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Finishing External Woodwork

painting3_200xFinishing External Woodwork – all the information you need before staining, varnishing, oiling or painting external woodwork. You can take on the job yourself or hire us to take care of it for you.

Varnish or Wood Stain

(Applies for a clear varnish or a varnish with a wood stain e.g. teak varnish)

Suggested Shopping List

  • 2” soft bristle brush
  • 38mm masking tape
  • 4” short pile roller (optional)
  • Methylated spirits

Nail and screw heads should be set below the surface and concealed with a suitable woodfiller before varnishing.

New or Bare Wood

Clean the wood with a cloth dampened with methylated spirits. Do not use white spirits. You should sand thoroughly with a p240 grade sandpaper to allow good adhesion. Remove all dust. Apply 3 to 4 coats of varnish.

Previously Stained or Varnished Wood

Remove all flaking or loose coatings. You should sand thoroughly with a p100 grade sandpaper to allow good adhesion. Remove all traces of dust. Wash with warm water and a mild detergent. Apply 2 to 3 coats of varnish.

Painting External Wood

Suggested Shopping List

  • 2” soft bristle brush
  • 38mm masking tape
  • 4” short pile roller (optional)
  • Methylated spirits

New or Bare Wood

Degrease and clean the wood with a cloth dampened with methylated spirits. Do not use white spirits. You should lightly sand with a p240 grade sandpaper. Remove all dust.

Timber with strong visible knots should be covered with patent knotting or a suitable stain blocker such as Bulls Eye 123.

Nail and screw heads should be set below the surface and concealed with a suitable filler before painting.

Apply two coats of a suitable undercoat or primer as a foundation coat. Apply two coats of wood paint finish.

Previously Painted Wood

Remove all flaking or loose coatings. You should sand thoroughly with a p100 grade sandpaper to allow good adhesion. Remove all dust. Wash with warm water and a mild detergent. Apply 2 coats of wood paint.

Oil Treatment for External Wood

Suggested Shopping List

  • 5” external brush or rag

Wood oils are a great way to preserve the natural look of the timber.

Clean down your decking or outdoor furniture with warm water and detergent.

Apply your wood oil using a brush or cloth. Remove all excess oil from the timber. If it the first time the wood is being treated with wood oil, apply a second coat. Again ensure all excess wood oil is removed.

Simple and effective, the oil should be replenished every two years.