Nourishing exterior wood with oil
Outdoor wood is subject to the vagaries of the weather. Asa living material, it requires special, regular maintenance to maintain its aesthetic appeal and effectiveness over time. For wood that is not naturally durable, it is advisable to apply a fungicide and insecticide to prevent the development of fungi and attacks by termites and wood-eating insects. Oil, on the other hand, can be applied to nourish exterior wood and protect it regularly.
Why oil exterior wood?
Applying oil to exterior wood is recommended for :
- Nourishing the wood
- Protecting it from UV rays
- Limit premature ageing
- Enhance the natural colour of the wood and limit greying
- Protect against soiling, household incidents and climatic aggression by preventing unsightly stains
- Waterproofing
Can all outdoor wooden furniture and materials be oiled?
For outdoor use, oil is suitable for most types of wood:
- Outdoor furniture (chairs, tables, stools, etc.)
- Decking slats
- Pergolas
- Gratings
- Cladding ..
The oil can be applied to all unfinished wood, including exterior wood..
For exterior use, a maintenance application every year or every 2 years (depending on exposure) will help to maintain good protection and a beautiful appearance. We recommend a regular application in spring and/or after the summer season.
Steps for oiling and nourishing outdoor wood
For best results, we recommend oiling exterior wood when temperatures are between +10°C and +25°C and in the shade. It is important that the wood is cool and not too exposed to the sun during application to prevent the oil from drying on the surface too quickly.
1. Preparing the surface
This step is far from insignificant. Before any application, the surface should be sanded to remove all dirt and finishes present on the surface (paint, varnish, wax). Similarly, if any resin appears on the wood, we recommend removing as much as possible. Without this step, the oil will not penetrate the wood and its effectiveness will be reduced.
Finally, the woodcan also be degreased with a suitable product.
Once the surface is dry, clean, free of grease and dust, proceed to step 2.
2. Test the product on a sample
Before applying the oil to all the wood, test the product on a hidden area to see how it looks.
A previouswater-repellent treatment or certain wood species that are naturally water-repellent could compromise the impregnation of the oil.
3. Apply oil correctly
Apply the oil to the wood using a brush, roller or clothuntil saturated . The operation can be repeated in several coats spaced a few hours apart. Any excess product that is not absorbed should be wiped off.
After drying for around 24 hours, the oiled surface or outdoor furniture can be used. For high-traffic areas such as terraces and duckboards, it’s best to wait 48 hours.
4. Repeat the operation every one or two years
It is then advisable to carry out maintenance every year or two, depending on exposure, to nourish the exterior wood regularly. Light sanding with fine steel wool will suffice to prepare the surface to be oiled.
