Caring for Your Wooden Framework

Your handcrafted wooden framework is built to perform beautifully in the marine environment, combining strength, durability, and traditional craftsmanship. With a little regular care, you can keep it looking its best and protect it for years to come.

This simple aftercare guide will help you maintain the finish, prevent weather-related wear, and deal with any signs of natural ageing before they become bigger issues.

Annual Maintenance

To keep your wooden framework protected from the elements, we recommend applying a fresh protective coating once a year, or sooner if you notice the first signs of weathering or discolouration.

For best results, we recommend:

Sadolin Extra Durable Clearcoat
(Clear Satin finish, or a similar high-quality exterior wood treatment.)

A regular maintenance coat helps to:

• Protect against UV exposure 
• Prevent moisture ingress 
• Preserve the natural appearance of the timber 
• Extend the life of the finish 

Areas to Check Regularly

Some parts of the framework naturally experience more exposure than others and may need a little extra attention.

Window Beading & Top Edges

The beading around the windows and the upper edges of the framework are the areas most exposed to:

• Standing water 
• Frost and ice 
• Direct sunlight 
• Seasonal expansion and contraction 

These conditions can occasionally cause the protective finish to lift, allowing moisture to reach the timber beneath.

If moisture enters the wood, you may notice:

• Darkening or black marks 
• Surface discolouration 
• Slight swelling in the timber 

In most cases, this naturally reduces as the wood dries and returns to normal.

In rare cases where swelling remains, a light planing may be required.

Treating Discolouration or Weathering

If you notice blacking, lifting varnish, or areas of discolouration, early treatment will help restore the timber and prevent further moisture damage.

Step 1: Prepare the Area

Gently sand the affected area back to clean, natural timber.

Remove any remaining:

• Old finish 
• Surface oils 
• Dust or debris 

A clean cloth with white spirit works well for this.

Step 2: Apply the First Coat

Apply your first coat of Sadolin Extra Durable Clearcoat, thinned by approximately 10% with white spirit.

This helps the treatment penetrate deeper into the timber grain for maximum protection.

Allow the timber to dry completely.

Step 3: Smooth the Surface

Lightly sand the entire frame using:

• 240 grit sandpaper or finer 

This creates a smooth, even surface and helps the next coats bond properly.

Step 4: Build Protection

Apply two further coats, allowing each coat to dry fully.

Lightly sand between coats for the best finish.

Why Discolouration Happens

Timber is a natural material, and exposure to the elements can occasionally affect the finish over time.

Discolouration typically occurs when:

• Water sits on horizontal surfaces 
• Ice lifts the protective coating 
• Strong sunlight accelerates wear 
• Moisture works underneath the varnish 

This most commonly affects:

• Top edges 
• Window beading 
• Horizontal surfaces exposed to standing water 

Regular inspection and annual maintenance will help prevent these issues and keep your framework looking its best.

Expert Care Tips

DO

✔ Inspect your framework regularly, especially after winter
✔ Recoat at the first signs of weathering
✔ Keep horizontal surfaces clean and free from standing water
✔ Touch up small areas early to avoid larger repairs later

DON’T

✘ Ignore lifting varnish or darkened areas
✘ Allow water or ice to sit on exposed timber for extended periods
✘ Use harsh abrasives that may damage the finish
✘ Wait for significant discolouration before carrying out maintenance

With a little routine care, your wooden framework will continue to age beautifully and deliver the same craftsmanship and character it was built with from day one.