The timber screens on your property used to be an attraction which guests and family members adored. After soaking up so much sunlight and rainwater, however, they have probably lost some of the original finish and might have even turned a gloomy grey colour. No need to worry, however, as this is normal for a timber screen exposed to the elements. You can also easily restore the beauty of your timber screen, whether it’s made of Kempas or Merbau! Just follow the 3 steps below.

Renew Your Timber Screen’s Colour in 3 Steps

1.    Power Wash

This first step serves a double purpose. First, the power wash will clean off any dirt and grime that has accumulated on your timber screen. Second, it will strip the timber during the cleaning process and expose fresh wood, slightly raising and roughening the grain. This helps prepare the timber screen for a layer of stain or sealer and improves the finish in the end.

Take note that power washers can be aggressive. If you’re unsure of what you’re doing, you might end up ruining your lovely timber screen. Be sure that you’re using the right equipment and technique! A power washer that requires 1,500 or 2,000 psi is good enough. You also need a 25-degree nozzle for the end of the sprayer wand.

You’ll also get wet because of the spray, so change into water-repellant clothes first. Tie back any plants near the screen, and then start spraying with the tip of the sprayer wand 18 inches away from the surface. Slowly swing the tip along the length of the timber slats, aligning the width of the fan spray across the slats. You’ll see the timber become brighter in colour as you clean. Stop stripping the surface when the timber stops changing in colour, however, or else you might gouge the material. It’s better to make an additional pass or two instead of trying to finish the power wash in one go.

2.    Repair Damaged Sections

If there are any damaged slats in your timber screen, you’ll have to fix them before you apply the finish. Badly-rotted or damaged slats may even need replacement. Now that the screen has been cleaned to reveal its original colour, though, it will be easier for you to find timber that more or less matches the original material.

You can cut a new slat within a few hours if needed. To do this, set a board of timber against an undamaged slat, trace around it, and cut it to size with a saw. Remove the damaged part of your timber screen and replace it with the newly-cut slat. You may also ask for assistance from your supplier for this step.

3.    Finish with Oil or Stain

Once your timber screen has been cleaned and fixed, you may now apply a fresh new coat of decking oil or stain. Decking oil mainly protects the screen from water damage, though it also helps enhance the natural colour of timber. Meanwhile, stain can change a screen’s colour to a desired hue. Water-based stains are more eco-friendly and richly coloured, but oil-based stains are more durable and provide protection from both water damage and sun exposure. The right coating can elevate your timber screen from a mere fixture to a centerpiece.

Timber screens tend to lose their colour over time, so you’ll have to repeat these 3 steps every few months. However, seeing your screen regain its vibrance will be worth the effort each time!

Author Bio:

George Katsoudas is a Digital Marketing Professional who works as the Managing Director of Low Cost SEO, a digital marketing firm in Sydney and a Digital Media Manager for House of Bamboo, offering Australia the most varied collection of classic and new natural materials.

Company Bio:

House of Bamboo is Australia’s trusted source of eco-friendly and high-quality natural materials that can be integrated into contemporary setting. Our range encompasses high quality bamboo fencing, timber screens, privacy screens, decorative screens, ceiling panels, rattan cane webbing, fence panels, and pool certification.