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Wood Finishes

High-traffic interiors and exposed exteriors demand tough wood coatings from Rawlins Paints. Interior wood paints offer long-lasting protection for busy areas. Exterior wood paints handle harsh weather on fences, decking, and façades.

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Wethertex OT25 Wood-Flex Satin Opaque Timber Paint | 4,350+ Colours

Wethertex OT25 Wood-Flex Satin Opaque Timber Paint

High-quality opaque satin finish exterior wood and timber paint available in 4,350+ colours. Ideal for all exterior wood and timber substrates providing up to 12 years of weather protection. Developed using advanced Optilife silicone technology for high breathability and flexibility. Quick-drying formula, suitable for application by...

Price £58.80 (incl. VAT)
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Owatrol Shed & Fence Paint | 35 Opaque Wood Colours

Owatrol Shed & Fence Paint

Premium finish in 35 opaque shades for new wood and recoating. Ideal for painting fences, sheds, cladding, and other vertical surfaces. Trim boards and outdoor wood furniture. Weathered vertical masonry. 15 years warranty against flaking and peeling on horizontal surfaces.

Price £54.82 (incl. VAT)
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Blackfriar Anti-Slip Clear Deck Coating for Timber Decking | Wood Walkway Non Slip Coating

Blackfriar Anti-Slip Deck Coating

Blackfriar Anti-Slip Deck Coating provides all types of exterior timber decking and walkways with a protective, slip-resistant surface. Containing micro-aggregates for added safety, this coating gives increased grip in wet conditions while allowing the beauty of wood to show through. Provides a slip-resistant surface in wet conditions...

Price £38.33 (incl. VAT)
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Blackfriar Exterior Varnish UV77 | Enhances And Protects Wood And External Joinery

Blackfriar Exterior Varnish UV77

Blackfriar Exterior Varnish UV77 Enhances and protects all wood and external joinery. It provides protection to all types of wood by resisting UV light to give your wood superior durability when applied over Blackfriar UV Wood Primer. It waterproofs as well as adding an attractive finish. Enriches and protects your home and garden wood...

Price £25.81 (incl. VAT)
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Buy Rust-Oleum Premium Washable Kitchen Cupboard Paint

Rust-Oleum Premium Washable Kitchen Cupboard Paint

108+ colours. Chalky finish paint for cupboards, drawers, furniture, doors, and trim. Ultra-durable, scrubbable, and water-resistant. Scuff and stain resistant, tested to ISO 11998 Class 1 Wet Scrub Rated. Can be applied over old paint and varnish; suitable for wood and melamine surfaces. Water-based with virtually no odour and contains...

Price £20.34 (incl. VAT)
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Buy Rust-Oleum Chalky Garden Paint

Rust-Oleum Chalky Garden Paint

A breath of fresh air for your garden furniture, fences and walls; with 110 tempting matt, satin and gloss colours to choose from, you’re bound to find your perfect match. Water resistant protection Mould and algae resistant - The product contains a biocide to protect the dried film from fungal degradation No priming or sanding necessary...

Price £18.24 (incl. VAT)
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Wood Finishes – Protective Varnishes, Oils & Stains for Interior & Exterior Timber


When working with timber on large-scale or professional projects, selecting the right finish is essential. Wood oils remain a popular choice for high-traffic areas, particularly bar tops, floors and counters. They sink deep into the grain, nourishing the wood and offering flexible, breathable protection that can be spot-treated when needed.

For a more uniform colour while preserving texture, wood stains offer excellent results. These are often used on outdoor structures, panelling, or vertical timbers where UV protection and visual consistency are key. Rawlins Paints stocks high-performance options for everything from exposed staircases to gallery beams, public counters and timber-framed entrances. Remember that clear finishes may slightly darken wood or change its sheen depending on whether they are matt, satin or gloss.

Woodcare FAQs


What’s the difference between a film-forming and penetrating wood finish?

Film-forming finishes, like varnishes and lacquers, sit on the surface to create a protective barrier. Penetrating finishes, such as oils, soak into the wood to protect from within.

Can I apply a wood finish over an old coating?

Only if the surface is properly prepared. Remove any loose or flaking material, abrade glossy coatings, and ensure compatibility between products.

Are wood finishes safe for use on food-contact surfaces?

Some finishes, especially specific wood oils, are food-safe once cured. Always check the product’s technical datasheet or certification before use on worktops or serving areas.

What causes wood finishes to peel or flake?

Poor surface preparation, moisture ingress, or applying incompatible coatings can cause finishes to fail. Ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and appropriately primed if needed.

Can I use wood finishes on engineered or composite wood products?

Yes, but check manufacturer guidance. Some finishes may not absorb or bond well on composite materials and may require specialised primers or adhesion tests.