Estetik coloured oils protect wood against water and sunlight

Although September has already passed, fall is still beautiful with days that, although shorter, are sunny and clear. Perfect weather for continuing yard and garden projects, painting, protecting and preparing wood for the cold season. Wind, snow, cold weather or low humidity due to frost can take its toll and it's good to make sure it will make it through the winter. I think this is a good time to talk to you about Estetik range of oils that I discovered in the Bochemit offer from Deposib. I was convinced that Bochemit just meant protection against insects, especially bedbugs, a mold and fungi or fire. But I have discovered a number of colored oils for finishing wood, both exterior and interior. Of the traditional range of colors, I was drawn to white and especially gray, a color that can make wood look old and get rid of the unpleasant effects of damp and mildew.

Why I prefer oils for exterior wood finishing

I don't think it comes as a surprise to anyone that I prefer oil for finishing exterior wood. That's not to say that other products - varnishes or paints - aren't good. But I'm the kind of person who prefers the easy way, and oil is one such way to finish wood. Why do I say that? Because oil is easy to apply and maintain, and refinishing doesn't involve stripping or sanding off the old coat, as with other finishes, just applying another coat. In the case of oil, there is no film to crack and flake if the dimensional variation of the wood is large. Oil allows this natural movement, and it does not affect the integrity of the finish.

Another reason I prefer oil is its incompatibility with water. The main problem with wood decay is water getting into the wood and staying there. This creates a breeding ground for insects and fungi, and they smooth the way for wood decay. Oil does not mix with water, so if it is absorbed into the wood, it will keep the water at bay. It's true that water doesn't give up one or two times, either, and with every rain or snowfall, it "washes out" some of the absorbed oil. This is why oil-finished wood needs to be maintained. When you notice the wet silky look of the oil disappears and a dry look appears, this is the signal that the finish needs to be refreshed.

And while we're on the subject of oil, I'd like to make a clarification. I often see on social media the recommendation to finish exterior wood with linseed oil. Totally colorless linseed oil is not resistant to sunlight and is not recommended for outdoors. Neither does motor oil or other colorless oils resist the sun. Over time, the wood changes color and begins to blacken. To protect against the sun's rays the oil must contain some pigment. This does not mean it will become opaque, like paint. It will still be transparent because the percentage of pigment added is small, no more than 5%.

Range of coloured oils from Bochemit

Estetik is a range of oil-based varnishes designed for impregnating interior and exterior wood. The oils provide protection against UV radiation and prevent water penetration into the wood. To ensure effective protection against sunlight, the oils are colored in a variety of natural colors. The varnishes give the wood a pleasant color, but do not cover it completely, leaving the natural grain and pattern visible. Oils penetrate deep into the wood providing protection from the inside. They don't film, so they won't crack or peel, providing protection against water. The final appearance is matt, slightly silky, typical of oiled wood.

The Estetik range includes 8 colors: pine, golden pine, mahogany, mahogany, chestnut, walnut, rosewood, white and gray. They can be applied with a brush or roller, and if the wood is well sanded and prepared, the colored surface will be uniform. Apply 1 or 2 coats indoors, but at least 2 coats are needed outdoors for good protection. The more coats applied, the darker the color becomes. It is better not to apply more than 3 coats so as not to darken the color too much, thus losing the beauty of the fiber.

Estetik lazuli, together with other Bochemit products, are appreciated and used for the restoration and protection of many important sites. One such is the Dacian fortress of Costești. To protect it, a wooden structure was built and treated with Bochemit Opti F+, for protection against wood pests (insects, fungi, mold) and with Bochemit Estetik Protective Oil, for a pleasant appearance and protection against UV radiation and environmental factors.

How to apply Estetik oils

The wood must be clean, properly dried and well sanded before applying the varnishes. In the case of resinous wood, any resin must be removed by wiping with thinners. The way the wood is prepared influences the final surface appearance and the durability of the protection. In order to protect the wood against mold, fungi and insects, it is recommended to treat the wood with special products from the Bochemit range - Bochemit Opti F+ (against fungi) or Bochemit Plus I (against woodlice and other insects). Use transparent versions of these products so as not to affect the final color. Lazura is applied only after these materials have dried perfectly. For safety, it is recommended to apply after 24 hours.

If varnish is applied to old wood or wood that has been previously treated with other materials, sanding is recommended. Particularly if the wood has been treated with filming materials, the finish should be removed (even if there is only residue of the film). Water may have already gotten under the cracked film. Even if Estetik lacquer is applied on top, the peeling of the old film will continue, sensitizing the finish. Reclaimed wood from old buildings or constructions should be treated for safety with Bochemit insect fungicides.

Shake the product before application. Any colored product containing pigments must be shaken before use. Pigments have different weights and after a while, some of them - the heavier ones - may settle and others remain in suspension. That's why some colors will change if the packaging has been left still for a long time. Stir vigorously and the color will return to its original color.

Let's go back to the Estetik lacquers. They are applied with a brush or a brush, and the optimal working temperature is between +10 and +23°C. As I told you at the beginning, this is the optimal period for this type of work. It is not a good idea to apply varnish at air temperatures below +5°C or above +40°C. If you are finishing interior wood, apply 1-2 coats, and 2-3 coats for exterior wood. Like any oil, apply in excess, allow the wood to absorb, then brush off the excess. After 6 hours, when it does not take to the touch (not that wet feeling), the next coat can be applied. Complete drying takes 24 hours. After use, the utensils are thoroughly cleaned and used cloths, sponges or other oil-soaked debris are placed in a bowl of water.

Oil finishing wood surfaces preserves the natural look of wood while protecting it. And it's simple to maintain and restore, without vigorous stripping and sanding. Just apply a new coat. Get to work!