If you’ve recently installed a compressed hardwood screen in an outdoor area, or if you’ve had one for some time and want to preserve its appearance and durability, our expert maintenance tips will help ensure it remains in excellent condition for years to come.

As with the health of our bodies, the best way to keep your screens in optimum condition starts with…

Prevention

• All timber products are naturally vulnerable to rot and decay when exposed to moisture, humidity, intense heat, and prolonged damp conditions. However, this process can be significantly slowed with proper sealing prior to outdoor installation. If you plan to install your screen in an external environment, ensure it has been adequately sealed. QAQ screens are available in raw form or can be pre-sealed with Aquadex or decking oil upon request—both options offering full UV protection to enhance durability and longevity.

• Make sure that soil or plant life never creeps up and partly buries any part of your screen if it has been placed low to the ground or in a garden, as these can increase the damp and chance of wood rot or mould.

Regular Cleaning

After some time outside, your screen will be due for a good cleaning with clean water to remove dirt and grime and improve the performance of the protective sealants. If there is any mould, remove as much as possible with a stiff brush and then apply a mould remover. Rinse the remover off thoroughly with clean water and allow it to completely dry.

When It’s Re-Sealing Time

Generally, the exterior surface coatings deteriorate by chalking rather than flaking, so when it is time to re-seal, first prepare the surface of the wood by giving it a good clean, then remove all the loose chalk, dirt, and dust with fine grit sandpaper. Dust the wood off thoroughly and apply a minimum of two coats of your choice of sealant in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions. We recommend Cabot’s Aquadeck or equivalent. Be sure to give your sealant a good thorough stir with a flat stirrer to achieve the optimum chemical effectiveness. Pay particular attention to the most exposed parts of the screen or wood grain, and use smooth even brush strokes in the same direction. Wait no longer than 15 minutes between coats, as you want to apply the additional coats on before the previous coat has dried; this creates a stronger, more cohesive seal. There is no need to apply more than two coats in most cases, as once the wood is penetrated and sealed, excess coats will simply remain on the surface.

How often should you re-seal your outdoor decorative screen?

Every four years at least. This will maximise your investment and help your screen to look its best for years to come.

I hope that this post has helped you with maintaining your QAQ screen. If you have any questions about maintenance not answered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us! 🙂

Sincerely,

Christine & The QAQ Staff