UV Light and Timber

UV Light and Timber

 

Ultraviolet (UV) light, a component of sunlight, can have a significant impact on the appearance and longevity of natural products. This is primarily due to the fact that UV light carries more energy than visible light, making it powerful enough to break chemical bonds.

When UV light comes into contact with natural products such as wood, fabrics or artwork, it can cause the molecules that make up the pigments or dyes in these products to absorb its energy. This energy absorption can result in the breakage of chemical bonds, altering the structure of the pigment molecules. This process, known as photodegradation, can lead to a change in the colour of the pigment, causing the material to fade over time.

Moreover, the effect of UV light on natural products is not just limited to colour changes. It can also cause physical damage to the product. For example, in the case of wood, UV light can degrade the lignin, a component that gives the wood its rigidity, causing it to become brittle.

In conclusion, strong UV light can cause significant damage to natural products, altering their colour and physical structure, and ultimately decreasing their lifespan. Therefore, it is important to consider UV protection methods when using natural products, particularly if they are to be exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods.

OSMO UV PROTECTION OIL IS A KEY PRODUCT TO PROTECT TIMBER

 

Tinted Ultraviolet (UV) Protection Oils from OSMO are subtly shaded oils designed specifically for external wooden joinery, wooden garden furniture, pergolas, wooden doors, fascias, and other trimmings. However, these oils are not recommended for use on horizontal surfaces such as wooden decks.

These oils provide a microporous surface that enables the wood to breathe, thereby minimising the wood's swelling and shrinkage. The finish these oils provide slows down the greying process on vertical surfaces, offering a UV protection factor of 12 when compared to untreated wood.

 

Another notable component of the finish is biocides. These are active substances that guard against mould, algae, and fungal attacks. However, due to the presence of biocides, these oils should not be used internally or externally on surfaces like tables where food may be consumed, or on wooden decking that will be walked upon.

 

The OSMO Tinted UV Protection Oils are available in five subtly shaded colour tones, with an additional "Natural" option. The UV Protection Oil in Natural is ideally balanced with white pigments designed to maintain the natural appearance of light-coloured timbers such as pine and oak. It is not advisable to use this on darker timbers like kwila or jarrah etc, as the white pigment may lend the timber a chalky appearance.

 

The advantages of using these oils include:

  1. Tinted finish for additional UV protection
  2. High resistance to water and dirt
  3. Reduction in wood swelling and shrinkage
  4. Protection against the growth of algae, mildew, and resistance to fungal attacks
  5. Offering a microporous, breathable finish that neither cracks, peels, flakes, nor blisters
  6. Eliminating the need for sanding for future applications.