Osmo tips: Treating Douglas wood

Douglas wood comes from the Douglas fir. With its warm tones and durable properties, it is a popular choice for many construction and garden projects. To preserve its natural beauty and extend its lifespan, proper treatment is essential.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the three ways to do this: staining, oiling, or painting. The specific product you should use may vary depending on the surface, whether the wood is horizontal or vertical.

First, watch the video below for helpful tips on treating Douglas wood.

Douglas wood can be treated in different ways. Each method provides a different look and has its own advantages. Read on for tips on treating, maintaining, and applying products for Douglas wood.

1. Staining

Staining with Osmo Natuurlijke Olie beits

2. Oiling

Choose UV-Beschermingsolie for vertical surfaces and Terras olie for horizontal surfaces

3. Painting

Painting with Osmo Landhuisverf

Are you planning to treat Douglas wood? We are happy to help you get started with a step-by-step plan. Not sure which product you want to use yet? Then read the rest of the article first.

Tip: Before treating your Douglas wood, make sure the surface is bare. For example, is there paint or stain on it? Then remove it first. Read more about removing paint without sanding.

1. Stir the can well with a stirring stick for about a minute. This ensures that the components and pigments are evenly distributed throughout the product.
2. Start with the edges and sides of the surface. Use a brush so you can reach everything properly. Work in thin layers, following the direction of the boards and as much as possible along the full length of the surface.
3. Then apply the product to the larger surface. Start in the corner diagonally opposite where you need to finish, so you do not trap yourself. Apply the oil to the boards with a brush of your choice. Work in thin layers, following the direction of the boards and as much as possible along the full length of the surface.
4. Smooth the surface with an almost dry brush. This helps remove any brush marks and ensures the product is evenly distributed across the surface.
5. Let the wood dry as indicated on the can. Always ensure good ventilation and a temperature of at least 10 degrees. Make sure it is not applied during bad weather or rain. Poor ventilation or lower temperatures can extend the drying time.
6. Apply a second coat (see steps 2 to 5).

Have you applied one of these finishes to Douglas wood? Then you naturally want to keep it looking good for as long as possible. Proper maintenance is essential for this.

Make sure to thoroughly clean exterior wood at least twice a year, for example at the beginning and end of the outdoor season. You can clean the wood using a general cleaner mixed with water and a sponge.

If you want to clean the wood more thoroughly, we recommend using Osmo Terrasreiniger. Despite the name, this cleaner can also be used on surfaces other than patios. It is a powerful yet environmentally friendly cleaner that removes deeply embedded dirt, moss, and algae.

Does the wood need a new layer over time? Because Osmo coatings bond with the wood, they do not crack or peel. If you want to apply a new layer of Osmo, it is not necessary to sand the wood first. From now on, sanding exterior wood is no longer required.