Home > Blog > Surfaces

The Ultimate Guide To Protective Wood Treatments

When it comes to protecting outdoor wood, whether it be a shed, decking, fencing, cladding, a log cabin or garden furniture, it can be difficult to know exactly what treatment is best for you. The finish you want, the condition of the wood and the level of weather protection are all important to consider. That’s why our experts have created this guide to protective wood treatments to help you choose the right option for your outdoor wood.

In this guide we will cover:

Why it’s important to a protective wood treatment
How to protect wood
How to apply a protective wood treatment

Why Is It Important To Apply A Protective Wood Treatment?

Outdoor wood needs protecting because it is naturally porous and absorbs moisture. While hardwoods like teak, iroko and oak are less porous than softwoods, all wood types will eventually take in enough moisture to deteriorate.

There are a huge numbers of negative side effects that moisture can have on wood, with the main problems being rotting, organic growth and discolouration.

Rotting

Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause wet rot, a fungal decay that weakens and breaks down the timber. Untreated outdoor wood is constantly exposed to rain and damp conditions, which can lead to serious damage and costly repairs or replacement.

Organic growth

Moss, algae and lichens thrive on damp wood, creating green staining and making surfaces look unsightly as the growth spreads.

Discolouration

Moisture and UV rays can change the colour of wood over time. UV damage can cause ‘silvering’, where the wood loses its natural colour and appearance.

How Can You Protect Wood?

If outdoor wood is left untreated, it can quickly lose its appearance and may eventually need structural repairs due to weather damage. Using a protective wood treatment helps extend the life of the timber and improve durability.

There are several wood treatment options available:

Wood paint – Opaque colour that fully covers the wood grain.
Wood stain – Semi-transparent colour that keeps the wood grain visible.
Wood oil – Enhances the natural look, often made from natural ingredients.
Wood waterproofer – Clear, invisible treatment that repels water and reduces moisture absorption.
Wood wax – Natural beeswax finish, usually for interior use.

Choosing the right treatment depends on the look and level of protection you want:

For colour change use wood paint or wood stain.
For bare, untreated wood with no colour change choose wood oil or wood waterproofer.
Oils and waterproofers cannot be applied over painted or stained wood.

Key differences between wood oils and wood waterproofers:

Wood oil – solvent-based, longer drying time, higher Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s), usually requires up to 3 coats, may weather over time.
Wood waterproofer – often water-based, low odour, one-coat application, chemically bonds with wood pores, more durable and provides true water repellency without forming a surface film.

Super hydrophobic technology was developed to give exterior wood ultimate protection by completely repelling water. Water forms beads on the surface and rolls away instead of being absorbed.

This technology is highly breathable, allowing water vapour to pass through the wood. Breathability is essential, as non-breathable treatments can trap moisture, causing peeling, swelling and long-term damage. Many traditional sealers, paints and oils fail over time due to poor breathability.

Emperor Exterior Wood Waterproofer uses advanced super hydrophobic technology to provide a fully water-repellent and breathable, invisible treatment for bare outdoor wood. It chemically bonds to the timber without darkening or yellowing, preserving the natural appearance.

By reducing water absorption, it helps prevent fungal damage, rotting and organic growth such as moss, lichen and algae, extending the wood’s lifespan. Its water-based formula also provides UV resistance, protecting against silvering and colour loss.

Independent UKAS-accredited lab testing showed the product delivers a minimum of 25 years’ performance after accelerated weathering, with no peeling, flaking or moisture uptake.

How To Apply A Protective Wood Treatment

You will need:

Emperor Exterior Wood Waterproofer
Paint brush, roller or pump-sprayer
Dust sheet
180 grit sandpaper (may be required)
Masking tape
Exterior wood filler & filling knife (may be required)

1. Preparation

Proper surface preparation is essential for the best results.

For wood over 6–12 months old, remove all dirt, debris and organic growth. Use a power washer for heavy soiling, hot soapy water and a soft brush for lighter dirt, and 180-grit sandpaper to remove deep ingrained grime.

Apply Emperor Exterior Cleaner, a fungicidal concentrate, with a brush, roller, or pump sprayer, and leave to dry for 2 hours. This kills moss, lichen and other growth and lifts remaining dirt.

Repair any damaged areas with an exterior wood filler, matching the colour, as the waterproofer is invisible.

Protect surrounding surfaces with masking tape, window film and a dust sheet.

2. Applying the wood treatment

Make sure the wood is completely dry before applying. Use a hand-pump sprayer, brush or roller.

Apply to bare wood at 5m² per litre. This is a one-coat treatment and dries in 1 hour at 20°C (longer in colder conditions). The surface will be touch dry within an hour, so sudden rain won’t be an issue.

The full beading effect develops over several days as it cures, but the wood is fully waterproof and protected straight after drying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it change the appearance of wood in anyway?

Emperor Wood Waterproofer absorbs deep into wood instead of creating a film like other wood products so it offers completely invisible protection. This includes no colour change or difference in sheen on the surface, which can be the case with oils and others treatments

Can I apply protective wood treatment to previously treated wood?

Emperor Exterior Wood Waterproofer must be able to absorb into wood in order to chemically bond to it. This means that a previous treatment such as paint or oil can prevent this, meaning it is not suitable for use in this case. The treatment is designed to protect bare wood long-term without the need to re-apply treatments.

What guarantee of performance is there?

Emperor Wood Waterproofer has been independently tested by a UKAS accredited laboratory in a 25 year weathering test. After 25 years equivalent weathering, there was no signs of change in appearance or performance of the wood, which means it was fully protected for a 25 year period. Due to this, we offer a 10 year guarantee which ensures the performance of the product in any conditions, giving you peace of mind.

We hope we have answered any questions you may have had regarding protective wood treatments. If you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch with our team of experts who are on hand to assist you. Contact them today by emailing [email protected] or calling them on 01254 936121.