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Richard Bradley, V33 Group's UK Marketing Manager provides some advice on how to protect outdoor cladding, window frames and doors

Between now and the end of September is the ideal time to turn your attention to your home's exterior woodwork. Time spent properly protecting it means it will be shielded from the worst that winter will bring, thereby saving you repair time and money in the long run. Longer days and better weather also mean your efforts in this area are more likely not to be interrupted by rain.

Make it your priority to ensure that external woodwork is waterproof and protected from mould, mildew and damp that causes rot. In addition, make certain the timber is shielded from the effects of repeated exposure to sunlight, which can damage it. Applying a decent wood-stain is the effective way of creating a barrier, which protects the wood from water and the sun. If you also have a certain colour tone in mind for your external woodwork, then woodstain is ideal for achieving it.

When looking for a woodstain to protect and decorate outdoor cladding, window frames or doors, make sure you select one offering good longevity. Don't accept anything less than an eight-year guarantee for supreme protection. Other attributes to seek out include a translucent finish that enhances exterior timber, plus application smoothness and simplicity derived from a non-drip, quick-drying formulation. Look for a woodstain that's suitable for most woods, hard and soft, new or old, so that you don't have to worry about whether you're choosing the right formulation for your woodwork. You also want one that can be applied over most existing woodstains so that you don't have to go to the trouble of removing whichever stain is already there.

It's worth checking what the packaging says about the formulation of woodstain you choose in order to ensure that, once applied, it's flexible with wood movement. Finally, if you're going to be using the product on outdoor woods that are exposed to bad weather conditions or lots of sun, then you must make sure the woodstain is water-repellent and has UV filters.

Using these checks in order to select your woodstain means you'll be on your way to protecting exterior timber effectively while also achieving a beautiful finish you can be proud of. From the V33 range of wood enhancement products, we recommend V33 High Protection Woodstain, which is available from B&Q in six colours, including Clear, Light Oak, Medium Oak, Dark Oak, Mahogany and an attractive grey shade called Charcoal. Most colours are formulated in both satin and matt finishes. Available in 750ml (£17 – 9m2 coverage) and 2.5l (£32 – 30m2 coverage) sizes.

Preparation & application

It's advisable to prepare the wood to be stained by ensuring it is clean, dry, in good condition and not greasy. You can sand corners and edges to round them slightly – sharp corners are more prone to chipping. For bare woods, sand with abrasive to obtain a smooth surface and remove dust, then apply a suitable wood treatment product. For exotic woods, oak and chestnut, dilute the first coat with 15% water and apply a second non-diluted coat. On greasy woods, degrease the surface with acetone. For stained woods, brush to remove any loose or flaking finishes, then use abrasives to obtain a smooth surface before removing dust.

When applying woodstain, the conditions should ideally be between 12° and 25°C in dry, wind-free weather. Stir the product well before and during use using a wide stirrer. Apply the woodstain in two coats, and for a spray application, dilute with 10% water. 

Some application tips include:

• Don't apply to thermo-heated, thermo-treated or acidic woods
• For bright colours on new or exposed woods, it may be necessary to apply a third coat
• The clear shade is only for renewal on previously stained and tinted woods or only to dilute other shades
• Results may vary according to wood species
• Always test the product on a small or inconspicuous area for colour, compatibility and end result.

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