Painting Douglas fir correctly
To protect the Douglas fir terrace from the weather, it should be painted regularly. You can find a brief guide on the subject here.
Painting Douglas fir – this is how it’s done
Douglas fir wood is one of the most durable and weather-resistant types of wood, which is why protection with paint, wood oil and the like is not absolutely necessary. This is one of the reasons why it is so popular as patio wood and as a material for outdoor furniture. However, it can still be worthwhile to care for Douglas fir in this way – this can slow down the wear and tear of the surface.
More on the topic: How do I clean the WPC with a pressure washer or electric brush?
When painting Douglas fir, use a wood oil with special suitability. Above all, pigmented coatings can prevent the surface from greying, for example, which contributes to a better preservation of the appearance. On the other hand, glazes are not recommended for exterior use, as they tend to crack and break – opt for a diffusion-open product at most.
Product recommendations
When painting Douglas fir, it is best to opt for wood oil that is specially manufactured for the surface requirements of this material. When buying, also check the packaging volume, the yield and the colour shade. The de-greaser must also be suitable for Douglas fir wood. Use a surface brush with robust bristles for the oil application.
Bosch High Pressure Washer UniversalAquatak 125 (1500 W, pressure: 125 bar, max. flow rate: 360 l/h, in carton packaging)
1 used from £87.68Free shipping
This pressure washer is equipped with a powerful output of 1,500 W and generates a water pressure of up to 125 bar. This allows the device to achieve a maximum flow rate of 360 l/h. The high-pressure cleaner has a versatile 3-in-1 nozzle for more flexibility. Thanks to a hose length of 5 m, you are also mobile on the go.
Kurtzy 12 Pack of Paint Brushes - Brush Head 101.6mm (4 inch) & Overall Brush Size 21.5cm (8.46 inches) -...
Free shippingFor painting wood oil or glaze on large-area terraces, the use of this surface brush is recommended, which boasts a size of 30 x 120 mm. The bristles are made of a synthetic mixture, which ensures high resistance. The handle is ergonomically shaped and made of FSC-certified wood.
HG Weathered Wood Restorer, Simple No Sanding Pre-Treatment, Cleans Maintains & Renovates Wooden Garden Furniture, Prepares & Restores Natural Colour...
Free shippingIf your Douglas fir decking has a greyed surface, this de-greaser can be used to give it a fresh and clean look. The product can be sprayed on directly using the nozzle and only needs to work for 10 minutes. It is suitable for garden furniture as well as for planks and boards. The packaging contains 500 ml.
Nordicare Sealing Wood Oil for Outdoor Garden Furniture - Suitable for All Outdoor Types of Wood, Danish Oil for Wood...
Free shippingThis wood oil was developed for outdoor use and can be used to maintain Douglas fir. It provides a dirt- and water-repellent layer that allows the wood to breathe at the same time. It also creates an effective protection against radiation from UV light. The wood oil is supplied in a 1 l bucket, which is sufficient for 10 to 12 m2 of surface.
Instructions: Painting Douglas fir in 3 steps
Before you can start painting the Douglas fir, optimal preparation is elementary. Dirt and impurities, for example, prevent the wood oil from penetrating the material properly. If the surface has already turned grey over time, the colour shade may turn out differently than desired. Also check whether the wood has been pre-treated in any other way.
Total Time: 2 minutes
1. Preparation
Remove coarse dirt. Remove the coarse dirt (think of leaves, potting soil or the layer of dirt from last winter) to create a prepared surface for the high-pressure cleaner. Depending on the degree of dirt, a broom or a scrubbing brush can be used for this purpose.
Clean with a pressure washer. Then use the pressure washer and clean the wooden terrace thoroughly. Make sure you use a suitable cleaning agent and keep a suitable distance from the surface. Otherwise you run the risk of damaging the fibres of the wood. A surface attachment for the pressure washer can make this process much easier.
Treat with de-greaser. If silvery-grey discolouration is visible on the Douglas fir, it is usually greying. This should also be treated after cleaning. Apply the de-greaser according to the manufacturer’s instructions and allow it to take effect. By the way, many products can be put directly into the high-pressure cleaner, which can make this step faster.
Mask off the edges. Now mask off the edges of the patio to prevent the oil from spreading to unwanted areas. This includes, for example, the transitions to the façade or stone paths. The same applies to built-in furniture, brackets of the patio cover and co.
2. Painting
The next step is to paint the Douglas fir. Mix the wood oil or paint well before use and use a brush or a paint brush. Then proceed plank by plank to achieve as even a result as possible. It is best to carry out this painting in dry weather.
3. Allow to dry
Afterwards, the new coat of paint only needs to be left to work and dry. Here, too, the manufacturer’s instructions are decisive. Be careful not to walk on the area during this time. It may happen that some areas dry faster than others. This is completely normal and will even itself out after up to 24 hours.
Tools:
- Broom
- High pressure cleaner
- Surface brush or paintbrush
Materials: Wood oil or stain, Degreaser, Painter’s masking tape
Possible problems & solutions
When painting Douglas fir, the oil may not be properly accepted by the material or may dry patchily. With glazes there is also a risk of brittle or cracked areas. These problems can usually be avoided if you choose a specially suitable product. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before buying and make sure your paint is designed for Douglas fir.
FAQ
Which wood is more resistant – Douglas fir or larch?
While larch is traditionally counted among the hardwoods, Douglas fir, in contrast, belongs to the softwoods. The wood density also differs, at 0.59 to 0.5 g/cm3. However, both types of wood are hard-wearing and last between 10 and 15 years outdoors. Larch tends to last a little longer.
Does Douglas fir need to be painted or oiled?
In principle, Douglas fir is counted among the weather-resistant types of wood, which means that it is highly durable even without additional protection. Nevertheless, you should treat the wood to protect it from moisture. For outdoor use, it is not recommended to paint the Douglas fir wood with a glaze, which is why you should use a suitable wood oil. Indoors, both are possible without any problems.
Which paint or glaze is suitable for Douglas fir?
If you decide to paint the Douglas fir wood, you should choose a specially suitable glaze. These are available in DIY stores, specialist shops and online. Opt for a diffusion-open product that does not form a stable surface layer. This prevents the paint layer from cracking and peeling.
How to paint Douglas fir correctly?
First remove all dirt and treat the Douglas fir boards with a de-greaser before masking off any edges. Then mix the oil or glaze thoroughly and apply it plank by plank with a brush. Finally, allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours.
