Patina or Original Colour? 

All tree species tend to grey over time, including those that have been treated in an autoclave. Only composite woods do not grey. 

If you choose the natural grey patina of wood, simply washing with water and soap is all that is required, using a high-pressure washer. However, to prevent damaging the structure, spraying must be done from at least 40 centimetres away from the wood. In the spring, an anti-moss treatment may be useful, particularly in the shade and in humid climates. 

To eliminate spots on composite wood, you may use bleach and superficial polishing, as necessary. 

If you prefer to retain the natural wood colour, there are various protection solutions for the material (stains, saturators) that you may find here. 

If your wood is already greyed, it is possible to clean it with specific products. Depending on the tree species, there are curative treatments that can revive the colour under the grey tint: refreshers, renovators and St. Marc soap all remove the soiling without altering its structure. Once the wood has been refreshed, apply a colour protection product. 

Essential Tools 

For cleaning and stripping: Scrub brush and / or pressure-washer 

for applying: paintbrushes, brushes, DIY sprayer (specific gaskets) 

For more information about DIY sprayers www.berthoud.fr