There are many different wood preserving products available, and the choice you make will ultimately be determined by how big your job is, and how much protection your wood will need in the coming years. Luckily the big name brands – such as Ronseal, Ciprinol, Sadolin, DeepKill and TWP – have an extensive range that is suited to anyone from the amateur hobbyist right up to the commercial furniture maker or construction company.
Interior Or Exterior?
The first thing to consider when deciding on the wood preserving products you will need is whether the wood is for interior or exterior use. Exterior wood preserving products come with additional weather protection and a stronger grade of pesticide and fungal repellent. Wood that is kept inside and is thus protected from the weather and nasty insects will not require such an extensive level of protection.
Previous Finishes
Another key factor to consider is whether or not your wood has already been treated (with lacquer, paint, or other oils or finishes). Unfortunately many wood preservers need to be applied prior to any other treatments or finishes, although this is by no means the rule – some hardware stores will stock a timber paste (such as that marketed by DeepKill) which can be applied before or after treatment, and which protects the entire width and breadth of the wood, not just the top layer.