Exceptional Weather Protection for Exterior Wood

Garden Stain is a high-performance exterior wood finish designed to enhance and protect timber surfaces. The microporous formula repels water while allowing the wood to breathe, reducing the risk of swelling and shrinkage. The stain provides durable UV stability to prevent fading, keeping exterior wood looking fresh for longer.

Where Can It Be Used?

Garden Stain is ideal for a wide range of outdoor wooden structures, including cladding, pergolas, balconies, window shutters, fencing, sheds, garden furniture, and carports. It is not suitable for decking, as foot traffic requires a specialist product.

Application and Preparation

• Ensure wood is clean, dry, and free from frost before application.
• If additional protection against blue stain, rot, or insects is required, pre-treat with Osmo WR Base Coat 4001.
• Apply thin, even coats using a brush, roller, or sprayer, following the wood grain.
• Allow to dry for 3-4 hours before applying a second coat if needed.
• For renovation projects, one coat is usually sufficient.

Colour Options

Garden Stain is available in eight transparent shades: Pine, Light Oak, Teak, Rosewood, Larch, Patina, Pearl Grey, and Basalt Grey. The final appearance may vary depending on the type and condition of the wood.

Limitations and Recommendations

• Do not use on decking or non-wooden surfaces.
• Not recommended for use in enclosed areas without proper ventilation.
• Always apply a test coat on a small, inconspicuous area before full application.
• Do not expose to frost before or during application.
• Refer to the downloadable data sheet for complete usage guidelines.

Health and Safety

Garden Stain is classified as harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (Aquatic Chronic 3, H412). Avoid release into the environment. Contains 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, which may cause an allergic reaction. Always wear a dust mask when sanding. Dispose of contents and containers in accordance with national regulations. UN classification: Not applicable.

Suitable Wood Types

Recommended for Immediate Application

For the wood types listed below, apply the stain directly. If a wood type is not mentioned, conduct a trial application before full use.

• Oak

• Beech

• Ash

• Alder

• Birch

• Thermowood & Thermally Modified Timber (TMT): These materials grey quickly and should be treated within two weeks of processing. Decking-Oil 010 Thermowood is a suitable choice.

Recommended with WR Base Coat

For these wood types, apply a WR Base Coat before staining to enhance protection and durability:

• Pine

• Spruce

• Accoya

• Kebony

Recommended After a Weathering Period

Certain wood types require a period of exposure before application. Depending on the species, allow the wood to weather outdoors for up to 12 weeks. During this time, natural extractives leach out, ensuring better adhesion and longevity of the stain.

Before application, clean the surface thoroughly to remove extractive content. Osmo Wood Reviver Power-Gel can be used to restore wood colour. If needed, de-grease the dried surface using Osmo Brush Cleaner and Thinner. Always conduct a trial application before full use.

Specific Weathering Periods for Wood Types:

• Sapele: 2–4 weeks

• Rosewood: 4–6 weeks (use Natural Oil Woodstain 727 Rosewood after approx. 12 weeks)

• Douglas Fir: 6 weeks (WR Base Coat recommended)

• Larch: 6 weeks (Decking-Oil 009 Larch is suitable; WR Base Coat recommended)

• Cedar: 12 weeks

• Iroko, Mahogany, Teak, Merbau: 12 weeks

• Tropical Walnut: 6–8 weeks

• Ipe: 6–8 weeks (006 Bangkirai is a popular choice)

• Garapa: 12 weeks (013 Garapa is suitable)

• Balau, Bangkirai: 12 weeks (006 Bangkirai is suitable)

• Massaranduba: 12 weeks (014 Massaranduba is a popular choice)

• Pressure-Impregnated Wood:

  • Approx. 12 weeks exposure to heavy rain (winter)

  • Approx. 6 months exposure to light rain (summer)

  • This allows salts from the impregnation process to wash out fully.

Note: Always ensure the wood's moisture content is below 20% before application.

Not Recommended for Application

Some wood types are unsuitable due to moisture content, extractive properties, or existing surface treatments:

• Green Oak: Typically exceeds the recommended 20% moisture content.

• Idigbo: Contains yellow dyes that leach when wet, leading to staining when in contact with iron.

• Previously Coated Woods: Any wood treated with varnish, lacquer, or other surface coatings must be fully sanded before applying the stain.