Different species of wood will absorb oils at a different rate and in turn the pigment and so you will get the same tone but perhaps with a slight variance in intensity of colour. Test areas will show what colours can be achieved. What a great project !! To achieve those colours you will need to look at some of the Osmo products, here at Wood Finishes Direct we nearly always recommend oils for exterior protection, they are durable and easy to apply and maintain and will not peel and flake. You could have a look at the Osmo Country Colour this is a more opaque finish with the colours that you require, but at the same time can allow the wood to look and feel fairly natural. I’m in process of sanding off peeling translucent stain in gray color from pressure treated wood. I decided to sand because I wanted to start fresh with like new wood. If you have any questions or if there is anything further that they can help with please do let me know.

An oil soaks into the surface of the wood and will wear away over time. A stain, paint or varnish is a surface sealer and over time could peel and flake, exposing bare wood underneath. Paint, stains or varnishes can be removed with a stripper such as Paint Panther Paint and Varnish Remover. Oils unfortunately can not and if you can’t wait for them to wear away naturally the you can use a pressure washer to remove much of it, care must be taken not to damage the wood however.

Clear decking oils

When you start adding a little colour, the factor increases, so a light or natural oak for example will bring you up to a 20 – 30 factor and then a dark oak, rosewood, or dark brown will bring you up to a factor 50. This is the best way to maintain the natural colour of the wood over time, but of course if you don’t want to add colour then a clear oil with UV stabalisers will require annual top up. However, specific information about the ease of application and enhanced appearance is not provided for the Manns Premier UV in the given details. Depending on individual needs and preferences, customers may prioritize the UV protection and weather resistance provided by the Manns Premier UV 5L Clear or the comprehensive features of the RONSEAL Ultimate Natural 5L, including its natural look and unique penetrating formula. It would need a little bit of experimentation first to get the right result, it may be that you only require a very small amount of the coloured oil added to the clear, it is vital to thoroughly mix them together. So small ratio measures first and tests on your wood, until you get the desired result and then you are able to mix up a larger quantity in the same ratio to complete the project. This will help you to control the colour a bit more for getting the lighter result. Estimated coverage 20m²/L with one coat. Compatibility could vary with ribbed, grooved, or rough surfaces

For the best protection, apply an exterior wood preservative to protect against mould, algae, dry rot, woodworm and wood related diseases Resistant to changeable weather conditions, general wear and tear, prevents wood from greying and splitting.

As the wood is Balau there may be a naturally high oil content already and a test area first to ensure the wood will accept further oil is strongly recommended. You could wipe down the surface of the wood with Methylated spirits first as this will encourage the wood to accept more oil. Then two thin coats are all that is required.

Only apply in double figure temperatures and when the weather is set to be dry for at least the minimum drying time displayed on the tin. Single figure temperatures, damp or wet conditions could adversely affect the application and final finish of the product Would that make a difference to the appearance? Or does oiling effectively hide the grey on its own?Protect interior and exterior wooden surfaces with the unrivalled durability of wood varnishes. A great range of clear and coloured formulations. My advice will be to get a preservative on the wood first, this will protect against mould, mildew and rot. A popular option is the Barrettine Premier Universal Preserver which is a clear finish. If you keep up with regular maintenance there should be no need to retreat with the reviver, but if you do need to use it again in the future the oil will need to have worn away or you can use a pressure washer to remove the last of it. Thank you for this incredibly helpful article and for your detailed responses. It’s awesome to see a business taking the time to provide customers with such helpful information.