How to protect exterior woodwork this summer

protect your wood this summer

It is often ignored that the sun can damage your furniture. With summer being right around the corner, we want to make sure you are fully prepared for the summer rays by making sure your furniture is strong enough to withstand the heat!

Wood is a natural material that absorbs and releases moisture. Fading, discolouration and damage to materials such as wood are downsides of the sunlight. It is vitally important to treat wood that is left outdoors, such as fencing, benches or chairs. This is because all exterior woods grey into a patina colour over time. A good UV protection oil can slow down the greying process by up to 12 times in comparison to untreated wood! If outdoor wood is not cared for, it will eventually crack into pieces, or worse, rot.

Here at All Finishes, we recommend the Osmo UV Protection Oil. This product not only protects the wood, but also enhances the natural character. The Osmo UV Protection Oil 410 in particular supports a healthy living environment without the use of biocides, to ensure the dry finish is safe for humans, pets and plants. Painting, staining and applying varnish will all build up a protective barrier that will reduce the number of UV rays that reach the wood, ultimately preventing cracking and rotting.

We have a few tips for when applying this Osmo Oil to guarantee a long-wearing and protective layer:

  • Depending on the wood we recommend different amounts of exposure time. For ingredient-rich woods (like Cedar, Lroko, Mahogany etc) we suggest you allow a minimum of 12 weeks exposure to the outside elements prior to application.
  • Up to now, only wood finishes with colour pigments could possibly prevent high-energy UV rays. Now due to new technology Osmo UV Protection Oil will do this, but we recommend a more generous layer to maximise efficiency and protection.
  • The Osmo UV Protection Oil 420 Extra contains biocidal active ingredients. This is to ensure that no mould, algae or moss stick to the wood finish, resulting in unsightly discolouration. 

This product works by seeping in to replace and replenish natural oils which have already been lost through exposure, age and general wear and tear. By applying layers of the wood oil, you are building up a durable and lustrous surface finish that can seal the wood. Once dried, wooden surfaces that have been treated with the wood oil can easily be maintained and kept looking healthy. This waterproof and UV resistance oil is the ideal product for any outdoor wooden piece.

At All Finishes, we have a limited time offer on Osmo UV Protection Oil 420 to help you get started! To view the offer further, click here