How Do Professionals Pre-Treat Softwoods Before Staining? Treated softwood such as pine is cheap and readily available. Search for: Recent Posts. Remove all wood dust using a tack cloth before varnishing the wood. Before applying a finish you should prepare the pores of the timber with Prepdeck (You could alternatively use Aquanett if you want a water-based product) and Net-Trol. Coloured timbers such as oak, Western red cedar and idigbo are prone to tannin bleed. During this process the volatile matter or liquid additives start […], These ugly stains appear when ceilings get wet from water leaks. Do not apply a water-based paint over these stains before treating as they will migrate through the paint and reappear. swelling and shrinking), so this retains the stability of the coating and therefore coated hardwoods usually need about 20% less treatment (i.e. As cedar is a softwood, you can expect to see some damage from foot traffic if using it as decking or flooring. A few rain showers won’t do any harm to it, but if you are not in the habit of covering your furniture on a regular basis, it will degrade much faster. Hardening Soft Wood Often times you come across a piece of wood that is perfect for the project you are working on. Moisture problems are generally as a result of inadequate waterproofing and painting on surfaces which are wet. Hardwoods are much more durable and long-lasting than softwoods and generally include courbaril, cumaru, eucalyptus, iroko, oak, roble and teak. Outdoor Applications. ... More recently, the use of cypress has spread from Maine to Southern California as the wood is increasingly being used in place of other wood species, such as cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated wood. Applying Polyurethane Finishes Spread out a tarp in a well-ventilated area. Degrease with methylated spirits and avoid use of steel (ferrous) fixings. The deciding factor on using the various mediums depends on the type of lifespan and the finish that you are require. Note: If you have registered before 24th April 2019, you will need to re-register on the site. A popular choice and one suitable for use under the oils is the Barrettine Premier Universal Preservative which is a clear treatment, that will slightly darken the wood. It improves the natural beauty of the wood and increases the life span of the wood So – don’t forget that preparation comes first when varnishing, sealing or oiling wood. Softwoods refer to various types of trees, for example evergreen or coniferous trees from which the wood has been harvested. Cypress is a wood of choice for exterior applications where longevity and good looks really count. You don't have to treat almost any wood for it to have a reasonable lifespan outdoors. Treating wood can be a minefield with so many products to choose from - not to mention the array of characteristics found in different types of timber. Wood that has been coated with a sealer will typically need to be recoated every two years or so depending on the conditions – these products produce a more natural finish. Now is a good time to decide whether or not any of your outdoor timber (fences, furniture, decking) needs painting or preserving. Create a warm, hand-rubbed oil finish. And if we can offer you one piece of advice – Never ever just paint over a problem. But over the years, I've learned to build my outdoor furniture like a deck. Degrease with methylated spirits and allow extra drying time. Softwood furniture. Hardwoods including Oak, Western Red Cedar and Idigbo. Some softwood trees are popular for backyard projects, such as deck chairs and planters. The difference actually comes down to the type of trees they come from. Staining and sealing outdoor wood is among the best ways to protect […] Step 1 Wash the wood with soap and water and allow it to dry completely. When paint is applied to a surface the drying process begins and film development takes place. It … Mix the varnish with mineral spirits so that the solution cures harder. As per standard practices, painting should take place when surface or ambient temperatures are between 10⁰C and 30⁰C. The actual coating finish is identical regardless of the timber used, so in theory there should be no difference to time it lasts - however - softwoods usually need more preparation, such as dealing with knots, blue stain or merely preservation against rot. If you have a power washer, use it on "light" to knock off the embedded dirt and oil residue. Coloured timbers such as oak, Western red cedar and idigbo are prone to tannin bleed. Knock out dead knots and fill them with a woodfiller. I have used Cuprinol clear wood preservative as a base before successfully applying other colour coats. To keep it in good condition, wash down surfaces regularly with a wood-cleaning product and treat with a wood stain or paint containing preservative. Although oil isn’t used very often for outdoor wood, it’s the best choice for a casual-but-cared-for look. The Tanalising process involves placing the timber within the treatment cylinder and creating an initial vacuum within the timber cells. A cloth is used to wipe off the excess oil – this is repeated every three months. The cylinder is then flooded under vacuum with the preservative treatment. 4. The actual finish is the same, but weaknesses like knots, splits, lack of durability, blue stain, etc, do mean that more care is needed with softwoods rather than hardwoods. For more information on treating different types of wood, watch our video guides on treating hardwoods (top) and softwoods (below). Gauteng, Warrior Alkyd and Solvent Based Acrylic Primers and Sealers, Warrior Alkyd or Oil Based Decorative Paints, Warrior Water based Primers and Fillercoats. ... Untreated, Western Red Cedar will last about 20 years outdoors. Staining and sealing outdoor wood is among the best ways to protect it from the elements. Thompson’s Waterseal is a great choice for large areas like wooden decks and spar urethane is perfect for outdoor furniture. You may wish to leave new … Contain oils/gums/extractives (slow drying and poor adhesion). Degrease with methylated spirits and ensure the timber is thoroughly coated all round (with particular attention to end grains). Avoid deck stains or penetrating finishes that don’t offer enough protection for untreated wood outdoors. Also try using a heat gun on live knots and removing liquid resin with methylated spirits (not white spirit). Found in softwoods such as Pine, Spruce and Larch. Treating wood with a water seal helps it repel moisture, blocks harmful insects and keeps the wood looking its best. Apart from being a sustainable resource, it looks good and is great for creating a new structure for vegetable beds that will hold in compost or keep out pests. Are there any types of wood that are notoriously difficult to treat? The roughness is important for the varnish to adhere to the wood. Thanks for your cooperation. Preparation before recoating with varnish might include stripping off all the old varnish right down to the raw wood. They will eventually be finished with gloss. Wood Treat Wood Seal is a general all purpose sealer which penetrates the wood and nourishes the wood at the same time. For my softwood table and chairs, I also cut four plastic cola bottles to give me four 2 inch deep containers, and then stood the furniture legs in them, filled with Cuprinol, and left them 48 hours. Apart from being a sustainable resource, it looks good and is great for creating a new structure for vegetable beds that will hold in compost or keep out pests. To waterproof wood that will be placed outdoors, choose marine varnish, which contains UV absorbers to resist sun damage. Visit our stores and see the amazing display of Warrior colours. The good news about sanding is that you won’t have to sand much in the future (or any at all) if you go with exterior oil. To kick off, our resident woodcare expert Chris Wingrove answers some commonly asked questions on the subject. As well as being (in most cases) more resistant to rot, hardwoods are less prone to movement (i.e. Beware of splitting when driving fasteners, and expect tannins to appear as stains around them. Use a wood preservative followed by a decking oil or garden furniture oil. By Matt Weber Whether it’s pressure-treated, cedar, cypress, redwood or even a high-end exotic hardwood, the right care and maintenance will protect exterior wood and keep it in good shape for years. Wood is a very versatile material for vegetable gardens. Examples of hardwood include oak, elm and teak. If you can dream it we can make it. They are thinned with turpentine and brushed onto the wood. Wooden steps and patios located outdoors can quickly absorb rainwater and snow, causing the wood to warp, erode and eventually rot. The most common causes are moisture related. Chemical Protections. And is wood oil suitable for softwood? Contains acidic tannins which discolour with metal fixings. Find a spot with plenty of … Hardwood comes from deciduous trees (trees that shed their leaves in the winter) and have seeds with a fleshy or nutty covering. Oils: Produce a completely natural finish. Exposed to the elements without any treatment at all wood can last for a great many years, not just one or two. I want to use planed softwood and wondered what I have to do before priming them. Some hardwoods are used for furniture manufacturing and some good examples are teak, kiaat, maple etc… Most hardwoods are very durable and heavy, so when coating them, special attention has to be applied to make sure that the coating adheres properly to the surface. Linseed oil, derived from the seeds of the flax plant, and Tung … I have used Cuprinol clear wood preservative as a base before successfully applying other colour coats. Professional painters and woodworkers use a clear wood conditioner to partially block many of the … Waterproofing Wood with a Stain Choose an oil-based semi-transparent stain. Wood varnish offers really good protection and the wood life is extended substantially. Treat wood to repel water and insects. Painting should cease at 3pm or when rain is imminent. Wood is a very versatile material for vegetable gardens. Wood Treat Wood Seal is a general all purpose sealer which penetrates the wood and nourishes the wood at the same time. Try sanding and refinishing. Generally, you should treat the wood once every year or two. So, with this in mind, we've created two how-to video guides to help you treat both hardwood and softwood for the very best results. Varnishes and oils are available for both interior and exterior applications to wood. 3. Staining and sealing outdoor wood is among the best ways to protect it from the elements. Even though natural weather-resistant wood is the best choice for outdoor exposure, at some point it becomes vulnerable to decay. If you take a look at the above options and feel free to get back to me if you have any questions at all. Good quality teak can last for many years with no treatment at all. The answer to this question will determine how you clean and treat your furniture and whether you go for a hardwood or a softwood product. Rosslyn, Pretoria Softwood on the other hand comes from evergreen trees such as pin… I believe it's a softwood, and am wondering what would be best to protect it with? The tendency with hardwoods is to retain the natural grain appearance, often resulting in under-application of coating, and subsequent earlier breakdown. Step 2 Parapets or flat, uncovered parts of a wall are often not waterproofed and moisture finds a way through the plaster then evaporates forcing […]. If mould or algae is already present, clean thoroughly with a fungicidal wash or mould and mildew cleaner first. Hydraulic pressure is then applied forcing the preservative deep into the timber cells. This depends if the previous coat of varnish has started to peel and crack and whether the wood underneath has been damaged in any way. If you have wood outdoor furniture that has weathered to a grayish color, with cracks and deep grooves from over-weathering, it's obviously in need of more than a good old cleaning. Hardwoods are much more durable and long-lasting than softwoods and generally include courbaril, cumaru, eucalyptus, iroko, oak, roble and teak. Hardening Soft Wood Often times you come across a piece of wood that is perfect for the project you are working on. Back in the day, farmers used local trees to create rot-resistant fences at their property line. Hardwood too expensive. It is also known as the Coast Redwood since it is native to the California northern coast. Step 3 - Treat the Wood. Hardwoods refer to woods that come from broad-leafed trees and have a closed grain. Then, use the furniture cleaner as directed on the packaging. Whether it is used to create raised beds, the edges of paths or a frame for protective netting, wood is the natural choice for many gardeners. What makes Warrior Paints different is our fantastic colour range together with our colour matching expertise. Allow the ceiling to dry. This includes most softwoods, so make sure you use a preservative pre-treatment. The best way how to treat untreated wood for outdoor use is to apply a wood sealer. 2. For a natural-wood look, apply multiple coats of exterior spar varnish that contains added UV blockers. Prone to tannin bleed. By Matt Weber Whether it’s pressure-treated, cedar, cypress, redwood or even a high-end exotic hardwood, the right care and maintenance will protect exterior wood and keep it in good shape for years. The answer to this question will determine how you clean and treat your furniture and whether you go for a hardwood or a softwood product. There are millions of decks built with softwoods to prove this, that take much more abuse than a tabletop or lounge chair ever will. Use sandpaper to give the wood surface some roughness. When your furniture is not being used, it should always be covered. Softwood decking and furniture in a sheltered garden “Softwoods in sheltered, damp environments, where there is a lack of direct sunlight, could become prone to mould and algae fairly quickly. Before you treat your wood to sustain outdoor conditions, you need to know whether it is a hardwood or softwood. There are a few things to keep in mind from the get-go if any part of your project is going underground just use pressure-treated wood. There are answers, but not tricks. Varnishes : Recoating will only be necessary every three years or so for external surfaces. Sponsored Links; 23vc. Spar varnish produces a built-up finish that provides more protection than oil. How to finish new softwood decking. Redwood. Yes, a number of timbers have natural components which can create difficulties. How often does softwood need to be treated compared to hardwood? Bobbybingham08, 18 Mar 2019 #1. The stains must first be […], Paint blistering occurs for a number of reasons. Just curious how long wood oil would last (say compared to a 5 year Cuprinol paint) outside? Degrease with methylated spirits and ensure the timber is thoroughly coated all round … These products are predominantly oil and wax based. Penetrative wood treatments are the type of products that soak into the wood and protect from within such as decking oils, shed& fence treatments. In New England, black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) was the preferred tree.Midwest farmers planted thorny Osage orange (Maclura pomifera) to delineate their property lines and keep farm animals contained.Sometimes they used living stakes and let them grow into a living fence-hedge. The only way to properly use untreated wood of any type outside is with the addition of water-repellent preservatives, sealer or … If your decking is brand new then the wood is likely to have mill glaze which will prevent finished from adhering correctly to the wood. Cheers Despite their names, hardwood isn’t necessarily harder than softwood, and softwood isn’t always softer than hardwood. Should I treat them first then prime then two coats of gloss ? It is just the right size or has beautiful coloring in it, however, it is soft, punky or spalted which makes it difficult to cut, turn or carve. It enhances the appearance of old wood and new, and as I said it never peels. 1. Yes, you can build outdoor furniture with softwoods. Joined: 17 Apr 2015 Messages: 2,241 You will need to do this a lot less frequently if you keep your furniture covered up and clean it regularly, however. Watch more woodcare videos on our You Tube channel. Taking shortcuts almost always leads to disappointment! It will make an enormous difference, however, as it will not only protect the furniture from bad weather, but also from the sun itself. Whether it is used to create raised beds, the edges of paths or a frame for protective netting, wood is the natural choice for many gardeners. Varnishing gives wood a clear solid film without clouding the grain of the wood. Hardwoods including Teak, Iroko and Keruing. It is just the right size or has beautiful coloring in it, however, it is soft, punky or spalted which makes it difficult to cut, turn or carve. Are there any tricks to combat these difficulties? I'm wanting to leave it looking like plain wood as best as I can, so not paint or varnish etc, but ideally a wood oil. Softwood lumber is weaker and shorter-lived than hardwoods, yet some species are very expensive, including cedar and redwood. Placing covers on the furniture should only take a few minutes after using it. Other types of softwood lumber used outside … Before any paintwork is undertaken determine the cause of the leak and then repair. Step 1 Before applying Aquadecks to weathered softwood decking you need first to clean the wood using Net-Trol wood cleaner. Treating the word is something you will also need to do on a fairly regular basis. Potential Woods for Use in Outdoor Applications. the treatments last five years compared to four for softwoods). This includes most softwoods, so make sure you use a preservative pre-treatment. It will also save you a lot of work in the future, as you will not have to treat the wood so freque… Colour testers and swatches of all Warrior Standard Colours are available in store. Please enter the email address associated to your account. They work by penetrating then drying in the surface grain of the timber to provide a tough, durable, weather resistant surface. Use equal parts of both products to make the varnish solution. If you are planning on … For my softwood table and chairs, I also cut four plastic cola bottles to give me four 2 inch deep containers, and then stood the furniture legs in them, filled with Cuprinol, and left them 48 hours. 45 Frans du Toit Street Why is it important to treat hardwoods and softwoods differently? This will remove any dirt on the surface of the wood which would prevent a finish from adhering and will also remove the grey … Staining and sealing outdoor wood is among the best ways to protect […] Treating wood with a water seal helps it repel moisture, blocks harmful insects and keeps the wood looking its best. Wood varnish offers really good protection and the wood life is extended substantially. Varnishing gives wood a clear solid film without clouding the grain of the wood. Between 10⁰C and 30⁰C blistering occurs for a casual-but-cared-for look 've learned to build my outdoor furniture often in... 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