Anyone with timber decking would agree that it’s a good idea to care for it to ensure that it’s not only looking its best but is protected from the elements. However, knowing your oil from your cleaning product or your stain from your paint might feel a little daunting. V33, whose range of decking products is sold through B&Q, Screwfix and Amazon, is on a mission to simplify what to use when.
Richard Bradley, V33’s UK Head of Marketing says: “I think that people may well be a bit baffled about whether to choose decking oil, stain or paint. So, here’s what I hope is a helpful explanation. Firstly, here’s the difference between decking stain and paint: decking stain is essentially a coloured finish which allows the natural grain of wood to show through it, whereas decking paint, being opaque, covers imperfections. Decking oil, on the other hand is the right choice if you want to enhance the natural beauty of the timber instead of masking it with colour.
“Aside from aesthetic considerations, if you choose wisely, the right product will give you performance benefits too. For example, seek out a decking oil that not only resists rainy weather but also has enhanced UV filters to protect the timber from sunlight damage. Look for a decking stain that is hard-wearing, and provides long-lasting weather protection. These days, it’s possible to find one with plant-based resins. The decking paint you choose should also provide excellent weather protection, should not flake or peel and should be washable. For both decking paint and stain, it’s also worth checking for anti-slip properties too.”
V33 High Performance Decking Stain, V33 Colour Guard Decking Paint, V33 UV-Resistant Decking Oil and V33 High Performance Decking Oil fulfil all these requirements. Before using any of them, the decking should be carefully prepared for finishing, preferably using V33 Tough Deck Clean & Revive. This fluid helps eliminate any greying effect, cleans off mould and mildew, and ensures the finishing product can be properly applied.
For more information visit www.v33.co.uk. V33 can also be found on Facebook/Instagram.