Have you ever thought about the phenomenon of timber undergoing a transformation in colour when subjected to the elements?
Perhaps you've acquired a stunning poolside recliner of a deep red Jarrah or a Brown colour like Spotted Gum, only to witness its gradual shift towards the appearance of milk chocolate, or even grey, over the course of a few years?
This blog post is dedicated to shedding light on the effects of weathering on your solid wood furniture and providing insights into methods you can employ to decelerate this entirely natural process.
Stay engaged with us, as we embark on an enlightening exploration of weathering.
Unravelling Timber's Colour Palette
The vibrant hues of timber are the result of natural pigments at play.
These pigments owe their presence to a collection of chemicals called quinones and polyphenolic compounds. Quinones constitute the primary pigments, while polyphenolic compounds, although transparent, can assume prominence over time.
Furthermore, all varieties of timber encompass what is commonly termed as "extractives" – a mixture of pigments, tannins, and other resins nestled within the Timber's structure. These can be "extracted" using solvents such as water or mineral turpentine.
Lignin, an additional element, significantly influences coloration. Serving as the adhesive binding wood fibers, lignin stands as a pivotal structural constituent of wood.
So, What causes discoloration? The most influential catalyst behind discoloration is weathering, the result of prolonged exposure to natural elements like rain (in the case of outdoor furniture) and sunlight (which can affect both indoor and outdoor furniture).
This phenomenon hinges on two mechanisms:
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Rain exposure gradually leaches out extractives, including the intrinsic pigments (quinones). Consequently, the wood's color lightens as a consequence of this occurrence.
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Exposure to UV rays initiates the breakdown of lignin, the adhesive component. The resultant simple sugars serve as nourishment for molds, which can manifest as irregular dark patches. In scenarios where mold growth is restrained, such as in arid or coastal environments, complete development is hindered, resulting in the wood (your solid wood furniture) acquiring a silver-grey hue.
Combatting colour changes like UV-induced weathering can be a challenging endeavour.
Image: a weathered spotted gum-clad house
Our recommendation involves employing a properly formulated and subtly pigmented product like Danish Oil or Osmo UV Protect 420 Hardwax Oil. These products will decelerate the weathering process over time, but will not entirely prevent it. Consistent maintenance is crucial to their effectiveness.
Consider this to be like applying sunscreen when outdoors. Just as you need to reapply throughout the day to prevent excessive sunburn, these products require periodic attention to prevent UV rays from altering the wood's colour.
Furniture Covers – A Cautionary Note Enveloping your wooden furniture with materials like PVC or canvas can lead to rapid temperature escalation and stifling humidity. Ultimately, this environment can instigate adverse effects on glue, joints, and even the wood itself, resembling a cooking process.
Timber and adhesive materials aren't designed to endure such extreme conditions. Consequently, the lifespan of your furniture could be compromised.
Our recommendation is to opt for oils and, if feasible, relocate your furniture to a sheltered area to avoid direct exposure to the elements.
Concluding Thoughts
Our aspiration is for every customer to enjoy their solid timber furniture pieces for an extended duration.
Equipped with appropriate products (and a touch of diligence), both you and your furniture can look forward to lasting contentment well into the future.
Feel free to reach out should you have any inquiries regarding maintenance.