The Natural Range: Staining & Maintaining
The Weathertex Natural Range is a series of unprimed weatherboards, cladding and architectural panels. The unprimed boards provide a unique appearance, with the characteristics of raw undressed timber. The Natural surface is pressed to create a woodgrain effect with the knots and organic patterns of natural timber. There are 3 techniques that can be used to style the Weathertex Natural range.
Lightened Home | 3 Years
Retain Original Colour
Weathertex Natural begins life as a darker colour and will fade when exposed to the sun. To retain the original colour the panels should be stained. A test spot should be trialled to confirm satisfactory results before staining the wall. If the wall has faded yet needs to be restored to a darker colour, this can be done at any time. Faded boards can be returned to a darker colour by first scrubbing with a deck cleaner and then applying an appropriate coloured stain. Refer to the stain supplier for required maintenance.
Film forming varnishes are not recommended as these require a high amount of maintenance.
Unsealed (Naturally Lighten)
Weathertex Natural will fade with exposure to the sun after a period of time if left to weather naturally. Weathering can produce some beautiful results that become a unique feature of the building. Fully exposed walls will lighten evenly. Walls which are semi-shaded or obscured by such things as fences, trees or awnings will have a variation of fade or patchiness across the wall. Weathertex is made with a mix of Australian hardwood timber and panel colours may slightly vary.
Weathertex can be stained a range of colours. This will improve protection from weathering and even out variations in the colour of panels. Darker stains will have a higher performance to protect the panel from sun fade. Faded boards can be returned to a darker colour by first scrubbing with a deck cleaner and then applying an appropriate coloured stain.
Colour, Stain & Sealed
Weathertex Natural range can be stained and sealed in the same manner as other hardwood timbers (such as timber decking). Wash the boards down first with a deck cleaner and make sure the boards are clean and dry before staining. When staining follow the direction of the cladding to ensure each board has an even coating.
Coat the boards with a soft brush first before cutting in the edges. Add another coat, then cut in again. Minimum of two coats required, a third coat is optional (check the stain guide for recommendations), and there is no need to cut in the edges again on the third coat. Keep a wet edge throughout to make sure visible layers aren’t seen on the finished product. Stopping and starting during coating may lead to an uneven finish as the stain will dry in uneven layers.
We don’t recommend a clear coat or varnish, as water based stains with pigment help protect the timber from UV. Maintenance of the stain is required to stop fading over time. Make sure to also follow the stain manufacturers directions, as they may vary between products.
Every project is different, so these instructions can be used as a guide. For further technical information on Weathertex we recommend reading our installation manual and warranty. Please make sure to follow all product instructions when staining as they may vary.
