Exterior Polyurethane: A Durable Shield for Outdoor Wood Surfaces

“Exterior Polyurethane? But what is it for? “

When it comes to protecting outdoor wood surfaces, people are wondering: Is polyurethane OK for exterior use? What suggestions for exterior water-based polyurethane spray?

Different polyurethanes has different application scenes, and the effects can also be different. Today, we’d like to discuss whether polyurethane can be used for outdoors and some helpful tips as well. Please keep reading.

Difference between exterior polyurethane and interior polyurethane

What are the Difference between the two polyurethanes?

Both polyurethanes belong to polys, but they have big difference in terms of components and features.

Exterior Polyurethane

• It has adding additives to help resist to UV rays and harsh weather.

• Provides maximum protection against the elements and is more durable than interior polyurethane.

• For both indoors and outdoors.

Interior Polyurethane

• Does not contain additives because it’s unnecessary to shield against UV rays or extreme weather indoors.

• Can’t not use for outdoor purpose.

As we can see, exterior polyurethane is more durable than interior poly and provides better protection against the elements than interior polyurethane. Interior polyurethane should not be used outdoors, while exterior polyurethane can be used indoors.

Types of Exterior Polyurethane

There are two types of polyurethane, so accordingly there are two types of Exterior polyurethane, i.e, water-based Exterior Polyurethane and oil-based Exterior Polyurethane.

The Features of Exterior polyurethane

• Durability: It offers higher durability than real wood. Many people choose it for its long-lasting feature.

• Resistance to Water and Moisture: When Exterior Polyurethane does well in resisting swelling and absorption when exposed to water. That’s why people tend to use it on outdoor applications where moisture exposure is a concern.

• Resistance to Chemicals: It is highly resistant to oil, grease, and a wide range of chemical compounds. And the good news is that it does not degrade when inadvertently exposed to these substances.

• Low Maintenance: With proper appication and maintainment, exterior polyurethane can last for several years. This can explain why it requires less maintenance.

• It also resists dirt and stains nicely, so there is no need for frequent cleaning and this enhance longer painting/staining intervals and reduce maintenance costs.

• Weathering Protection: Polyurethane finishes offers extraordinary weathering protection to building materials, with great durability and long life-span.

• Versatility: It has wide range of applications for various surfaces, such as wood, metal, and concrete. Meanwhile, it enhances the appearance of different structures.

• UV Resistance: After applying Polyurethane, the surface will form a tough and durable protective layer, and this will enhance great UV resistance. In this case, people don’t need to worry about fading, discoloration, and damage caused by prolonged sun exposure. And this will perserve the wood’s natural appearance for years to come.

• Energy Efficiency: With a polyurethane coating to building exteriors, it can help achieve energy efficiency. Hence it will help reduce heat transfer and lower energy bills.

• Enhanced Appearance: Good Exterior polyurethane finishes can make the building look nicer. People can also add some kind of agent in polyurethane to get their wanted finish.

The Applications

Exterior polyurethane is a versatile and reliable coating applied in various outdoor surfaces. Below are some examples for common use:

• Wooden Doors and Windows: People choose to use Polyurethane for wooden doors and windows. It ensures good protection from moisture, sunlight, and other outdoor elements as well as providing a glossy or satin sheen.

• Decks and Patios：Polyurethane can help create a tough, scratch-resistant surface. This is especially good for decks and patios exposed to heavy foot traffic and weather changes.

• Wooden Furniture: There are two advantages for applying Exterior Polyurethane to Wooden Furniture: one is to enhance the furniture’s appearance, the other is to extend furniture’s lifespan.

• Exterior Trim and Molding: Exterior Polyurethane is also used a lot on wooden trim and molding around windows, doors and eaves because it helps keep the trim’s integrity and prevent decay.

• Fences and Railings: Fences and Railings are always in harsh weather conditions. Thus polyurethane acts as a shield.

• Wooden Siding: Wooden Siding is open to moisture and UV rays a lot and luckily Exterior Polyurethane can help protect it.

• Gazebos and Pergolas: Gazebos and Pergolas are structures made of wood and Exterior polyurethane safeguards these structures from weather damage.

• Exterior Wooden Art and Decorations: Polyurethane enhances the appearance of Wooden sculptures, signs, and outdoor decorations and ensures their longevity.

• Exterior Stairs: Exterior polyurethane safeguards the stairs by making them more durable.

• Exterior Wooden Planters: Polyurethane can help prevent water penetration for exterior wooden planters.

How to Apply Exterior Polyurethane?

Here are some useful tips for applying exterior polyurethane:

Important: Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for proper application and surface compatibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, exterior polyurethane has many outstanding features, including durability, resistance to water and chemicals, low maintenance requirements, weathering protection, versatility, UV resistance, energy efficiency, and enhanced appearance etc. This makes it a good choice for applications in construction and home improvements.

SioResin provides great sustainable high-quality Water-based Polyurethane. Contact SioResin Team at sales@sioresin.com for samples.