What Is The Best Paint For Exterior Wood?
What is the best paint for exterior wood is a question we get asked a lot here at Painters World. In this guide, we are going to try and give you a comprehensive guide to a range of exterior paints, varnishes & treatments used on exterior wood so you can find the right product for you, no matter whether you are painting decking, fascias & soffits, fencing or furniture.
What Is The Best Paint For Exterior Wood?
Let's address this question right out the bat. The answer is very subjective as it depends on what you are looking for. The best paint for exterior wood for you will differ depending on which look you are trying to achieve and what surface you are going to treat. But luckily for you, there is a vast array of products to meet any requirement you may have!
Things To Consider When Buying Exterior Wood Paint
1. What look do you want to achieve?
It is crucial to consider the desired look and finish that you want to achieve with the exterior wood paint. Wood treatments broadly come in four forms; paint, stains, varnish and oil. These offer varying levels of colour & transparency.
- Exterior wood paint - these products offer a solid/opaque colour finish that covers the grain of the wood. These often come in satin, gloss & matt finishes
- Exterior wood stain - these offer a coloured finish while enhancing the grain of the wood, usually available in earthy tones
- Exterior wood varnish - these create a hard, protective barrier on exterior wood
- Exterior wood oil - these nourish the wood to enhance it's natural beauty, while also providing protection
2. What type of surface is being painted?
The surface you are treating makes a big difference to which exterior wood treatment is best for you. For example, decking often requires a more durable solution than other exterior wood such as a shed as it is a horizontal surface where water will pool, and also due to the high traffic.
Many manufacturer's of exterior wood paints, varnishes & stains offer specialised products for each surface in order to provide to meet the specific demands of that area.
What Are The Best Exterior Wood Treatments?
For each of the various types of exterior wood treatments, we are going breakdown some of the very best options, so you can see which product is best for you.
The Best Exterior Wood Paint
If you are looking for a solid colour wood paint, that offers an opaque finish, there are a number of excellent options options.
The Best Option: Sadolin Superdec Opaque
The best paint for exterior wood for us is Sadolin Superdec, which is a highly durable opaque exterior wood paint for all exterior woodwork, except decking. It is perfect for decorating garden furniture, sheds, fences & much more, providing a burst of colour to your outdoor spaces! This is because it is available in tinted colours, which means you can choose any shade you would like. But why is Sadolin Superdec the best solid colour wood paint? Well, it remains flexible and resists cracking, peeling and flaking, is self priming & offers 10 year protection. Plus it offers great value for money. Superdec however only comes in a gloss & a satin finish, so if you a matt finish then it's best to look elsewhere! It is also important to note that it isn't suitable for decking.
Get 10% off Sadolin exterior wood treatments by using the discount code 'Sadolin10' at checkout.
Alternative options:
The Best Matt Exterior Wood Paint: Zinsser Allcoat Matt
Zinsser Allcoat is a great exterior paint for a range of surfaces, including wood, metal & UPVC. Like Sadolin Superdec it is tintable to any colour, and crucially comes in satin, gloss & matt finishes, giving you a fantastic flexibility to refresh all of your exterior surfaces. It is slightly more expensive then Sadolin Superdec, however it does offer a longer life expectancy of 15 years.
The Best Option For Decking: Sadolin Beautiflex
As we have discussed, Sadolin Superdec is not suitable for decking, which is where Sadolin Beautiflex comes in! Beautiflex is a solid/opaque coloured wood treatment for a range of exterior wood surfaces, offering 7 years protection! Again, it is available to be tinted to any colour, so is a great option if you are looking for something specific for your decking.
Get 10% off Sadolin exterior wood treatments by using the discount code 'Sadolin10' at checkout.
The Best Exterior Wood Stain
If you are looking for a translucent wood stain then here are your best options:
The Best Option: Sadolin Classic
Once again, one of the best options comes from Sadolin, this time with their Classic Woodstain. This is available in both tinted colours & in pre-made earthy tones. Crucially, Sadolin Classic as a wood stain is translucent, so the grain of the wood is still visible. It is particularly effective on large areas of timber such as cladding, fascias, decking and rough sawn timber. A great all round option!
Get 10% off Sadolin exterior wood treatments by using the discount code 'Sadolin10' at checkout.
Alternative option:
The Best Option For Durability: Sadolin Extra Durable
Suitable for all exterior wood except decking, Sadolin Extra offers the performance of a wood stain with minimal colour. It acts like a protective skin, expanding and contracting with your wood to prevent any blistering and flaking. It offer clear waterproof protection, which is a great option if you want to maintain a natural look to your exterior wood. We'd recommend it highly!
Get 10% off Sadolin exterior wood treatments by using the discount code 'Sadolin10' at checkout.
The Best Exterior Wood Varnish
If you are looking for an exterior wood varnish to enhance the natural beauty of your woodwork, then here is our recommendation:
The Best Option: Sadolin Yacht Varnish
Sadolin Yacht Varnish is a traditional clear varnish that offers both a durable, high gloss finish. This finish is completely clear, and aims to simply enhance the natural look & colour of your exterior wood. The perfect option for exterior windows, doors and conservatories!
Get 10% off Sadolin exterior wood treatments by using the discount code 'Sadolin10' at checkout.
We hope this guide to the best exterior wood paint has been helpful. Looking to tackle your exterior walls in your next project? Why not read our guide to the best waterproof masonry paint? Alternatively, shop the full range of exterior wood treatments we have on offer at Painters World. Get 10% off Sadolin exterior wood treatments by using the discount code 'Sadolin10' at checkout.
