When it comes to exterior doors, the finish you choose is super important. At RealCraft we use Osmo finishes on our exterior doors because they offer the best of both worlds. Osmo finishes condition like an oil finish and leave a protective film on the outside of the wood. They also don't have to be sanded down to be reapplied or touched up, which is something you have to do with varnishes. Here's a guide to all of our exterior-grade wood finishes, so you can choose the best one for your project. 

Exterior UV Protection Oil

The UV Protection Oilcombines water resistance and biocides for optimal protection from the elements. Unlike urethane-based finishes, it won't peel, crack, or flake, and it minimizes swelling and shrinkage too. As a top coat on already color-treated wood, Osmo UV-Protection-Oil preserves the wood much better and allows you to go longer between finish renovations. Applied on its own, it blocks the greying process on vertical surfaces with a UV protection factor 12 in comparison to untreated wood when two coats are applied.

Best for: doors, windows, carports, timber cladding, balconies, pergolas, and fences

Available colors: Clear

Contains biocide? Yes, except for variant 410

Exterior End Grain Sealing Wax

Osmo End Grain Sealing Wax is designed for the end grains of hard and softwoods, such as Teak, Pine, Spruce, Douglas Fir, Larch, and Cedar. It minimizes the water damage and cracking that can happen to exterior end grain surfaces. Exposed end grains need sealing in exterior settings to preserve the wood and prevent decay. Easy to apply and low maintenance, the End Grain Sealing Wax is made from plant oils and waxes including sunflower oil and carnauba wax, making it a good natural alternative to urethane based finishes.

Best for: decks, cladding, and roof soffits

Available colors: Clear

Contains biocides? No

Decking Oil

This finish protects, maintains and beautifies wood decking, garden furniture and fencing. It works for both softwoods and hardwoods. All color tones except Clear 1277 offer UV protection, and all variants are weather and water resistant. It's suitable for treated woods as well.

Best for: decks, but also good for doors

Available colors: Clear, Grey Natural, Rosewood, Bangkirai Dark, Bangkirai Natural, Mahogany, Thermowood

Contains biocides? No

Exterior One Coat Only HS Plus 

This transparent, satin wood finish is based on natural oils for wood in outdoor areas. It's water-repellent, extremely weatherproof and UV stable. Osmo One Coat Only HS Plus works because it has high solid content. It comes in multiple color options, so if you're looking for a wood stain, this is the one for you. 

Best for: timber cladding, carports, fences, pergolas, gazebos, patio furniture, and more.

Available colors: White Spruce, Silver Poplar, Pine, Mahogany, Scandinavian Red, Red Cedar, Larch, Oak, Walnut, Teak, Rosewood, Dark Coffee (Ebony).

Contains biocides? No

How to Apply Osmo Exterior Wood Finishes 

Applying Osmo is easy, which is one of the reasons why we recommend it for homeowners. You don't have to be an expert, and it is pretty forgiving. Be sure to follow instructions on the can, because recommended application methods differ slightly between products. Allow enough drying time between coats, and bear in mind that if you live in a really humid place, you may need to let them dry for longer. And whatever you do, always dispose of cloths soaked in Osmo in a bucket of water.Improper disposal of spent rags could risk spontaneous combustion.

Remember that it's better to have two thin coats as opposed to one thick one. 

How to Maintain Your Exterior Wood Finish 

Osmo is easy to apply, but that comes with a trade-off: it does have to be reapplied more frequently than varnishes. The upside? Absolutely no sanding or stripping required. 

How often you need to reapply Osmo depends on several factors, including:

• What direction does your door/deck/gazebo/etc face? Does it get a lot of direct sun exposure? 
• Is your wood exposed to rain or snow regularly? 
• Is the wood species rated non-durable? 
• Does the surface withstand heavy use? 
• Is it looking faded or gray?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, plan to reapply your Osmo product once annually. But also trust your judgment. If the wood is looking dry, then you can reapply ahead of schedule. If the surface is well-protected from the elements, like a door underneath a portico, you can reapply every other year.

Shop all our Osmo finishes here for an easy, low maintenance alternative to traditional finishes.