Kwila
Kwila/Merbau is highly suited to permanent outdoor use because it is very stable and has minimal shrinkage. When the timber weathers, it will eventually go a silver grey colour. Some people prefer this aged look while others like to maintain the original colour with a light wipe over of a good quality decking oil. In Australia, due to our sometimes humid climate, we advise a good decking oil that has a sunscreen and an anti mould ingredient in the oil. We prefer a clear oil, but, colour pigment can be added as a matter of choice. The oil is best wiped on lightly with a cloth.
If the timber is exposed to sun, not oiled and goes grey there are products we can supply, a cleaner to restore the timber without too much effort (i.e. does NOT require sanding back).
Kwila/Merbau when first exposed to heavy moisture, rain, or snow, will bleed excess tannin from the wood. This tannin can stain unsealed floor surfaces and cloth. To minimise this problem we recommend the use of a timber wash product prior to thoroughly hosing down the furniture and placing on unsealed floors. If a timber wash is not used, the length of time required to hose down before the tannin starts to run freely from the timber can vary enormously. Although this excess tannin is inconvenient to deal with when the furniture is first purchased, it is not a permanently ongoing problem. Always re-apply a light coat of oil to the furniture after bleeding, to maintain the natural colour of the timber.
Araucaria
Our Araucaria settings are either finished in a clear lacquer or painted with a good quality exterior paint. In time, the paint will crack and peel and will require stripping and re-application to remain looking good. Where possible seal the joins and joints and prepare (undercoat) and paint ALL surfaces of the item. If thoroughly stripped of paint at the time you can choose to apply a suitable oil or clear lacquer instead of repainting.
Fabric
Acrylic dralon is a material so fade resistant that even over a period of 10 or 15 years there is most often no discernible difference from the original colour. It is colourfast to the degree that bleach can be used quite safely to clean it. The fabric is fade-resistant, colourfast, mould & mildew resistant, Scotchguarded, tough & hard wearing with limited stretch – it is not hot & sticky to sit on.
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