2023 Interior Design Trend: Warm Tones

This new year, we have already seen a plethora of brown, earthy tones being used in homes interiors. Some choose paint, but many are incorporating warmer tones in their textiles and furniture selections.

Adding Timber

Timber is a naturally warm element, and it can be incorporated in a variety of ways. One great example is by adding repurposed timber cladding to the walls or utilising simple décor pieces in a space. With so many different tones of timber available, anyone can find a timber tone to suit their aesthetic.

2023 Interior Design Trend: Private Spaces

Photo by Charlotte May: https://www.pexels.com/photo/interior-of-dense-room-with-shelves-on-brick-wall-5824546/

Since COVID-19, many of us have gotten used to, and prefer, private spaces to explore our work, hobbies, and interests. Open plan living is heading out and closed plans are on their way in again.

Adding Timber

If you prefer smaller, private spaces in your home, consider adding a timber screen along one or two sides of your space. A screen offers the illusion of privacy while also incorporating timber in your home in an effective and subtle way.

2023 Interior Design Trend: Indoor-Outdoor Spaces

The pandemic also instigated a preference for many to be outdoors instead of in, whether it be entertaining, sleeping, working or showering.

Adding Timber

Any outdoor space can be elevated with a timber element. Depending on your budget, consider adding timber furniture, a deck, even an outdoor shower to your space in 2023.

2023 Interior Design Trend: Ceiling Interest

Once upon a time many homes came with distinct crown-moulding in intricate patterns on the ceilings. This design element has now come full circle and is being considered timeless and fresh by design experts.

Adding Timber

A timber-lover’s take on this trend is to add timber beams or cladding to the ceiling. Adding timber beams or cladding to a ceiling is still a recently new trend in the timber world but can be accomplished to great aesthetic success.

2023 Interior Design Trend: Ethically Sourced and Sustainable Furniture

Sustainable and ethical products have become the name of the game in recent years and this trend is hitting heavy in the furniture department. Gone are the days of flat-pack, chipboard products as people look to ethically source quality pieces from antique stores, second-hand shops and more.

Adding Timber

If timber is your one true love, incorporate it into your decor by sourcing vintage hard-wood timber dining tables, side tables, dressers and sideboards. By adding just one or two items into your living space, you will immediately elevate the space with high-quality pieces that tell a story in their own right.

If you’re building, renovating, or simply revitalising the timber features of your home in 2023, we’d love to talk to you, your architect or builder about how CUTEK^® can be used in your project to maintain the beauty of your timber and powerfully protect it. Call 1300 CUTEK or send us a message to find out more.

The post Add Timber to 2023 Top Interior Design Trends appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

Why does timber grey / weather?

First, we should understand what causes timber to weather. When wood is exposed to sunshine, rain, and dew, dark colours tend to fade due to leaching and bleaching, while light colours darken due to oxidation. However, with time, all timber surfaces exposed to rain turn grey. This colour shift only affects the top layers, which primarily consist of cellulose. Long-term exposure to the elements degrades the lignin that holds the wood cells together, and it is washed away along with sugars, starches, and extractives. In conditions that are favourable to fungal species, the resulting grey colouring may be dirty and blotchy.

How do I fix greyed timber?

The science tells us this silvering is merely surface deep, therefore a powerful cleaner will help separate the discolouration from the timber, meaning costly replacement is not necessary. For this job we recommend you use CUTEK^® Restore, which will take all the hard work out of this process. CUTEK^® Restore is designed to be applied undiluted but can be used diluted with water if required. The Technical Data Sheet (TDS) contains more details about spreading rate, dwell times, safety precautions, and more. We recommend you test CUTEK^® Restore on a small test patch to find the best working time for your project. Once applied to the timber, CUTEK^® Restore will do the heavy lifting. After it has been allowed to work for a suitable amount of time, remove it using a high-pressure washer with a fan nozzle (a garden hose is not suitable).

Case Study – Pine Fence

Ben and Tracey bought their first home a few years ago and, like many homeowners, have been working to improve their home over time. Their house came with a standard weathered pine fence. The fence was ten years old, fully exposed to the elements, and had never been cleaned or protected. They had assumed that nothing could be done for their fence and had planned to knock it down and replace it. Instead, they tried CUTEK^® Restore. For their project, they chose to work with a dilution of three-parts water to one-part CUTEK^® Restore. This was allowed to sit and work on the timber for a full 24 hours prior to being pressure-washed off. They were astonished by the results.

How do I protect timber from weathering?

Ben and Tracey didn’t stop at restoring their fence. They knew that without properly protecting their timber, their efforts would eventually be undone by the elements. When their fence was dry, they coated it with CUTEK^® Extreme CD50. They selected double-strength Merbau as their CUTEK® Colourtone, which transformed the soft blonde of the pine into a beautiful deep brown. CUTEK® Extreme CD50 penetrates the timber to protect it from the inside out. Where other coatings envelope the wood, CUTEK® Extreme CD50 deeply diffuses into the timber, minimising moisture absorption and protecting your deck long term. With the added CUTEK® Colourtone, Ben and Tracey have the added element of protecting their timber from harsh UV rays and sun damage.

How can we help with your project?

If you would like to know more about how CUTEK^® products could help your project, you can reach us on 1300 1 CUTEK, or by using our customer enquiry form.

The post How to Restore Greyed and Weathered Timber appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

To simplify your clean-up process, try CUTEK® Cleaners and refresh your home after rain and mould infestations. 

CUTEK® Quickclean

The quick and easy option to save time and effort in the clean up by blasting away dirt, grime, grease and many other stains – your home will be spick and span in no time!

CUTEK® Restore

Easily restore the look of your timber deck and home features with CUTEK® Restore. It will brighten, clean and restore wood to look like new after removing stubborn stains caused by tannins, water, iron, resins, mould and fungus.  

CUTEK® Wood Stripper

Not happy with how your timber coating has held up to the wet weather? Strip it back with CUTEK® Wood Stripper ready for a fresh coating application – you won’t regret it! 

CUTEK® Wood Preservative

CUTEK® Wood Preservative is an oil-based wood stabiliser used for the remedial treatment of exterior wood in industrial and domestic situations. 

Wood coated with CUTEK® Wood Preservative resists damage caused by fungal decay, mould, termites and moisture, improving dimensional stability and minimising warping, cupping and splitting. 

CUTEK® Wood Preservative has been specially designed to withstand Australian conditions. Penetrating deeply into the timber, the protective properties within CUTEK® Wood Preservative repel moisture to improve the service life of timber. 

Easy to use, CUTEK® Wood Preservative will not peel or flake, making maintenance fast and simple. Applied as a clear oil, CUTEK® Wood Preservative will allow timber to naturally silver over time. Mixing in one of 16 CUTEK® Colourtones will help to enhance and maintain the freshly oiled natural look of your timber or alter your timber colour to meet your design requirements. 

By using CUTEK® Wood Preservative on your timber, your home will be able to better withstand damage caused by fungal decay, mould, termites and moisture the next time flooding or torrential rain comes to town. 

Find your nearest stockist to clean up that mould and refresh your home today! 

If you need assistance or advice about maintaining your CUTEK^® after flood, call 1300 CUTEK or send us a message to find out more. 

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Common reasons for penetrating oil not absorbing:

• Too much moisture in the timber
• Temperature
• A barrier preventing the absorption of the oil

Too much moisture

If your deck is newly built or is unlikely to have any kind of coating on the timber, consider the possible water content of the timber.

If the timber is too wet, the oil is unlikely to absorb as efficiently or effectively. Ensure your timber is thoroughly dry before applying a coat of oil. If you have experienced recent rainfall, allow several days for the timber to thoroughly dry out before coating. Consider testing a small area prior to coating the entire deck to ensure the timber is dry enough. If it absorbs well and does not discolour, proceed with the application. In the event that the deck colour looks darker or different than expected, stop and wait a few days for the moisture content to dissipate and reapply.

Temperature

Cold temperatures will raise the viscosity and make the oil thicker, which slows down the penetration process. To assist this, place your can of oil in a warm, sunny spot or in a bucket of hot water. This will lower the viscosity of the oil and assist in the penetration time.

Cold climates and shaded and undercover areas that do not receive direct sunlight will require a longer drying period to allow full absorption of the oil.

A barrier preventing the absorption of the oil

For new timber, the barrier could be mill glaze, sometimes known as machine glaze. This occurs only with new timber and takes place during the timber machining process.

For pre-existing decks, your deck is likely to already have a coating on it. If this is not removed, the deck will struggle to absorb the oil and it will remain on the surface of the timber rather than penetrating.

To remove an existing coating

Existing coatings, like a stain, varnish, or glue on the timber, encases the wood and prevents other elements or oil from being absorbed into it.

To remove this coating, follow these steps:

1. Apply CUTEK® Wood Stripper to the deck; this will remove all remaining traces of the old coating. If you do not have CUTEK® Wood Stripper on hand, you can sand the deck back to bare wood, ensuring you have removed all traces of the previous coating.
2. Use CUTEK® Restore to restore and brighten your timber after using CUTEK® Wood Stripper or sanding.
3. Wait for your deck to thoroughly dry before applying CUTEK® Extreme CD50 with a CUTEK® Colourtone, if desired.

Please note, we always recommend testing all CUTEK® products on a small area prior to applying to your entire deck.

The CUTEK® difference

CUTEK® oil penetrates the timber to protect it from the inside out. Where other coatings envelope the wood, CUTEK® Extreme CD50 deeply diffuses into the timber, protecting your deck long term. Contact us for more advice on how to seal wood utilising CUTEK®’s wood finishing range.

The post Why is My Deck Not Absorbing New Oil? appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

The Difference Between Decking Oil and Water-Based Deck Coatings

There is a clear difference between decking oils and water-based deck coatings – a decking oil works by penetrating the surface of the timber, whereas a water-based coating will form a protective film on the surface.

Why choose a timber oil?

Many traditional wood coatings work by forming a protective film to block moisture from entering the timber substrate. The finish can be stunning, with rich colour and gloss or sheen finishes available. Maintenance coats will add another film layer over the timber, which will hide the natural texture, grain and colour of the wood. Over time, weather exposure will breakdown this film and, if regular maintenance is neglected, the coating will flake, peel or crack allowing damaging moisture to enter the wood.

Most timber decking oils work by penetrating into the timber to repel moisture from the inside out and will generally take longer to dry than water-based products. This is because, instead of drying when exposed to air, like paint, timber oils ‘dry’ by penetrating and absorbing into the wood. Penetration times can vary depending on the density, condition and species of the timber as well as environmental factors. Timber oil also offers a more natural matte finish that does not mask the grain, texture and colour. Maintenance is generally easy; simply clean and recoat.

Not all oils are the same, and not all oils will penetrate deeply into timber. Water-based oils will form a film on the surface, and some timber oils will contain plant-based oils, such as linseed or tung, which are drying oils; they will soak into the surface of the timber and then harden to form a barrier. Very few oils actually penetrate deeply into the timber, as CUTEK® does.

The CUTEK® solution

Designed for and proven to work in the harshest of Australian environments, CUTEK® exterior timber oils truly penetrate and diffuse deeply into the wood core to protect it against liquid and gas-phase moisture. A core design feature of CUTEK® oil is its ability to stay mobile within the timber, actively working to displace and control moisture from the inside out, significantly improving dimensional stability and providing exceptional long-term protection. Additional maintenance coats throughout the timber’s life will have an accumulative effect, increasing the efficacy of the protection.

CUTEK® oils also celebrate timber. The natural grain and texture of the wood is maintained and highlighted, not masked over, making timber the hero of your home project. Applied as a clear oil, CUTEK® will allow your timber to naturally lighten and silver when exposed to the sun’s UV rays. If you would like to retain the natural, freshly oiled look of your timber, or you would like to alter the colour to meet design requirements, a CUTEK® Colourtone can be added to CUTEK® oils. Because CUTEK® diffuses deeply into the wood, it will continue to provide moisture protection and improve dimensional stability even if the timber is allowed to weather and grey off.  

Which CUTEK® exterior decking oil is right for your project?

CUTEK® offers two market leading solutions to protect exterior timber and decks:  

CUTEK® Extreme CD50

A high-performance penetrating oil-based wood stabiliser with a unique self-healing effect that highlights the natural beauty of wood and controls moisture to improve dimensional stability and minimise cupping, warping and splitting.

CUTEK® Wood Preservative (APVMA Approval No 83026/107340)

An oil-based wood stabiliser used for the pre-treatment and remedial treatment of exterior wood in industrial and domestic situations. CUTEK® Wood Preservative coated wood resists damage caused by fungal decay, mould, termites and controls moisture to improve dimensional stability and minimise cupping, warping and splitting.

Maintenance with CUTEK® exterior timber oils is simple, easy and cost effective. Simply clean and recoat – no need to sand or strip.

If you would like to find out more about how CUTEK® oils are the best option for your timber deck, we’d love to talk to you, your architect or builder about how CUTEK^® can be used to maintain the beauty of your timber and powerfully protect it. Call 1300 CUTEK or send us a message to find out more.

The post What is the best decking oil for your project? appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

When purchasing timber for projects large or small, there are many considerations.

Choosing the right timber

Wood is classified in two primary categories, hardwood and softwood, according to its properties. When choosing a timber from either category, it is important to find a species that meets the specific requirements of your project.

Hardwood

Hardwood trees are deciduous. Species include: Ash, Balsa, Blackbutt, Eucalyptus, Mahogany, Oak, Spotted Gum, Merbau, Jarrah, Ironbark, Teak and Walnut.

Hardwoods are usually heavier with higher density than softwoods. Hardwood is generally used when durability and strength are critical to a project.

Common uses:

• Flooring
• Decking
• Cladding
• Fencing
• Frames
• Boat building
• Piers
• Furniture

Hardwoods are used extensively in the building industry and for residential projects in high traffic areas, such as exterior decking or kitchen flooring.

Softwood

Softwood trees are evergreen. Species include: Cedar, Douglas Fir, Kauri, Hemlock and Pine.

Common uses:

• Feature walls
• Paneling
• Interiors
• Ceilings
• Doors
• Windows
• Beams
• Poles

Products that are manufactured utilising softwoods such as Plywood and MDF are popular in shop-fittings, furniture and cabinetry.

Softwoods are chosen for their aesthetic, thermal and acoustic properties. They can also be a cheaper option than hardwoods.

General tips on buying timber

After deciding on a hardwood or softwood species, there are some general points to consider before shopping for your timber.

1. Decide on the level of quality needed for the application

For high profile projects where only the best quality will do, Australian native timbers are the perfect fit. They are a sustainable choice with the joint benefits of being durable and striking.

These timbers can be at the higher end of your budget but bear in mind that you get what you pay for.

2. Work out how much timber you need

If in doubt, buy more timber than you think you need, but don’t go overboard. Any surplus will make the project more expensive than it needs to be.

If the timber shows imperfections that you plan to discard or cut out, you’ll need to buy longer boards.

3. Check the colour

Wood of the same species can vary in appearance. To check that the colour of the timber matches requirements, hold it in good light to compare the look. In addition, check that each board is of similar colour as there can be huge variations.

If you are struggling with uniformity, consider a Colourtone in a similar colour to even out the appearance of your installation.

4. Check for damage and imperfections

Before you buy, check each piece of timber for any damage or imperfection, such as warping or splitting. This is important for safety and structural integrity.

After you buy, protect from wear and tear over time by utilising a wood protection oil such as CUTEK® Extreme CD50.

5. Buying rough sawn timber can be risky

Rough sawn timber is graded in terms of strength and not aesthetics so there can be a great deal of variation in the colour and appearance of the timber.

Shop within your budget range

There are timbers for all budgets. Hardwoods are usually the most expensive, while softwoods are often more economical.

Reclaimed or recycled timber can offer great value for money but you’ll have to shop around to find a species that matches your quality and quantity required.

It can pay to source comparative quotes when purchasing timber, especially when looking for value without wishing to sacrifice quality.

Shop for timber with a specific use in mind, work through the considerations listed above and don’t compromise on important parameters such as quality.

The post Timber Buying Guide appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

To showcase the incredibly restoring power of CUTEK® Restore, we decided to apply it to a drab, weathered timber reclining chair. Note, this chair had not previously been coated with a CUTEK® protective wood oil. The chair was severely discoloured and moss and fungi had begun to take hold. We decided to apply CUTEK® Restore to only one side of the chair, allowing the restoring agent to clean and brighten the timber for 15 minutes before water blasting to clean.

The results speak for themselves:

Notice how the CUTEK® Restore easily removes the remnants of the fungi and moss from the surface of the timber. Not only is the timber cleaned, but it is restored. The natural beauty of the grain and the rich colour of the wood returns to its original appearance.

Next up: protect the timber with a clear coat of CUTEK® Wood Preservative to resist the damage of moisture, fungal decay, mould and termites. A simple, fast, cost effective process to ensure this chair has many more summers in service.

Do you have some outdoor timber furniture that needs a facelift? Be sure to drop into your local CUTEK® stockist to grab CUTEK® Restore and bring your old timber furniture back to life.

The post The restoring power of CUTEK® Restore appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

Why water and wood matters

Water is the enemy of wood as it is hygroscopic. In the built environment liquid and gas phase moisture flows in and out of timber causing swelling and shrinking. Over time, repeated wet-to-dry cycles can cause timber to crack, split, warp and rot.

One of the core features of hydrophobic CUTEK® oil is that it deeply penetrates into timber, assisting with protection against liquid and gas phase moisture, effectively protecting wood from the inside out. However, not all timber is the same. Different species exhibit different cell structures/densities, and contain different extractives which affect how a particular wood species handles moisture.

To determine the effect CUTEK® oil has on the water intake of different species of timber the CUTEK® Lab decided to test CUTEK® on 12 different species of timber.

The test

We applied two coats of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 on 12 different wood species cuts two weeks apart and left to sit indoors for two months. We then submerged these 12 coated wood cuts under water for four days. Simultaneously, we submerged the same species wood cuts, not coated with CUTEK® Extreme CD50 as a control.

After four days, the wood cuts were removed and surface water was removed. Gravimetric determination was made of the volume of water absorbed by both the CUTEK® coated and uncoated cuts by way of comparison.

The results

Analysis

The results demonstrated that CUTEK® Extreme CD50 has significant impact in reducing liquid and gas phase moisture uptake across all the different species of timber tested. Across the 12 tested species, coating in CUTEK® Extreme CD50 reduced water intake by an average of 54%.

Conclusion

Wood coated in CUTEK® Extreme CD50 offers considerable protection against the negative affects of water penetration. Be sure to stay tuned for further developments and testing from our CUTEK® Lab.

The post The power of CUTEK® Extreme CD50 to protect timber against moisture appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

Factors to consider in choosing a timber species include appearance, where the deck is to be located, ongoing maintenance requirements, budget and availability.

Appearance

Timber is often chosen for its natural beauty and good looks. Exposing the grain can have a dramatic and aesthetically pleasing effect.

When choosing a timber species, consider what colour you would like for your deck. Enhancing the natural hue of the timber can be achieved by using a Colourtone.  By choosing a shade that matches the natural colour of the wood, the knots and grains will shine through. Building up the colour will make a style statement.

Location

Choosing a timber that will withstand the weather conditions it will be exposed to is critical.

A high level of exposure to rain, sunshine and even wind will require a hardy species. Using CUTEK®’s wood protection system will guard against the elements and ensure a good looking deck for years to come.

Ongoing maintenance

Whichever material you choose, your deck will need regular maintenance to keep it looking great. Keep in mind that some decking timbers are quicker and easier to maintain than others.

Using a CUTEK® protection oil will help, in extreme conditions choose CUTEK® Extreme CD50, specifically formulated for the toughest climates.

Budget and availability

Decking timbers vary in price, from more expensive hardwoods to lower-cost treated pine.

If you are working to a budget, ensure that you plan for the space that needs to be covered and bear in mind the qualities you require to suit the purpose of your decking. More widely available timbers tend to be less expensive and easier to source, especially if you’re on a tight timeframe.

Hardwoods

There are many hardwoods to choose from that are suited to decking projects.

Pros of hardwood

• Can produce striking installations
• High quality, durable timber
• Tend to cost less than composite decking

Cons of hardwood

• Some species prone to extractive bleedout or ironstain
• Likely to cost more than treated pine decks
• Can be difficult to drill or nail

Hardwood Species

There are many hardwood species to choose from. Merbau’s warm red-brown tones make a striking deck that invites year-round use. The species is durable yet can be less expensive than other hardwoods.

Ironbark is the most durable hardwood for decking and offers longevity. It is extremely fire, termite and rot resistant. On the flip side, its high density can make it hard to work with. On account of its strength, Ironbark is without doubt one to consider for installations that will be highly trafficked or for poolside decks.

The rich brown of Jarrah makes it a popular choice. Jarrah can be expensive but is also fire resistant. If left unsealed Jarrah will turn a lovely grey colour over time. Blackbutt is another timber with high resistance to fire, but is more prone to ironstains.

Spotted Gum is widely used for decking on account of its durability and strength. It is sustainably harvested in Australia making it an environmentally sound native choice.

The species is also fire retardant and is very dense with low levels of shrinkage. Spotted Gum tends to bleed less than some other hardwoods, and it has a broad colour range making for unique applications.

Yellow and red stringybark are durable enough for outdoor use. Yellow stringybark is usually cheaper than red. Both hardwoods can exhibit borer holes, something to bear in mind aesthetically before choosing it for your deck.

Using a high performing protection oil such as CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative will ensure your hardwood deck endures harsh climatic conditions to look stunning all year round.

Treated Pine

Treated pine is a cost-effective choice but won’t have the same durability of a hardwood.

Pros of treated pine

• Lightweight and versatile to work with
• Affordable
• Pressure-treated to withstand decay, fungi or termites
• Can be stained or painted to change its appearance

Cons of treated pine

• Not as aesthetically pleasing as a hardwood
• Can be restrictive in that it has already been treated
• Needs regular oiling to protect against the elements

CUTEK® Extreme CD50 or CUTEK® Wood Preservative can be used straight on pre-treated pine without using a preparation treatment first.

CUTEK® Restore is a professional grade wood restoration product that will prepare the timber for the protection oil. CUTEK® Wood Stripper will also prepare the timber and allow the treatment oil to penetrate and do its job.

If you are working to a tight budget, treated pine certainly has its advantages but these are traded off against its looks. Before purchasing treated pine for your decking project, check whether it is suitable for outdoor use.

The critical factors in choosing a timber species are desired appearance, location, ongoing maintenance, budget and availability. Working through each element will help you to arrive at the right solution for your project.

The post Which timber is best suited to your decking project? appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.

We examine the properties of some of these popular products and when each might be used.

Wood stain

Purpose: Designed to penetrate and change the colour of wood while leaving the grain visible.

Advantages

• Highlights the natural beauty of the wood
• Can be colour matched to your styling
• Offers some wood protection
• Wears away gradually, only requiring periodic re-coating
• Easy to clean and maintain

Disadvantages

• Doesn’t offer a lot of protection to the wood, especially in harsh environments
• Can raise the grain in wood

After staining, oils or varnishes can be applied to the wood as a protective layer.

When to use: To expose the natural beauty of a timber installation.

Varnish

Purpose: Varnish is an older finish made up of oils, resin and solvents that coats the wood as a protective layer.

Varnish can be compared to paint without the pigment.

Advantages

• A protective coating can be applied after stains
• Ensures the natural grains of the wood remain exposed
• Durable and hard wearing
• Choice of matt, satin or gloss like paint
• Exterior varnishes are often microporous and have an added fungicide
• Available as a ‘fire retardant’ treatment
• Offers UV protection (where stated)

Disadvantages

• Varnish can’t be used on its own as it doesn’t protect the wood inside
• Accentuates stains, bumps and marks so preparation of the timber is essential
• Dries slowly

When to use: When finish is important for decorative purposes and when a project requires the  natural timber look to be retained.

Polyurethane varnish

Purpose: Tough protection for wood after staining.

Advantages

• Can be used in place of varnish with the same benefits and more
• Extremely durable with a hard finish
• Heat resistant

Disadvantages

• Has a plastic, unnatural look about it
• Not UV resistant (unless specifically stated on product)

When to use: Applications where a durable surface is required, especially in high traffic areas.

Combined Products

There are some combined stains and varnishes available on the market designed to be applied for one-step colour and protection.

These varnishes with added colour can be a time-saver, however they may need more maintenance and reapplying more frequently.

Paint

Purpose: To protect and change the look of timber.

Advantages

• Many different colours on the market
• Choice of matt, satin or gloss
• Can be considered aesthetically pleasing
• Can cover up unsightly timber
• Available as a ‘fire retardant’ treatment
• Durable and hard wearing

Disadvantages

• Coats the top of the wood rather than penetrating the wood
• Hides the natural beauty of timber
• Can peel and look unsightly particularly after exposure to the elements
• Surfaces must be thoroughly prepared before application, usually including sanding
• Is expensive to reapply when used on vast areas

When to use: In situations where it is desirable to cover or weatherproof timber without exposing the natural grain at all.

Wood oils

Purpose: Designed to bring out the character in wood whist offering some protection.

Advantages

• Brings out the natural beauty in wood (more so than a stain) and makes the grain ‘pop’
• Replaces natural oil in wood that dries out over time
• Adds protection against moisture
• User-friendly; easy to apply and maintain
• Long-term, cost effective option

Disadvantages

• Traditional wood oils aren’t as durable as varnish
• Oils are not easily covered with varnish or paint

The CUTEK® Difference

CUTEK® exterior wood oils are a professional option that offers more protection than traditional wood oils as they works from the inside out by deeply penetrating the timber. CUTEK® oils are long lasting making them a great choice for timber exposed to the elements. CUTEK® Extreme CD50 has been developed for tough conditions.

CUTEK® timber protection oils are designed to minimise warping, cupping and splitting over time. CUTEK® oil is versatile, a Colourtone can easily be added for a stunning effect.

Timber is amazingly versatile, with the right level of care it can be used for a vast array of projects. Wood does need to be looked after and treated with respect in order to ensure that it retains its beauty over time. Choosing the right timber treatment or finish for an installation is critical.

The post Timber oil vs stain vs varnish vs paint appeared first on CUTEK® Timber Protection.