To ensure the longevity of carpentry, the paint and stain of exterior wood must be capable of protecting the wood against various attacks such as weather, ultraviolet rays, and wood-boring insects.
The paint should not only serve for decoration. It primarily protects its surface. Since wood is a living material, it is important to ensure it is preserved against aging. To this end, there are several types of paints and stains for exterior wood. For optimal efficiency, it is recommended to pay attention to the product description. Indeed, the latter must be suitable for the nature of the surface. To paint wood, it is possible to use:
- acrylic paint. Since it is water-based, it will allow the wood to breathe. Thus, the paint will adhere to its surface over time and will flake less over the years. Moreover, acrylic paint has the characteristic of being a bit more water-resistant;
- alkyd paint. As it is oil-based, it takes about 8 hours to dry. Like acrylic paint, it has good moisture resistance. It provides a glossy finish due to the presence of lacquer. However, this product gives it a more pronounced smell and does not allow the wood to breathe;
- exterior alkyd paint. This is a combination between acrylic paint and alkyd paint. Water-based, it still retains the synthetic resin found in alkyd paint. It is consequently resistant while providing a beautiful finish;
- stain. It has the particularity of leaving the wood's grain visible. Even with this aspect, the wood will not gray and will be protected against mold and wood-boring insects.
It is necessary to properly prepare the surface before applying the paint. To this effect, it is advisable to carry out degreasing, sanding, filling any holes, and applying a primer.
In short, painting wood is a task accessible even to an amateur DIYer. It is enough to have the right product and paint in the direction of the wood's grain.