Finishing Material for Outdoor USe

The outdoor wood product needs a stronger and more durable finish. The outdoor products get challenges far greater than the indoor products. Different from the indoor condition that is always stable with relatively the same condition, the outdoor condition could fluctuate from the hot temperature at the day to the cold at night, from the dry air to the wet and humid air. There is also rain, water, and wind that could wear the product quickly. See our previous article: wood finish for outdoor uses.

When we see the challenge that must be faced by the outdoor product, then we can understand the "high requirement" of the outdoor wood finish. The exterior finish is expected to provide enough protection from the sunlight, temperature changes, water, and any problems from the outside weather. More than that, the exterior finish is also still expected to provide beauty value to the product. The finish must be able to make the wood product more interesting and better looked. To fulfill the requirement, then the outdoor finish must be specially formulated, and usually they are more expensive than the indoor finish. Pigments and resins used are made from materials that are highly resistant to sunlight, water, and outside weather. Some additives may be added to strengthen the resistance to UV light, climate, and water.
Usually the outdoor finishing material also needs longer drying time. It makes the finishing process take longer and more expensive. However, we must use the exterior finish for the outdoor product. The wood product that is used for outdoor uses such as outdoor furniture, wood fence, wood house, gazebo, outside door, and windows needs outdoor finishing material to get enough protection against the outside weather. The improper finishing system for the outdoor product will be a big waste. The finishing will fade and wear off in a few months and leave the damaged wood product.
We can easily recognize the finishing materials for outdoor uses by reading the material specifications written in the cans, or we can ask the specification to the chemical supplier. All finishing materials used for outdoor surely have his specifications written as materials for outdoor uses.

outdoor furniture

Here are some types of finishing materials commonly used for outdoor wood finishes.

• Outdoor oil

Oil finish is the traditional finishing material that is still used today. Some of the wood oil has high resistance and can be used outdoors. The oil finish is applied simply by wiping or brushing directly to the wood and will give the naturally wood look. But the oil finish won’t give real protection to the wood. The oil can only give a very thin layer to the wood. Outdoor oil is only suitable for the products from the hard and strong wood. The oil finish usually also needs recoating after a certain period of time. 

• Outdoor varnish.

There are several types of varnish. The outdoor varnish, or spar varnish, is the varnish for outdoor uses. Spar varnish can produce a film layer that can provide protection to the wood substrate. Varnish can close the pores to make the wood more stable. However, spar varnish is relatively limited in the choice of finishing colors and look. Spar varnish is usually used for transparent colors only. Theoretically, we can add pigment to make the solid color, but practically, it is difficult to do. If the solid color is needed, then we better use the water-based or PU outdoor.

• Outdoor water-based coating.

The water-based coatings and paint have some type that is specially formulated for outdoor uses. The outdoor water-based coating also has a wide range of products. They are available in the form of coating, stain, and glaze. Many colors and models of wood finishing can be generated by using the water-based coating, stain, and glaze. The paint for opaque colors is also available in many colors. The water-based coating is able to build a strong and durable film layer to give the wood protection. The wide range of sheens of top coats is available. With the proper system and technique, we can make any finish color and model. 

• PU outdoor

There are many types of PU (polyurethane) finishing materials. The outdoor PU is the type that is specifically made for exterior uses. PU outdoor is the modern finishing material that has a complete range of finishing materials. He has the sealer and top coat with many sheens. The PU can also be used in combination with outdoor stain, glaze, or pigment to make any color. The PU can also build a thick film layer to cover the wood grain and pores to keep the wood moisture content.

•  Polyester

Polyester is a very strong finishing material. This material can also be used for outdoor finishes with high-resistant finishing results. But this material is quite difficult to be handled. It is quite rare to be used in the woodfinishing industry.