NOTE: Any external finish on timber will need to be maintained, so choose wisely to minimise upkeep.
WARNING: Do not use clear or tinted lacquer varnish or polyurethane – it will crack, peel and look unsightly. This includes timber with a pre-lacquered finish from Cedar Sales (TwoTone and Satin) – these are for alfresco and verandah ceilings or internal use only. For external timber in any conditions, Cedar Sales only recommends oil or external paint.
Timber preserving oil
Oil will fade over time and need reapplication, however this is an easy process.
Clear Oil:
Use clear oil if you want timber to go grey. It will soak into the timber, and assist in keeping the timber stable and straight.
Tinted Oil:
Use tinted oil for UV protection to maintain the original colour of the timber and prevent it going grey.
Cutek® Timber Preserving Oil:
Use Cutek® Timber Preserving Oil for long term protection and low maintenance. It soaks into the timber, and if the timber becomes very dull, grey or dirty, it can be readily cleaned back with a timber cleaner, and the colour is restored with more oil. No sanding or stripping is ever needed.
Paint:
Follow supplier recommendations for application and maintenance.
Black walls:
If you want an external black wall, Cedar Sales only recommends using Black Ash, or Triple Black Ash from Cutek®. Cutek® works better than most black stains to control dimensional stability.
WARNING:
Be very careful – a black surface can make timber fiercely hot, causing boards to be less stable.