Painting bankirai: how to do it the right way

Do you want to paint bankirai, but are you unsure whether the paint will adhere well or stay looking good for long? Good news: it is definitely possible. Bankirai is a durable hardwood with a dense structure, which makes it a little harder to paint than softer woods. But with the right preparation and a breathable paint such as Osmo Landhuisverf, you can protect the wood for a long time and give it a fresh new look. In this article you will read step by step how best to treat bankirai, which products you need and how to achieve a smooth result.

Please note: Osmo Landhuisverf is intended for vertical outdoor wood such as fences, cladding, garden sheds and window frames. For bankirai decking and other surfaces you walk on, we recommend Osmo Terras-Olie in a wood color.

Good preparation is essential for a durable finish and strong paint adhesion. Depending on the current condition of the wood, follow one of the steps below:

1. Maintenance or repainting

If the surface has already been treated with Osmo and only needs maintenance, it can be cleaned with Osmo Terrasreiniger, after which a new coat of Osmo can be applied.

2. Untreated wood

Has your bankirai wood never been treated? Then you can paint it directly after cleaning, sanding is not necessary in this case. It is important, however, to let the wood weather outdoors for 4 to 6 weeks first. This removes natural oils that can reduce paint adhesion. After that you can remove any graying and continue the treatment.

3. Wood that has already been treated? Use Osmo Verf Stripper

Is there still an old coat of paint, oil or stain on the wood? Then you first need to remove it with Osmo Verf Stripper. This powerful, low-odor paint stripper is suitable for exterior wood and dissolves several layers of varnish or stain at once.

Please note: wear protective clothing and always test on a small area first. Rinse thoroughly after use, let the wood dry, and only then continue with the treatment.

4. Removing graying from weathered wood

Has the wood lost its original color due to UV radiation and the weather? Then treat it with Osmo Power-Gel Houtontgrijzer:

• Apply with a brush
• Let it work for 20 minutes
• Scrub thoroughly and rinse with water
• Let the wood dry for at least 24 hours before you start painting

For painting bankirai we recommend a few specially selected products, including Osmo Landhuisverf. This paint has been specially developed for exterior wood and offers long-lasting protection, even on dense wood species such as bankirai.

• Does not peel or crack
• Resistant to moisture, dirt and the weather
• Leaves the wood grain visible, despite its opaque finish
• Environmentally friendly and safe once dry
• Available in 21 standard colors, and RAL colors on request

The paint is based on natural oils and waxes, so the wood can keep breathing. This prevents moisture from building up.

• Only work on a clean and dry surface
• Ideal temperature: 10 to 25 °C (50 to 77 °F)
  Work in thin coats
• Always test the product on a small area first

To keep the paintwork and the wood in good condition:

• Clean twice a year with Osmo Terrasreiniger
• Remove green algae in good time to prevent slipperiness
• Check every year whether a new coat is needed

If the wood has turned gray: first treat it with Osmo Power-Gel, then repaint