Throughout the year, outdoor wood typically works a lot harder than interior wood. Changing weather, temperatures, and wear and tear all add up which gradually deteriorate the natural fibres of wood.
While wood protected with a high performance finish will be durable and longer lasting than unprotected wood, it’s highly recommended to conduct a quick health check to help keep your timber projects looking as beautiful as they were on day 1, and for many years to come.
Let’s explore ways to check your wood today…
What can affect outdoor wood and wood protection?
Every season takes its toll on exterior wood projects, whether that’s fencing, decking, furniture or feature cladding.
UV Exposure
Sunlight gradually fades colour and dries the timber surface.
Rain/Water
Water slowly washes away surface protection over time.
Temperature
Changing temperatures contract and expand wood, causing warping and splitting.
Everyday Wear
Foot traffic and general usage contribute to surface wear over time.
UV Exposure
Sunlight gradually fades colour and dries the timber surface.
Rain/Water
Water slowly washes away surface protection over time.
Temperature
Changing temperatures contract and expand wood, causing warping and splitting.
Everyday Wear
Foot traffic and general usage contribute to surface wear over time.
The Good News: Easy Maintenance with Osmo
Unlike many film-forming wood finishes on the market, Osmo wood finishes are designed to nourish wood, as well as provide a protective surface coating. Plus, Osmo can be easily maintained without extensive sanding or stripping, before spot repairs or larger future applications.
How To Inspect Exterior Wood
If you answer ‘Yes’ to one or more of the following questions, your exterior wood could benefit from either cleaning, maintenance, an application coat of wood finish, or all of the above.
Does water still bead on the surface?
If water soaks into the timber rather than forming droplets on the surface, the protective finish is likely to have worn away in small or large areas.
Has the colour started fading?
UV exposure naturally lightens or greys timber over time. Cleaning the surface and applying a top up coat will help refresh the appearance of the natural wood or colour wood finish, while restoring its protection.
Does the surface feel dry?
Natural, healthy wood should look and feel nourished, not dry, rough, grey or bleached.
When already working with a colour wood finish, this is often easier to see as the colour may appear patchy and worn.
Is dirt becoming difficult to clean?
As wood protection wears away, water and dirt can penetrate the natural wood surface easily. This leaves marks and stains which can be stubborn to clean. An intact protective finish makes cleaning and maintaining outdoor wood a breeze.
Has mould or algae started appearing?
Damp conditions can encourage mould and algae growth, particularly on decking/horizontal surfaces, shaded areas, and north facing surfaces.
Cleaning the surface and restoring protection can help keep timber looking its best. Often, this is required more frequently than south facing surfaces.
Best Products For Cleaning & Restoring Outdoor Wood
Cleaning Exterior Wood
Osmo Decking Cleaner is a special concentrated dilution for cleaning untreated or oiled wooden decking, garden furniture and other exterior wood. It is water soluble for quick, easy and thorough cleaning and maintenance. Perfect for any outdoor project.
Reviving Exterior Wood
Osmo Wood Reviver Power-Gel is a superior ourdourless and biodegradable product, which revives and restores the natural characteristics of unprotected wood, back to its original unweathered look. The warm colour tones of the wood species returns, and is then ready for a fresh application coat of protective Osmo wood finish.
Restoring & Protecting Exterior Wood
Osmo exterior wood finishes are available in clear, transparent colour, and opqaue colour options to perfectly suit your outside space. They offer high performance benefits for the best protection against weathering, wear and more. Explore the range of Decking-Oils, Wood Stains, One Coat formulas, and the popular Country Shades to discover which one best suits your project.
Unsure What Your Wood Needs?
Introducing Osmo Recommends. The product and advice recommendation application by the experts at Osmo UK.
Discover the wealth of knowledge by answering a few questions about your project and what you wish to achieve, and we’ll recommended the best options for the job.
Download the App via Apple or Google store, or simply use online via the Osmo Recommends Website:
Top Tips for Maintaining Outdoor Wood
The following simply habits will help extend the life and appearance of your exterior wood project:
- Sweep/wash away leaves, dirt and grime from surfaces
- Clean up spillages promptly before they have time to react and stain the wood
- Don’t wait until your wood looks heavily weathered
- Patch test water repellency every few months to ensure beading
- Recoat wood finish with spot repairs or larger coating before the finish has completely worn away
Protecting Timber from the Inside Out
A wood project is only as durable as its most vulnerable areas. By conducting quick health checks throughout the year and using high performance wood coatings, you can significantly increase the lifespan and appearance of your timber project investment.
Use Osmo Exterior Finishes for professionally-formulated products designed specifically for wood.
For help and advice, visit the Osmo Help Centre today or contact the expert technical team to discuss your wood project.
Then, find you nearest Osmo Supplier online today by searching your postcode or using the interactive map.