Exterior oak doors

golfergirl28

We have oak doors and window frames on our 9 month old extension. They were varnished several times before and just after installation but are in direct sunlight and are now showing very obvious signs of weathering.
What's the best treatment? Since they've been varnished I assume that's the way to go. What type of varnish should we use? Anything else we should do?
We kind of regret choosing oak since it seems to need so much maintenance.
On another note our kitchen work tops are also oak and just need occasional sanding and oiling to keep looking great. No so the outside stuff!

evilgoose

Make sure you remove any flakey old varnish and sandback (dont use wire wool or wire brushes, as you could get black stains from the iron reacting with the tannings in the wood) to provide a key and varnish with a good quality UV stabilized exterior varnish. I remember seeing a tv prog where they had wooden windows and they were just oiling them. Have a look at some of the products in the osmo range.

aboard_epsilon

I used this stuff last time ...been through two summers on south facing double garage doors

http://www.agwoodcare.co.uk/prod/impra_elan.html

many other sources maybe cheaper

seems to be holding up very well ..no flaking

and that's good on these doors........the doors are now 25 years old ..

so ive tested lots ..and this seems to be doing the best.

you are better putting a stain on it first ..as bare wood will bleach through translucent varnish...so pick a stain (dye) the same colour as your wood..not the thick stain that hides the grain ..pick a liquid stain and after sanding apply sparingly with a rag.

stain (dye) also helps make the different pieces of wood of the door, all the same colour and more uniform in appearance .



all the best.markj

Suzy_M

You could use higher grade linseed oil treatment on oak. No sanding down between coats and you just slap it on every year or so with minimal preparation.
Do a search for Holkham Hall Estate Norfolk paint products - there's a lot of very useful information on their commercial site.