Homeowners are spending more time outdoors due to the warmer temperatures. In fact, with summers becoming increasingly warm, outdoor wood furniture is becoming a staple for many households.
For many, the start of spring or summer marks the time to spruce up outdoor wood furniture that’s in desperate need of a little TLC.
But what is the best way to protect outdoor wood furniture? There are many products on the market that serve similar but distinct purposes, and it’s essential to understand those nuances to find the best product for the job.
What is the Best Protection for Outdoor Wood Furniture?
First on the list is the makeup of the protective solution itself. While there are a few options, the principle choice when it comes to an exterior wood sealer is between water-based and oil-based.
Water-based solutions do have a few advantages for wooden products. However, the most prudent choice is oil when it comes to outdoor furniture. Oil-based solutions protect outdoor wood furniture in a way that prevents water, dirt and UV exposure from ruining its integrity.
Secondly, oil penetrates into the wood as well as the surface offering protection throughout the structure. Since protective oil for outdoor furniture is of a much thicker consistency than water-based counterparts, it dries much slower, leaving a more even finish. It also has stronger resistance to the outside elements, including prolonged exposure to UV light – especially with coloured tints.
Choosing an Oil-Based Exterior Wood Preservative
When choosing to purchase an oil-based exterior wood sealer, there are many factors to be considered. For example, is preserving the natural characteristics of the wood important?
If so, it makes sense to opt for an oil-based wood spray, or teak-oil in a tin, which enhances the surface of the wood furniture to become better protected against the elements.
However, if colour and UV protection for wood were more significant factors, it would be prudent to choose a colour tint or opaque protective oil that facilitates a bolder natural or unnatural colour choice.
Tints lie somewhere in the middle of clear and coloured finishes, as they allow the wood grain to remain visible after application like clear oil, while offering excellent UV resistance like an opaque oil.
Why Choose Osmo All-Natural Exterior Wood Preservatives?
Unlike others, Osmo has used four decades of experience to harness the protective powers of natural oils, before bringing them to market. By utilising sunflower, soya, and thistle oils (to name a few), Osmo products provide long-lasting protection for exterior wooden products, such as garden furniture.
While different in nature (as described above), all products are water and dirt resistant, leaving a finish that will not peel, crack or flake. The Osmo Teak-Oil Spray leaves a finish that allows the wood to fade naturally into a beautiful silver patina colour over time. By contrast, Osmo Country Colour covers up the natural grain of the wood with rich and vibrant colours that provide enhanced UV protection.
Lastly, the Osmo Natural Wood Stain allows homeowners to apply a base and top coat in one finish. This product also has properties that bestow exterior wood with resistance against algae, mould, mildew and fungal attacks.
Protect Outdoor Wood Furniture: Industry-Leading Natural Oil-Based Solutions
Osmo recognised early natural oils provide the best protection to exterior wooden products, such as garden furniture. No matter the preferred finish or specific protective properties, Osmo has a wide selection of exterior wood preservatives that, collectively, meet every possible requirement.
To examine the full range of Osmo oil-based solutions for outdoor furniture, simply head over the garden furniture page here, then find your nearest supplier on our website.
Find a Supplier
Osmo UK works closely with a large network of suppliers throughout the UK and worldwide to offer all of its products in-store at your local trade shop or online.
