Protect decks and furniture with Resene

Just as the bark of a tree protects the timber beneath, you need to make sure timber decks and furniture are well protected to keep them looking good and minimise permanent damage to the surface. We all know that our sun is harsh on skin - it is just as harsh on exterior timber surfaces.

How to protect timber decks and furniture with Resene stains and oils
Protect, Recolour, Rejuvenate

Protecting exterior timber is as easy as 1 2 3...

1 Wash

2 Stain, oil or gel

3 Enjoy!

Step 1 - Wash

Resene Moss & Mould Killer

Always treat mould first as part of your prep using Resene Moss & Mould Killer. Never apply paint or stain over mould as it will just grow through. Simply dilute Resene Moss & Mould Killer, apply to your surface and leave, then scrub and wash off.

Resene Timber and Deck Wash

For a general wash of all timber areas, use Resene Timber and Deck Wash. This will clean your deck, furniture, weatherboards or fence so it is ready for new stain, oil or paint. It is ideal for spring cleaning decks and furniture too, even if you are not staining or oiling.

Step 2 - Protect, Recolour, Rejuvenate

Resene stains, gels, oils and paints not only help to protect your timber, but they can also help retain or rejuvenate the colour too.

Resene Timber and Furniture Gel

Resene Timber and Furniture Gel gives you the look of a stain, but it’s extra-thick nature means it’s much easier to apply to furniture and small wooden areas without unwanted drips and splashes. Available in a range of colours.

Resene Kwila Timber Stain

Resene Kwila Timber Stain gives a rich Kwila brown finish to decks, furniture and doors.

Resene Furniture and Decking Oil

Resene Furniture and Decking Oil is ideal to give a natural looking finish to timber. Apply annually to keep timber looking good.

Resene Woodsman Stain Range

Alternatively, choose from the Resene Woodsman stain range or Resene paint finishes for other options.

Top tips

Always ensure new timber has at least one coat of stain (or paint) on it prior to using. This is especially important in food preparation or eating areas where food may be dropped as this can leave a permanent mark on bare timber.

Ideally, after the first protective coat has been applied, leave new timber to weather for at least three months before staining or coating further. This allows time for the timber to ‘open up’ so that the stain or coating will penetrate or stick better.

New timber can be very dense and stains will not penetrate as deeply as they will with well-weathered timber. It is important to either allow the timber to weather for a couple of months or scrub using Resene Timber and Deck Wash to ‘open up’ the timber surface and allow the selected product to soak in. This may be an issue if your deck has a BBQ sitting on it or is a table, as dropped food, such as greasy sausages or meat, can stain the timber. If this is likely, stain as soon as practical. Kwila and some hardwoods leach tannins for the first few months when washed or rained on. This can stain concrete and pavers. It is best to wash until they stop leaching or leave on grass for a while until the colour has come out. Applying a stain or oil will not prevent this natural process from occurring.

Going dark? Choose a Resene CoolColour™

If you’re planning a dark colour outside, choose a Resene CoolColour™ option if it’s available. A Resene CoolColour reflects more heat than a standard colour, helping to keep the surface cooler and helping to prevent warping and other timber damage.

Timber variations

Timbers vary greatly in their colour, hardness and grain. It always pays to test your chosen product on a representative piece of timber to ensure you are happy with the finish before starting on the full project.

Say no to clear finishes

Clear finishes outside provide little or no protection to your timber. If you want a natural look, opt for a stain or oil as close as possible to the original colour. This will give you a natural look while still protecting the timber.

Mineral oils

If your substrate is previously coated in a mineral oil based wood finish, it must continue to be coated in the same finish.

Step 3 - Enjoy your newly stained or painted deck and furniture!

For more inspiration and ideas on how to protect and rejuvenate your exterior timber, see the our Ways with Wood section. This section covers fencing, garden projects, indoor and outdoor wooden furniture upcycling and restoration plus a range of other great DIY projects for you to try.

Finished timber deck stained with Resene Kwila Timber Stain
The finished result
Your deck is ready for you to enjoy!

Eight easy steps to clean and stain your deck using Resene Kwila Timber Stain

You will need:

A bucket, a garden sprayer and a hose with clean running water
A paintbrush, paint stirrer and a stiff bristled brush
Resene Timber and Deck Wash, Resene Moss & Mould Killer and Resene Kwila Timber Stain
A Resene paint pot and Resene Mineral Turpentine for washing the brush

Step 1 - Make the Resene Moss & Mould Killer mix Step 1:
Mix one part Resene Moss & Mould Killer to five parts clean water.

Step 2 - Apply Resene Moss & Mould Killer Step 2:
Apply the solution generously to the deck and leave for 48 hours.

Step 3 - Make the Resene Timber and Deck Wash mix Step 3:
Mix one part Resene Timber and Deck Wash to three parts water.

Step 4 - Scub the deck with Resene Timber and Deck Wash Step 4:
Scrub the solution vigorously across the deck using a stiff bristled brush.

Step 5 - Rinse off Resene Timber and Deck Wash after 10-15 min waiting period Step 5:
Allow the wood to remain wet for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with clean water. Allow to dry.

Step 6 - Stir the Resene Kwila Timber Stain Step 6:
Carefully stir the Resene Kwila Timber Stain with a paint stirrer.

Step 7 - Apply one coat of Resene Kwila Timber Stain Step 7:
Apply one coat of Resene Kwila Timber Stain to the deck, brushing in the direction of the grain. Allow to dry for 24 hours. Clean brush with Resene mineral turpentine.

Step 8 - Apply second coat of Resene Kwila Timber Stain Step 8:
Apply a second coat of Resene Kwila Timber Stain to the deck, brushing in the direction of the grain. Again, allow 24 hours to dry. Clean brush with Resene mineral turpentine.

Resene Paints Ltd – www.resene.com