Use and Care Manual
OUTDECO USA Indoor/Outdoor Panels
FINISHING INSTRUCTIONS
FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR
FINISHING PANELS.
• OUTDECO panels are made of timber and have a machine-finished hardboard surface.
The factory-applied Decoshield™ finish acts as a primer and is easily painted, stained
or sealed with water-base products. Rates of absorption may vary.
• Use only exterior-grade, water-base, low-VOC solid stain or paint intended for
timber. Any coating other than exterior-grade, water-base treatments or coatings not
specifically intended for timber will void the warranty.
• If panels are treated on one side only, the difference in moisture absorption from front
to back can cause minor warping. If applying a coating on the front, we recommend
applying at least a light coat to the back.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding number of coats and drying time.
Applying more coats than recommended will create a film that will likely peel.
• Patch test your coating product, paint color, or finishing technique on the back
of a panel.
• Maintenance intervals for treated panels are similar to that of a hardwood timber fence.
Finishing
Basics
Always follow the
product manufacturer's
directions for number
of coats, drying time,
and other specics.
If in doubt, consult a
hardware or painting
professional.
OUTDECO recommends
treating panels with a
solid-stain or sealer
before installation for
additional protection
and to maintain original
panel color.
Finishing
Options
Staining or painting
is not required for
OUTDECO USA panels
to remain durable and
long-lasting.
Untreated panels that
age naturally will still
be resistant to water
damage and termites.
OUTDECO™ USA panels are treated with Decoshield™ Semi-Transparent
Stain, a factory-applied water-base timber sealant formulated to provide
initial protection against UV and water damage.
As panels age and weather, the timber’s natural
tannins change the panel color to a silvery gray,
similar to aged teak. Aged panels can be restored
to a color similar to the original dark finish with
solid-stain and sealer. (See page 2.)
See examples of treated and untreated panels in
our Gallery at outdecousa.com/design-gallery
Since factory-applied Decoshield acts as a primer, panels are ready for applying paint,
stain, or sealer directly. (See more on page 2.)
Preserve your panels’ rich, dark natural color: Apply an exterior-
grade, water-base, low-VOC solid-stain or fence sealer directly on
panels. Re-apply at regular intervals, as you would for fences or decks.
Enhance your decor: Paint panels to suit your color palette. Use
exterior-grade, water-base, low-VOC paint.
Original Panel Color Aged Panel Color
Protective
Stain System