-lasting results. Read on to learn how to properly protect exterior wood.

What is the best exterior paint for wood?

The best exterior paint for wood is easy to apply and provides a tough, durable finish. The paint should protect the wood’s surface from water decay and prevent colour from fading. The Dulux exterior wood paint range features excellent products to bring exterior fixtures back to life.

How often should exterior wood be treated?

Exterior wood should be treated every 3 to 12 months to prevent decay. Dry weather is required to achieve a great result. 

How to protect outdoor wood furniture

Want to learn about the best protection for outdoor wood furniture? Discover our simple tips.

Clean the furniture

Clean outdoor furniture with warm water and mild dish soap. Use a sponge to break up the grime and rinse the residue with a hose. This should be done at least once a season.

Use covers

Protect furniture with covers when not in use. Ensure the covers fit comfortably, and air can get underneath – this prevents mildew from forming.

Apply a water sealant and preserver

Keep your furniture protected by using a water sealant. This will waterproof the furniture and protect it from moisture. Consider using a preserver to prevent mould and fungi build-up.

What is the best paint for outdoor furniture?  

If you’re looking for durable, high-quality paint for outdoor furniture, our selection has the right product for you.

Dulux Trade Weathershield Exterior High Gloss

This paint provides high-gloss protection for exterior woodwork. Offering 8-year weather durability, it also contains a fungicide to prevent mould growth on the paint film.

Blackfriar Satin Black Paint

This paint offers a soft black satin finish for exterior wood. It’s perfect for giving your furniture a new lease of life.

How to paint outdoor furniture

Follow our tips for perfect paint application.

Preparation is key

Prepare and prime the furniture before applying any paint. Use medium-grit sandpaper to gently sand the surface. This will remove any flaking or peeling paint. Then, fill in any cracks.

Painting pointers

Our painting pointers ensure a long-lasting, flawless finish:

Before painting, try a couple of tester pots to make sure you’re happy with your paint. Allow the paint to dry fully to get an accurate representation of the finish

Ensure the wood is moisture-free before applying paint

Do not work in direct sunlight, as this may cause the paint to blister. Apply 2 coats of paint, allowing 8 hours to dry before applying the second coat

Types of exterior wood treatment

There are 2 types of exterior wood treatment:

Penetrative treatments: Soak into the material and protect it from the inside out. Penetrative treatments include oils and stains

Exterior coating treatments: Form a protective seal over the outer layers of the wood. Exterior coating treatments, like varnishes, are durable and flexible

The 4 main categories of exterior wood treatments are varnish, oil, stain and wax. Read on to find out more about each one.

What is wood varnish?

Wood varnish is paint without any pigment applied. It’s a combination of oils and resins that supplies a safety barrier and protects wood from scratches and stains. This product preserves wood by providing a waterproof layer, ensuring it stays in good condition for longer.

Wood varnishes are available in different formulations, including semi-gloss and gloss finishes. Matt varnishes are becoming increasingly popular, too. We recommend the Blackfriar Exterior Varnish, suitable for all exterior wood products.

How to apply wood varnish

Applying wood varnish is easy when you know how. Follow our tips below to get started.

Properly prepare the wood

Before you apply any varnish, make sure the wood is properly prepared. Varnish can often accentuate rather than hide imperfections, so sand the wood and fill in any cracks.

Use a brand-new product

Ensure the varnish you’re using is brand-new. An old varnish may have acquired lumps that could affect the final results. Use a suitable paintbrush, too, such as a natural-bristle brush.

Avoid dust

Varnish the wood in a dust-free environment, to avoid dust sticking to the drying varnish and ruining the finish. For best results, choose a quick-drying varnish such as the Dulux Trade Quick Dry Varnish.

Applying the varnish

Here’s how to apply varnish for the best finish:

Before applying the varnish, gently stir the product

Use light, even brush strokes to coat the wood, applying in the direction of the wood grain

Once thoroughly dry, lightly sand the wood with extra fine-grain sandpaper

Work on horizontal surfaces

It’s easier to apply varnish to horizontal surfaces. If you’re working on garden furniture, turn it so the surfaces are horizontal. Make sure to remove any drawers or shelving before you start.

What is wood oil?

Wood oil is a blend of natural oils and other unique ingredients. It offers a decorative finish as well as protective qualities.

Wood oil works by penetrating deep into the wood and restoring natural oils. When outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements, its colour can fade and look dull. Oil can restore exterior products to their original colour and give them a new look. It’s suitable for all outdoor wood types.

Types of wood oil

The 2 main types are garden furniture oil and decking oil. The type of oil you use depends on the wood you’re treating.

Garden furniture oil

Garden furniture oil can revive tired-looking garden chairs and tables. The Blackfriar Raw Linseed Oil is perfect for both softwoods and hardwoods. Because it’s a linseed oil, it’s waterproof and eco-friendly.

Decking oil

Decking oil provides a weatherproof shield for new decking. The Osmo AntiSlip Decking Oil contains special agents to improve slip conditions on exterior decking.

How to apply wood oil

Read our helpful tips for oil application.

Good preparation

Like when applying varnish, ensure the wood is smooth and sanded down before applying oil.

Applying the oil

Here’s the best way to apply wood oil:

Apply with a brush or lint-free cloth

Use gentle, sweeping motions to coat the wood. If you’re using a cloth, apply in circular motions

Apply several thin layers for an even result

Remove any excess oil with a dry cloth and allow adequate drying time

Recoating the oil

Recoating times depend on the type of oil you’re using. Further coats of Danish oil and Tung oil can be applied after 12 to 24 hours. If you’re using linseed oil, you must leave it to dry for around a week before recoating.

What is wood stain?

Wood stain is a semi-transparent coating that penetrates the wood to give it colour. It’s used mainly for decorative purposes, although it also offers some protection against UV rays. There are plenty of colour options to choose from, depending on your preference. We recommend the Dulux Trade Ultimate Woodstain, which features a water-repellent satin finish. 

While they are great for giving exterior wood a new splash of colour, stains don’t provide long-lasting protection against water and weathering.

Types of wood stain

It’s important to know about the different types of wood stain when choosing the right finish for your outdoor wood products.

Oil-based stains

Oil-based stains are popular due to their durability. However, they have a slow drying time – something to take into consideration.

Water-based stains

These stains are environmentally friendly but do not penetrate wood as deeply as other stains. Water-based stains dry fast, although this means they can be difficult to apply across large surfaces.

Gel stains

These contain thickened pigments in a jelly-like form. Gel stains are easy to apply but can take a long time to dry.

How to apply wood stain

Wondering how to apply wood stain? Read on for our expert tips.

Prepare the wood for stain

Before applying the stain, ensure the wood is clean, dry and dust-free. Dampening the wood with a wet cloth provides better staining results.

Use a foam brush

Opt for a foam brush or lint-free cloth when applying a stain. Stains are difficult to remove from bristled paintbrushes.

Follow the grain

When applying the stain, follow the direction of the grain. This ensures that the colour looks natural. Wait for the stain to soak in before wiping off any excess. Apply thin coats to gradually build the finish.

Apply a sealant

Apply a sealant after leaving the stain to dry. A sealant provides extra protection for the wood.

What is wood wax?

Wax is a finish that prevents wood from absorbing moisture. It also highlights the natural colour and grain of the wood.

Although it isn’t thick like varnish, wax can shield exterior wood from liquid damage and is very easy to apply. It’s often used as a sealant in conjunction with wood stains.

How to apply wood wax

See below for our helpful tips on how to apply wood wax.

Wipe the surface

Before applying the wax, wipe down the surface to remove dirt. Remove any existing wax from the wood, too.

Use a lint-free cloth or wax brush

Apply the wax evenly onto the wood with a lint-free cloth, using circular motions for a smooth finish. Alternatively, you could use a wax brush. To achieve an even finish, apply several thin layers of wax instead of a single thick layer.

Buff the surface

Leave the wax to dry according to the manufacturer’s guide. After that, remove any excess wax and buff with a soft, clean cloth for an effective shine.

Ready to revamp your furniture? Explore our range of exterior wood protection products today to get started. From decking oils to fence protectors, find everything you need in one place. Check out our guide to prolonging the life of wooden furniture for more decorating tips.

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