Osmo exterior products

We stock and mix the brilliant Osmo oils in many finishes. This blog post gives an overview of the exterior products on offer as we head into the warmer months.

It can be overwhelming knowing which product to choose, so to simplify things, we are listing common garden/exterior projects and our Osmo product recommendation for the job! You can also check out https://osmouk.com/ for lots more information, FAQs, how-to videos and data sheets.

And if you only take away two things from this read then let it be these pieces of advice (we've moved it to the top to make sure they aren't missed!)

1. Over application would be your biggest mistake with Osmo products. Two thin coats are all you need!

2. Always test the product on a small area first before starting the whole project.

Decking

• Decking oil – Clear satin finish or transparent colour finishes are available, these can be mixed in our shop. The natural wood colour will remain visible and enhanced with the clear finish. It is highly water and dirt resistant. It is also breathable and microporous. As with a lot of Osmo products, there is no sanding necessary when needing to re-coat over time, and spot re-coats can be done rather than having to redo the entire piece. This product drives deeply into timber and is great for all wood species including more exotic ones.

• Natural Oil Woodstain – This can also be used on decking and provide you with a larger variety of colour options. This option would work well on softwoods.

Doors

• UV Protection Oil – Available in both Satin and Matt finishes. This is a good option if you’re looking for the most transparent option and to keep the wood as natural and close to its wood species as possible. Also available in “tint” colour options.

• Natural Oil Woodstain – Available in Satin and Matt finishes. Can also be mixed to transparent coloured woodstains and designer colour matches. This would give a semitransparent final result, great for those wanting to add some colour to their doors. The natural oil woodstains also provide great UV protection.

• Country Shades – The perfect option for those looking for more colour, these give a more 'painted' look whilst visually keeping the timber surface. The opaquer the colour the higher the UV protection. With Osmo’s factory refined pigments, the Country Shades is best to showcase this with a real depth of colour and a rich finished look. Designer colour matching is possible.

Cladding

• UV Protection Oil – Both Satin and Matt finishes available. Gives a transparent finish, perfect for keeping it looking as close to its wood species.

• Natural Oil Woodstain – Can also be used also for cladding. Clear Satin and Matt finishes available as well as coloured woodstains. This option leaves the natural wood grain visible, and would be extremely weather and UV resistant.

• One coat only – With this product the natural woodgrain remains visible. It also offers water and dirt resistance as well as reduces wood swelling and shrinkage, which would help keep cladding intact with temperature rises and falls. This product gives a breathable finish which won't crack, peel or flake. It offers twice as much coverage due to its high oil content. The finish is a transparent satin woodstain, ideal for protecting wood in exterior settings.

• Country Shades - The option if a more solid coloured opaque look is desired.

Garden furniture/Planters/Sheds

• Garden Furniture Oil – This is a product that comes in a clear finish, great for those looking to add protection and prolong the life of their garden furniture whilst keeping the natural look of it. Please note Osmo's Wood Reviver Power Gel might be needed first to clean and restore furniture.

• Natural Oil Woodstain – A good choice if more options are needed for a coloured woodstain.

• Country Shades – This product works great on outdoor furniture etc. As the images below demonstrate it gives a 'painted' look whilst still showing the natural wood grain. It has exceptional UV resistance.

Window frames

• UV Protection Oil – As before, available in both Satin and Matt finishes available. This product would give a transparent finish, perfect for keeping it looking as close to its wood species whilst offering great protection.

• Natural Oil Woodstain – As previously mentioned a more natural product with great coverage that is easy to apply and easy to touch up. These woodstains are also just a 'one tin for the job' meaning separate products are not needed to achieve the project like other brands systems often require.

• Country Shades – This product would offer a long lasting finish and protection, it is a high build two coat system for bare wood.

Useful things to note before investing in your product

• Please be aware some timber species (Cedar, Larch, Douglas Fir), especially when new, require a 'weathering off' period meaning they should be exposed to the outside elements for up to 3 months prior to any product application. More info on weathering periods here: https://osmouk.com/faq/weathering-wood/

• The 'greying' that often happens to exterior woods is caused by UV damage. Osmo wood reviver gel can be utilised when managing aging and exposed timber surfaces.

• All exterior products will age over time, especially in high-use areas where it manages the elements, many of these products vastly prolong this process but do be aware that no finish is completely maintenance-free when exposed to the elements.

• All garden projects are unique, different wood species have different needs and what product you choose depends on the final finish you are after. We are always on hand to talk through products and projects in more details.