The finished surface is influenced by several factors, including the condition of the wood. Therefore, a trial application is always required, especially for unfamiliar surfaces. Many wood species contain water-soluble coloured extractives ( eg Larch ) which may leach out naturally when weathered. Weathered, bare wood surfaces can be refreshed with Osmo Wood Reviver Power-gel.

Resinous wood, such as Larch or Douglas Fir, needs to weather off for at least 6 weeks to improve absorbency. Pressure impregnated wood and tropical species like Massaranduba, Bangkirai, Garapa, Iroko need to weather off for at least 3 months. Cedar requires a 3 month weathering period to improve absorbency. Rosewood: 4-6 weeks exposure. However, Natural Oil Woodstain 727 Rosewood is optically suitable and requires a weathering period of approx. 12 weeks before use of Natural Oil Woodstain. For longevity, you can't beat the natural silvery grey patina of oak or warm hues of cedar. Natural timber tones tend to work well anywhere. Balau: 12 weeks exposure. 006 Bangkirai is optically suitable and a very popular choice of colour tone. We recommend using the clear version, as it delivers a beautifully natural finish. The same can't quite be said about the teak colour, as it's a little orange.Bangkirai: 12 weeks exposure. 006 Bangkirai is optically suitable and a very popular choice of colour tone. Staining can provide more colour options than oiling, but it can be more difficult to maintain and may require more frequent refinishing. However, oiling is often easier to maintain and when using a clear finish will offer a more natural look. In addition, oiling may not provide as much colour variety in comparison to staining.

This depends on your home's exterior and the colours and tones in your garden. Avoid anything jarring, and look to either complement or contrast with your walls and fences. Oils often come in natural colours or clear, and enhance the natural appearance of your wood,' explains Jimmy Englezos, senior product manager at Sherwin-Williams. If possible, and if the wood is absorbent please apply the first coat to all sides before installation.

After the weathering period, it is generally recommended to clean the surface from the extractive content. Osmo Wood Reviver Power-Gel can be used to refresh the colour of the wood. If necessary and before application, de-grease the dried surface with Osmo Brush Cleaner and Thinner (degreaser), always trial apply!

Ipe: 6-8 weeks exposure. 006 Bangkirai is optically suitable and a very popular choice of colour tone. For the following wood types, a weathering period is recommended. Depending on wood species, new or freshly sanded wood requires up to 12 weeks (approximate) exposure to the exterior elements before application. Stir the contents of the tin thoroughly before and periodically during use and especially so with coloured oilsThoroughly clean or lightly sand old microporous stains or completely remove old varnishes before application. If any sanding works are carried out some fresh wood species must be weathered as directed above to improve absorbency once more. Sanding to finishing grades of no more than a P120 grit are recommended. Always wear a dust mask when sanding. Bare wood species with a high content of natural wood extractives need to weather off (min. 4 weeks) before the initial treatment or be cleaned with Osmo Brush Cleaner and Thinner (degreaser). It’s designed to penetrate deep into the wood to replace the natural oils lost over time through weathering, and to offer deep-seated protection against splitting and drying, while the tinted oil brings out the colour in greyed wood for a fresh look. The best thing to do is to refer to the product data sheet. This way you can be sure that you are preparing the surface properly for the product in question. Oil is also really durable and is easy to maintain – you just need to keep it clean and touch it up every now and then. It’s very resistant to dirt and water so doesn’t require much upkeep at all.'

Due to their surface properties, ribbed or grooved as well as rough (sawn) wood surfaces absorb more product per square metre than smooth surfaces.

Staining vs Oiling a Wood Deck

If it doesn't bead, you'll be ready to put on the oil. If it does then you'll have to clean it again until the water stops beading. Always do a test area before starting any project to assess product suitability and final finish. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the tin.