UV Oil: What It Is, How It Works and When to Apply It

When it comes to outdoor furniture and other applications, such as cladding, timber is a classic material of choice. It can be used to create both a timeless and a modern aesthetic, can be used in various applications and can be customised through various means (such as paint, varnishes or oil finishes).

However, natural wood can be susceptible to biological damage, so it is important that it is well-maintained and correctly protected. One such way of doing this is through the use of UV oil. You may be wondering, what is this, how does it work and when should I use it? Worry not, for in this comprehensive guide we’ll be answering all your burning questions.

By the end you’ll be adding Treatex UV Oil to your basket straight away!

What is Treatex UV Oil?

Treatex UV Oil is a type of oil that is applied to exterior timbers in order to give them ultraviolet protection. This is not to be confused with something that has been UV oiled, which instead means it has been oiled and cured using ultraviolet light.

Since wood is a natural material, it is susceptible to biological damage - including that from the sun. As you know, the sun emits harsh ultraviolet rays, which can then damage exposed wood by changing or destroying a component within it called the lignin, which hardens and strengthens the cell walls within the wood. As a result, the timber fibres are more prone to cracking, sloughing off or warping - especially if left long enough without protection.

Depending on the type of wood, UV rays can also cause discolouration, causing it to either fade or darken, resulting in an uneven appearance that can ruin the aesthetic of your exterior timber and space. These reasons are all why UV oil is essential for protecting your exterior wooden features.

How Does it Work?

At Treatex, our UV Oil penetrates deeply into the surface of your timber, attaching to the wood capillaries to provide a shield against extreme sunshine. UV oils consist of numerous UV filters, made from a blend of natural, plant-based oils. Some UV oils also contain active biocides to further protect the wood from other biological damage, such as mould, algae and fungal attacks.

Applications of Treatex UV Oil

Specifically for use on exterior timbers, UV oil is ideal for vertical surfaces, such as cladding, doors, windows, fences and wooden sheds/outbuildings. It is not recommended for use on horizontal surfaces, such as decking, since these tend to wear much quicker. It also works best on unfinished timbers, since previous finishes will stop the oil from penetrating the wood properly and offering maximum protection.

Applying Your UV Oil

Before application, wood with any previous finishes should be removed through light sanding. It is important to then ensure that your timber is clean and dry, making sure to have removed any dirt, grease, algae and any other contaminants so that your wood is perfectly prepared to soak up the UV oil.

For the best results, your wood should have a moisture content below 18% and the ambient temperature for application and drying should be between 8-25 degrees. You should also make sure that you have enough product before starting (multiple tins can be mixed together if needed) and carry out a trial application before starting the full project.

To apply, you need to stir the can(s) thoroughly both before and throughout the application. Our UV oil can be applied using either a brush or a roller, and it is important that you remember to always apply the oil in the same direction as the grain of the wood. Apply liberally to the end grain and coat all exposed sides of the wood at least once.

Leave this first coat to dry for 12 hours, then apply another coat using the same process, leaving the second coat to dry for 12-14 hours. Your timber surface is then protected!

Maximising Your Exterior Timbers

Though our UV Oil is best used on unfinished wood, it can still be used as a protective coating over our Treatex Exterior Oils and Classic Colour Collection paints. Below, we’ve listed some ways in which you can spruce up and make the most out of your exterior timber surfaces through the use of our UV oil and other Treatex products.

Fences

Fences are an essential garden feature, acting both as a boundary wall and offering you privacy - they tend to be a necessity that most people have in their outdoor space. However, just because you have a fence out of need rather than by choice, doesn’t mean you should overlook it when it comes to being part of your garden’s design.

If you have a particularly blooming garden and really want the vibrant colours of your foliage to pop, then painting your fence black is an incredibly effective way to help them stand out. Though this sounds like quite a bold and intimidating colour to paint your fence, it actually doesn’t come across this way, blending into the background better to let your garden truly shine instead.

Our Black shade from the Classic Colour Collection would be ideal for this, or even the shades Stygian or Ash Bark Green if you wanted to opt for a more natural dark colour.

Being not only exposed to the elements but surrounded by plants, it is essential that your fence be protected using our UV oil. Furthermore, since they act as a boundary between you and your neighbours, you will want them to stay protected for as long as possible rather than becoming damaged and needing to be replaced.

Sheds and Summer Houses

Wooden sheds or summer houses are a common feature in many people's gardens, offering outdoor storage space, acting as an additional room disconnected from your house or simply a space to relax and enjoy your garden more intimately.

These are often made of wood, since this allows them to blend more naturally into the exterior garden space. Being exposed to the elements from all angles, we recommend that you use one of our Exterior Oils to coat the exterior of your wooden sheds or outbuildings. Not only do these offer resistance to harsh weather conditions and biological damage, but they give your wood a brilliant finish that ensures it stays looking at its best.

These are also lightly tinted, so you can choose from various colours to give the illusion of different wood types or other natural colours to better blend in with the outdoor environment. UV oil can be added on top for extra protection and a slight shine.

Cladding

It is common to see wooden cladding used on some exterior walls of a home, typically when someone has had an extension built. The purpose of this is to protect the structure from natural elements like rain and wind, though it can also provide insulation and noise cancellation, as well as boosting aesthetic appeal.

Since its sole purpose is to offer protection from the elements, it only seems logical that the timber of the cladding itself is protected, allowing it to perform its job to the best of its ability. This is why you should use Treatex UV Oil for your cladding, extending its life cycle by maximising protection against wind and rain along with UV light and other biological damage.

Furthermore, UV oil also gives the timber a brilliant, lustrous finish that enhances the natural colour of the wood and really allows it to stand out.

Get in Touch

If you’re in need of high quality, sustainably sourced exterior wood finishes for your outdoor timbers, then Treatex is who you should turn to.

Not only do we offer the ultimate protection with our UV Oil, but we also offer a number of additional exterior finishes for your timbers to help maintain their quality and appearance, including paints, oils and cleaners. Wood is our passion and we believe everyone should get to enjoy the most out of their wood, which is why all Treatex finishes are easy to apply, attractive and durable.

If you have any questions regarding our products or for advice on how to care for your timbers, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today - we’re always happy to help!