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How to keep your outdoor wooden features shipshape all year round
You can nourish and protect your garden structures this season and beyond with Barrettine’s expert woodcare products
The days are growing warmer, so now’s the perfect time to prep your garden for all those summer barbecues and relaxing evenings spent outdoors. Of course, you may be more inclined to focus on your lawn or flower beds, but it’s just as important to care for your garden’s wooden structures, as they can quickly rot, warp or become mouldy without the right protection. Fortunately, Barrettine’s award-winning woodcare treatments can help you keep your garden looking its best for many years to come.
Since 1879, Barrettine has created high-quality, oil-based wood stains and treatments that provide superior protection for all outdoor timber, helping to keep water out. In fact, the brand’s experts use the latest technology to develop and test new formulas, creating deep-penetrating products that are trusted by traders, professionals and DIY experts across the globe. So, why not try them for yourself this spring?
Why does wood need protection?
Wood is durable, versatile and easy to work with, making it a popular choice for most garden structures – from fences, decking and furniture to sheds, garden offices and summerhouses. But without the right care, it can become brittle and unstable.
For example, when exposed to rain or excessive humidity, wood can start to decay and rot, causing cracks, warps and splits that weaken its structural integrity. Unprotected timber can also attract wood-boring insects, which can burrow inside and compromise its strength, while ultraviolet rays from the sun can break down the natural lignin in wood, causing a dull, grey appearance over time.
But the good news is, keeping your wood in good condition can be quick and easy with a little help from Barrettine.
Which product should I use?
When choosing a wood treatment, it’s important to consider the structure’s age, function and timber-type, which is why Barrettine’s extensive range offers products for every wood type.
Generally, if you want to help defend your wood against the elements, then protectors are a great choice, while preservers are better for safeguarding against insects and fungal decay. Here are just a few to look out for...
Wood Protective Treatment
This best-selling wood sealer is ideal for pre-treated rough, sawn or smooth timber. It’s made with water repellent and UV fade-resistant resins, and creates a colourless finish that preserves the natural beauty of the wood grain.
Not only does it reduce wood decay, swelling and twisting, but it contains a film biocide to help prevent the surface growth of mould and algae, too. And it’s insecticide-free, so it’s insect-friendly once dry.
Premier Wood Preserver
As an oil-based, low-odour preserver, this product protects wood from water damage, insects and fungi. Made with water-repellent and UV fade-resistant resins, it works by deeply penetrating the wood fibres, helping to provide long-lasting protection from decay, infestation and the elements.
It can be used on pressure-treated wood, treated timber or untreated wood and provides a semi-transparent finish that ensures the natural wood textures are visible. Plus, it's available to buy in eight different colours including Clear, Natural Brown, Holly Green and Black, so you’ll be able to find a shade to suit all your wooden structures.
Armourflex® Ultimate UV Protection Oil
An award-winning, premium blend of natural oils, waxes and resins, that protects wood from weathering and sun damage, thanks to its advanced UV stabilising technology. The grain-enhancing formula has a microporous finish that resists water and flaking, while preserving the wood’s natural colour, preventing it from becoming grey and unsightly.
It can be used on all exterior wood types, including doors, windows and structural timbers. If applying to unpreserved timber, be sure to add a preservative such as Barrettine’s Clear Universal ‘Primer’ Preserver, which can be overcoated for the ultimate two-step protection system. This will not only safeguard your wood’s structural integrity, but prevent rot and decay, too.
Clear Universal ‘Primer’ Preserver
The perfect primer for additional coats of paint or varnish, this treatment is a high-quality spirit-based preservative that provides deep penetration and a transparent finish. It’s suitable for untreated or treated timber, and protects against rot and fungi that destroys and discolours wood, as well as wood-boring insects.
All-in-One Decking Oil
Available in six natural shades, from Clear to Dark Oak, this oil is designed to nourish and protect your decking from becoming worn and weathered. With a non-flaky finish that works on all kinds of surfaces, including deck boards, tiles and balustrades, it prevents mould and repels both water and UV rays.
Anti-Slip Topcoat Decking Oil
Designed as a follow-up treatment, this award-winning oil improves the grip of decking, handrails and wooden steps. Plus, it contains a UV stabiliser to slow discolouration and help protect against water, mould and fungal growth.
Top tips from Barrettine
● If you’re using a preserver, make sure to check if the timber is weathered first, as it should be cleaned before applying
● Barrettine Wood Reviver is a great option for restoring your wood’s natural tone and killing mould spores after sun exposure or weathering
● Mould, mildew and algae can weaken wood and create uneven surfaces, so use Barrettine Mould & Mildew Cleaner after the Wood Reviver for the best adhesion of preservatives
Give your wooden structures the care they deserve and keep water out with Barrettine
