Wood Preservers
Protect fences, sheds and garden structures from rain, rot and sun with a treatment made for exterior timber. The range includes wood preserver in clear and coloured finishes, shed and fence preserver, barn paint, one coat wood paint and Ronseal garden paint, from Ronseal, Cuprinol, Lignum, Bedec, Creoseal and Johnstone's.
Ronseal shed and fence preserver and Cuprinol shed and fence preserver are popular for large areas, and come in tins up to 12L in colours such as dark oak, harvest gold and slate. A wood fence paint like Ronseal Fence Life Plus gives colour and weather protection in one coat, while a clear Cuprinol wood preserver 5L treats the timber and lets the natural grain show. Oak wood paint shades give a warm finish.
Check the product to see whether it is sprayable, and how many square metres each litre covers. Brush off dirt and algae, let new timber weather as the pack advises, and apply in dry conditions. Cover plants and surfaces to catch drips, and wear gloves. Some preservers should not be used on surfaces in contact with ponds or animals, so read the label carefully.
Filters
129 products
How to choose wood preserver
Pick by where the timber is and what it needs protecting from.
| Option | Best for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Clear wood preserver | Bare timber before painting or staining | Protects against rot and decay, adds no colour |
| Coloured preserver | Fences, sheds and rough-sawn timber | Protects and colours in one product |
| Ground contact preserver | Posts and timber touching soil | Brush-on is less effective than factory pressure treatment |
| End grain preserver | Freshly cut ends of treated timber | Cut ends lose factory protection |
| Woodworm treatment | Timber with active woodworm | Follow the label; ventilate and keep pets away |
Wood Preservers: frequently asked questions
What does wood preserver do?
It soaks into timber to help protect against rot, fungi and insect attack. Many also add colour and water repellency.
How long does a shed and fence preserver last?
Durability depends on the product, the timber and the weather. Many are advertised with several years of protection, so read the pack.
Can I paint wood preserver over old paint?
Preservers need bare or previously treated timber to soak in. Remove flaking paint and sand back to wood.
How much wood preserver do I need?
Measure the area of the fence or shed in square metres and compare it with the coverage on the tin. Rough sawn timber soaks up more.
Is a wood paint better than a preserver?
A paint sits on the surface and gives solid colour, while a preserver soaks in and protects. Many one coat products do a bit of both.
Buying in bulk or for your business?
Landlords, trades and facilities teams can ask us for a quote on larger quantities.