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Verandahs & Decks Design Dilemma Exterior

Colour to stain, oil or paint outdoor setting

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

I had made up my mind to get rid of the pictured outdoor setting because I do not have it in me to sand it all and then oil or stain. However, I found a stain in the shed that the previous owner left behind and tested it out on the lazy susan (without sanding) to see how it would look. I would like advice on whether I proceed and paint the setting this colour.

The photo with the concrete pad in the background is likely where it will go which I intended on painting grey - any advice on the tone of grey would be appreciated. I don't want to go too light as when the sun will reflects off it, it'd be harsh on the eyes.

Another option is to use the stain on the other setting pictured (which will remain where it is). I'm wondering if the cedar colour is too much for near the house ...

I would also appreciate advice on what colour to paint the trellised framing that is around the air conditioning unit.

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Comments (3)

oklouise
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
what a beautiful back yard...try a darker colour stain on everything,,, a darker brown would look better against the grey deck and the concrete
PRO
User
4 years ago
Hi Anna, with your lovely bushland setting my preference is stained finishes that allow the character of the substrate to show through, not paint which will obscure the substrate material.

Stained finishes on outdoor timber will be easier to maintain over time too, as you can wash down and re-coat rather than having to sand back.

In terms of prep, use an oxalic acid based wood cleaner (following the safety guidelines of course) and give it a good scrub. Don't use sand paper or a pressure cleaner. After the cleaner has restored the wood surface you can apply a penetrating oil finish - at least 2 coats - to enhance the natural colours. If adding a tint, I would look for something that will reflect the bushland tones, probably greys. A strong orange look will not complement the bush tones.

For your slab area, I would just give it a good pressure clean then apply a clear sealer, maybe add some grey oxide if the concrete is too light. The aim is to retain some patina and avoid solid blocks of colour like pavement paint would achieve. Sealer will age more gracefully than paint too.

All this is subjective of course, but to me working with the colours and textures of the bush is the way to go.

Looking forward to seeing your "after" photos when it is done!
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Anne Monsour
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Hi Anna , I would paint the trellis the same grey as your deck . The cedar colour looks wrong. I wouldn’t use brown either . The oil coats will look good .

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