The natural beauty of exterior wood will be ‘clearly’ visible following the launch of two Weathershield Naked Wood products from Dulux Trade Woodcare. Utilising unique technology, the products deliver a finish which has been previously unachievable – a truly clear yet protective coat.
Dulux Trade Weathershield Naked Wood has been specifically developed for use on exterior wood where it is crucial the natural look is conserved, while the wood is protected from extreme weather conditions and the ‘greying’ process.
This ‘greying’ process occurs when wood is exposed to the detrimental effects of the weather. Sunlight breaks down the structure of wood which is the main factor in the greying of wood, and repeated wetting and drying causes wood to swell and crack. Unprotected wood is consequently prone to mould and fungi that cause unsightly staining.
The Weathershield Naked Wood system prevents this process through the use of a unique combination of UV absorbers and ICI Paints’ polyurethane technology, which provides a flexible and clear yet durable, protective coating. The finish is far superior to conventional varnish as it is matt, will not yellow and will protect for longer.
Weathershield Naked Wood Basecoat* is a water-based product that has been designed as the perfect base for Weathershield Naked Wood. It provides excellent protection against blue stain fungi and the UV rays that contribute to the greying process.
These products provide the first truly clear, matt finish on the market. There is a growing trend towards the use of natural wood on the exterior of buildings, yet it can be hard to maintain this. It may look great at first, but the greying process will set in and soon the wood will lose its natural appeal.
These products specifically tackle this issue to help meet growing customer demands for the integrity of wood to be maintained and preserved without constant attention. For the best effects we recommend that after suitable preparation, one coat of Weathershield Naked Wood Basecoat is applied and then when fully dry, the wood should be finished with three coats of Weathershield Naked Wood. This will maintain and highlight the beauty of the wood and protect it for up to four years on certain woods, provided the instructions are followed exactly.