Why Colorado’s Dry Climate Changes Everything You Know About Wood Finishes

Colorado’s unique climate presents distinct challenges for wood finishing that many homeowners don’t fully understand. Colorado’s semi-arid climate results in low humidity levels, especially during winter months when central heating is in heavy use. The relative humidity can drop below 20%, causing wood to lose moisture rapidly. This results in physical changes like shrinkage, surface checking, and warping. When choosing between penetrating and film-forming wood finishes in 2024, understanding these environmental factors is crucial for making the right decision for your home.

Understanding the Two Types of Wood Finishes

Despite their many differences, finishes fall into two broad categories: film forming and penetrating. Paint and varnish are examples of film-forming finishes. They create a barrier coat on the surface when they dry. Penetrating finishes, such as semitransparent stains and exterior oils, soak into wood fibers without forming a surface film.

Film-forming finishes create a tough layer right on top of the wood surface. Penetrating finishes work from the inside out. Instead of sitting on top, they soak into the wood fibers. Each approach offers distinct advantages depending on your specific needs and Colorado’s challenging climate conditions.

How Colorado’s Low Humidity Affects Wood Finishes

One of the most significant factors impacting wood furniture in Colorado is the elevated UV radiation due to its high elevation, with many places situated above 5,000 feet. For every 1,000 feet, UV exposure increases by 8-10%, so many areas in the state are at risk of accelerated fading and discoloration in their wood furniture finishes. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause protective finishes—such as varnishes and stains—to break down, resulting in a chalky appearance.

A good moisture content is between 6 – 9% for Colorado. This low moisture environment means that low moisture levels will promote shrinking and cracking in the building’s wood. It also can dry out paint, causing it to chip or peel.

Film-Forming Finishes: The Protective Shield Approach

Film-forming finishes, like varnishes (including spar urethane) and polyurethanes, create a protective layer on top of the wood. These are excellent for surfaces that need protection from wear and tear, like decks or furniture. In Colorado’s harsh environment, film-forming finishes create a waterproof barrier to prevent moisture from seeping in. UV Absorption – Many modern finishes contain UV inhibitors that slow down the breakdown of wood fibers.

However, film-forming finishes can be problematic in Colorado’s dry climate. Although it depends on variables like weather exposure, proper application, and paint quality, the durability of a paint finish can reach up to a decade, if not longer. While it lasts longer than a pigmented penetrating stain, paint is also more susceptible to peeling and flaking because it forms a surface film on the wood.

Penetrating Finishes: Working with Colorado’s Climate

Penetrating finishes offer significant advantages in Colorado’s low-humidity environment. Penetrating oils and stains can be clear, almost totally opaque, or something in between. Nonfilm-forming finishes don’t peel like paint or varnish as they age, and it takes less time to recoat as the original finish gradually wears away.

Surfaces that will be subjected to extreme abuse – such as those designed to be hammered upon – need a finish that can tolerate dents and dings. For example, to the work surface of my workbench, I applied 100% pure hemp oil, a product known for its ability to penetrate deeply into the wood. This approach allows the wood to move naturally with humidity changes without compromising the finish integrity.

Professional Wood Finishing in Colorado

For residents in Northern Colorado seeking expert wood finishing services, LF Rosa Painting brings professional painting expertise to homeowners throughout Larimer County. They know what Colorado’s challenges are and deliver lasting results that protect your investment while improving the beauty of your property. LF Rosa Painting is a Fort Collins and Northern Colorado painting business specializing in interior and exterior painting for homes and commercial buildings.

Professional contractors like LF Rosa Painting understand that Colorado elements can be harsh, with over 300 days a year of sunshine and notorious snowy winters your exposed exterior wood will take the brunt of Colorado’s four seasons. Wood finishes like stain add a protective layer that not only helps keep moisture out but also adds a level of UV protection as well. They provide specialized wood finishes glendevey services tailored to the unique challenges of Colorado’s mountain communities.

Making the Right Choice for Your Colorado Home

Ideally, wood preservation requires maintaining a relative humidity range of 30-50%. During dry months, utilizing a humidifier can play a key role in stabilizing humidity levels within your home. This proactive approach not only helps to mitigate potential damage from excessive dryness but also safeguards the sturdiness and aesthetics of your wooden pieces.

For most Colorado applications, penetrating finishes offer superior performance because they work with the wood’s natural movement rather than against it. Results showed that penetrating coatings provided some protection against liquid water absorption but very little protection against water vapor, especially on ash wood. Moreover, the moisture excluding effectiveness reduced rapidly during exposure to high humidity and depending on the wood species and coating systems. However, this characteristic actually benefits Colorado homeowners since the low humidity environment means moisture vapor protection is less critical than flexibility.

For woodworkers crafting high-end outdoor furniture, choosing a penetrating finish like teak oil or tung oil maintains the wood’s natural feel. However, for large structures like decks, a durable polyurethane or stain-and-sealer combo provides longer-lasting protection. The key is matching the finish type to your specific application and Colorado’s unique climate demands.

When selecting wood finishes for your Colorado home in 2024, consider penetrating finishes for their flexibility and natural appearance, while reserving film-forming finishes for high-wear surfaces that need maximum protection. Professional application ensures optimal performance regardless of which type you choose, making expert consultation valuable for achieving the best long-term results in Colorado’s challenging climate.