Exterior wood paints? Which paint should I choose?

Choosing the Best Exterior Paints and Varnishes for Your Wood!

When it comes to outdoor wooden structures like gates, fences, furniture, or decks, choosing the right exterior paint or varnish can make all the difference in ensuring durability, aesthetic appeal, and long-lasting protection.

With so many options available, it’s important to understand the differences between various finishes and select the one that best suits your needs. In this post, we’ll explore the types of exterior paints and varnishes, how they protect your wood, and how to choose the right one for your project.

Why Proper Exterior Finishing Matters

Exterior timber is constantly exposed to the elements: sunlight, rain, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Without the right protection, wood can warp, crack, or discolour over time. The right paint or varnish acts as a shield, preventing moisture from seeping in, reducing the effects of UV rays, and ensuring that your wooden items look great and last for years.

Types of Exterior Paints

1. Oil-Based Paints

   oil based paints have been a staple in exterior wood finishing for many years. Known for their excellent durability and smooth finish, oil-based paints penetrate the wood grain, providing long-lasting protection. They’re resistant to cracking and peeling, making them a great option for high-exposure areas like gates, fences, or exterior doors.

   
   

   • Pros: Durable, provides a smooth finish like gloss, highly resistant to wear and tear, may not let the wood breathe.

   • Cons: Longer drying time, strong odour, and potentially harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), the use of solvents for brush cleaning.

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2. Water-Based Paints

   Water-based paints have gained popularity due to their ease of use and eco-friendly properties. They dry faster than oil-based paints and are easier to clean with just soap and water. Acrylic paints are also less likely to yellow over time, making them ideal for preserving the true colour of the wood.

   
   

   • Pros: Quick drying, low odour, easy clean up, more eco-friendly.

     Cons: May not penetrate the wood as deeply as oil-based paints, can be more transparent than oil based.

Types of Exterior Varnishes

Varnishes are a transparent protective finish, usually applied to enhance the natural beauty of the wood while offering UV and moisture protection. When choosing a varnish for exterior wood, it’s important to pick one designed specifically for outdoor use.

1. Polyurethane Varnish

   
   

   Polyurethane is one of the most popular and durable varnishes for exterior wood. It offers excellent protection against water, UV rays, and abrasion. There are both oil-based and water-based versions, with the oil-based variety offering a deeper finish and more pronounced wood grain.

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   • Pros: Extremely durable, water-resistant, and easy to maintain.

   • Cons: Can yellow over time (especially oil-based), requires more coats for a stronger finish.

     
     

3. Spar Varnish (Marine Varnish)

   
   

   Spar varnish is a type of varnish originally developed for boats, designed to withstand the harsh marine environment. It’s a great choice for outdoor wood that will be exposed to sun and moisture, as it is flexible, highly resistant to cracking, and allows the wood to breathe.

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   • Pros: Highly flexible, excellent for wood exposed to moisture, ideal for outdoor conditions.

   • Cons: Requires regular reapplication, can be more expensive than standard varnishes.

     
     

How to Choose Between Paint and Varnish for Exterior Wood

The choice between paint and varnish depends on the look and level of protection you want for your wood. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:

• Paint: Ideal for those who want to fully change the appearance of their wood and add an extra layer of protection. Paint is best for areas where you want to block out sunlight or moisture and where colour consistency is important.

  
  

• Varnish: Best for preserving the natural beauty of the wood grain while still offering excellent protection from the elements. Varnish allows the wood to shine through, making it a great choice for fine woodworking projects like hand-carved gates, decks, or furniture.

  

  
  

How to Apply Paints and Varnishes to Exterior Wood

No matter which finish you choose, applying it correctly is key to achieving a long-lasting and professional-looking result.

1. Preparation: Clean the surface of the wood thoroughly. Sand it if necessary to smooth rough spots or remove old finishes. For varnish, ensure the wood is free of dust and debris.

2. Primer: Apply a primer before painting if the wood is bare. This step ensures better adhesion and even coverage. If varnishing skip this step.

3. Application: For paint, use a high-quality brush or roller to apply an even coat, making sure to follow the wood grain. For varnish, use a natural bristle brush to apply thin, even coats, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding another.

4. Finishing Touches: Apply multiple coats for better protection, especially on high-traffic areas. Consider finishing with a final protective layer to enhance durability.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right exterior paint or varnish is crucial for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your outdoor wood projects. Whether you’re looking to enhance the natural grain of the wood or add a pop of colour to your exterior gates or furniture, the right finish will provide the protection your wood needs to withstand the elements.

Top tip! Choose either water or oil based. Do not mix the two mediums, water doesn't like oil very much!

Do you have a favourite exterior finish you prefer for your woodworking projects?

Share your thoughts or any tips in the comments below!