With us nearing the end of January already (we can’t believe it either!), it won’t be long before the spring time is here. It is at this time of year that a lot of us turn our attention to exterior painting. In this post our painters and decorators in Derby cover some handy tips on painting and protecting your exterior wood.

Exterior wood can be seen in all types of applications including windows, doors, fences, gates, sheds decking furniture, summer houses and more. Exterior wood is used for its appearance, longevity, and structural capability.

Exterior wood can be susceptible to damage from the weather, fungal attack and wood boring insects. Without adequate protection, exterior wood will eventually rot and deteriorate, causing it to lose form and function. Without regular maintenance, your exterior wood will not last its expected lifespan.

Before applying any treatment, it is essential that your wood is prepared properly. Wood should be dry, sanded down and smooth before application of any treatment. Make sure to clean off any dust with a clean brush or lint free cloth.



If the wood has previously been painted, remove any flaking material with a fine grade sandpaper prior to the new application of new treatment. 

The good news is there are many products available on the market designed to make it easy for you to protect your external wood, helping it to maintain its longevity and look aesthetically appealing. These include varnish, wood oil, wax, stain and gloss. Some treatments will form a protective layer on top of the wood when applied and others will absorb into the wood grain itself.

Varnish – varnish is an oil-based treatment which can be applied externally. It is typically and used to enhance the natural beauty of the wood. Varnish forms a protective seal over the surface of the wood, protecting it from water damage and insects. Varnish typically has a semi-gloss appearance.

Wood Oil – wood oil provides an aesthetic and protective function. It penetrates the wood and restores the natural colour. It is useful if your wood has faded and worn out. Wood oil is applied by hand and is used for garden furniture and decking. Decking oil is formulated to make the surface slip resistant.

Wax – wax is used to protect wood from water damage and accentuate the natural look and colour of the wood. Wax is thinner than varnish is easy to apply with a cloth, however it requires regular application. Wax is suitable for small wooden furniture such as tables and chairs. Be sure to use a clean cloth to wipe the surface after the wax has dried to remove any excess and produce a great looking shine.

Stains – wood stains are designed to soak into the wood. They are easily applied with a brush and come in a variety of different colours. These are also designed to enhance the natural beauty of the wood. Stains are used to provide wood with an attractive appearance, but they aren’t necessarily formulated to protect the woos, so its important to check the manufacturer’s instructions for application.

Gloss – Gloss paint is typically oil based, but modern water based gloss is equally as effective for most exterior wood applications and more environmentally friendly. Gloss is available in almost any colour you desire and provides a protective layer over the surface of the wood. This protects it from water damage. Gloss paint can fade and flake over time, so it is important to reapply a new coat of paint when this happens.

If you need any help with treating you exterior wood, contact Painters and Decorators Derby.