Solutions for finishing wood surfaces provide protection against weather, maintaining, and embellishing the wood, according to your tastes. Some woods left in their natural state, such as exotic woods or treated pine, tend to acquire a grey patina over time. However, for those who prefer to preserve their original textures or decorate their wood, several choices are possible; oil, stain, paint and saturator, among others. But how do you know which finishes to use based on the type of wood? 

Preserving wood’s natural beauty from weathering 

Stains 

Applying a stain, clear or tinted, will preserve the original brown-tone colours. This is a good solution to retain the “wood” hue for factory-treated pine and naturally durable woods. 

As it impregnates the wood, it will reinforce its dimensional stability, as well as resistance to rot (fungicide) and xylophage insect attacks (insecticide). So, it is an ideal solution for garden shelters, generally sold in untreated fir. For more durable wood protection, choose a stain with more pigments (darker). 

Saturators 

Using saturators on exotic woods and tender woods provides protection against UV rays, which grey the wood, and limit distortions and splinters. There is a wide range of saturators. With regards to exotic wood, certain specialists recommend not applying a saturator to new wood. They recommend waiting 3 to 6 months, then cleaning and refreshing the wood, before applying the saturator. 

Using linseed oil is also a very common surface treatment. 

Regardless of the solution chosen, it must be applied with moderation, otherwise you run the risk of blackening the wood. 

Varnishes  are not recommended for garden equipment. 

Adding Colour “In the Garden” 

Painting Wood Yourself 

Bear in mind that all tree species can be painted, including autoclaved resinous woods. Opaque, satin, matte, or glossy, applying two coats of paint will embellish your wood and hide the imperfections in low-end wood used, for example, in children’s cabins. Painting Your Cabin 

It is advisable that you use microporous paints for wood, in an aqueous, non film-forming phase, which guarantees the protection of wood outdoors, while respecting the environment. 

Lastly, paint both sides of the equipment to ensure a longer lasting finish (for garden shelters). 

Pre-painted Woods 

There is also a large range of pre-painted woods (Milano panel and container product range, Bréhat panel product range, Copenhague shelter product range), offering various trends in hues, ideal for personalizing outdoors. 

Choosing the Integral Properties of Composite Wood 

Lastly, for those who want something “ready-to-use,” composite woods do not require maintenance or a finish, since they have the advantage of including a thermoplastic polymer, giving them good resistance to weather, as well as good durability. 

However, they do require that you dutifully follow the installation technique, as explained in Cerland’s instructions.