Purchasing Cuprinol Garden Shades Color Samples A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Cuprinol Garden Shades is a specialized wood treatment product designed to color and protect garden structures such as sheds, fences, and other wooden elements in outdoor spaces. The product offers a rich, opaque finish that allows the natural texture of wood grain to show through while providing protection against weather elements. For consumers interested in testing colors before committing to larger quantities, Cuprinol offers 125ml tester pots that enable sampling of the various color options available. This article provides detailed information about the product, the sampling options, and how to use these color samples effectively.

Product Overview

Cuprinol Garden Shades has been specifically developed for coloring and protecting garden wood. The formulation contains special pigments that ensure a rich color while maintaining the natural appearance of the wood grain. Beyond wood, the product can also be applied to terracotta, brick, and stone surfaces to add color to other garden elements. However, it is important to note that the product is not suitable for use on decking surfaces.

The product provides a beautiful matte finish that enhances the appearance of natural wood while offering six years of weather protection on wood surfaces. Cuprinol Garden Shades can be applied using either a brush or spray application method, providing flexibility in application techniques depending on the project requirements and personal preference.

Color Sampling Options

For consumers who wish to test colors before committing to larger quantities, Cuprinol offers 125ml tester pots in various colors. These smaller containers allow users to sample a range of colors on their specific surfaces to see how they appear in their actual garden environment under different lighting conditions.

The tester pots are available in numerous color options including: - Barleywood - Beach Blue - Black Ash - Coastal Mist - Cool Marble - Cornflower - Country Cream - Dazzling Yellow - Dusky Gem - Forest Mushroom - Forget Me Not - Fresh Rosemary - Heart Wood - Iris - Lavender - Muted Clay - Natural Stone - Olive Garden - Pale Jasmine - Pebble Trail - Purple Pansy - Sage - Seagrass - Seasoned Oak - Silver Birch - Summer Damson - Sweet Pea - Sweet Sundae - Terracotta - Urban Slate - White Daisy - Wild Thyme - Willow

It is worth noting that some colors may occasionally be out of stock, as indicated by the availability status on purchasing platforms.

Pricing and Availability

The 125ml tester pots of Cuprinol Garden Shades are available for purchase rather than being offered as free samples. The current price is listed as £8.99 per tester pot, which converts to approximately US $12.07 at current exchange rates. When purchasing internationally, additional shipping costs apply, with Royal Mail International Standard shipping priced at £15.00 (approximately US $20.14). International shipments may also be subject to customs processing and additional charges.

These tester pots can be purchased through various retailers including online marketplaces and specialized paint stores. Some retailers offer options for in-store pickup or local delivery, with certain providers offering same-day delivery in specific areas for orders placed before a designated time.

Product Application and Preparation

Proper preparation is essential when using Cuprinol Garden Shades to ensure optimal results and longevity of the finish. Before application, all surfaces should be clean and dry. If surfaces have been previously coated, any loose or flaking paint must be stripped back to bare wood, either by sanding or using a suitable paint stripper.

It is important to test a small area first to check for color compatibility and adhesion, especially when applying to previously treated surfaces or different materials. When treating bare wood structures, whether new or old, it is recommended to first apply a wax-free wood preservative to protect against mold, algae, and fungi. This preservative must be allowed to dry fully before applying Cuprinol Garden Shades.

The manufacturer advises against using wood preservatives that contain wax, oil, or silicon, as these can penetrate the wood and repel water-based products like Cuprinol Garden Shades, potentially compromising adhesion.

Application Process

Cuprinol Garden Shades requires a minimum of two coats for proper coverage and protection. The product is designed to be thin and free-flowing, which helps achieve a smooth finish that gets into all gaps while maintaining the wood's profile. This consistency also makes it sprayable, though it will be runnier than traditional paints.

When applying multiple coats, it is crucial to apply subsequent coats on the same day, with no more than 8 hours between coats (up to 8 hours in cool weather). If applying a second coat on the following day, the surface should be lightly sanded to ensure proper adhesion. Both coats must be applied within the same day because the wax content in the product will fully cure overnight, preventing proper adhesion of additional coats.

The product typically covers up to 10 square meters per liter, per coat. A 2.5L container will cover approximately 13.9 square meters with two coats.

Drying Time and Aftercare

Under normal weather conditions, Cuprinol Garden Shades will be touch dry within 1 hour. However, on areas subject to wear, such as garden furniture, it is recommended to allow a few days before heavy use or contact with soft furnishings.

For regular maintenance, surfaces painted with Cuprinol Garden Shades can be cleaned at regular intervals using a dampened, lint-free cloth or Cuprinol Garden Furniture Cleaner. To maintain the surface finish and protective properties, a fresh coat should be reapplied if the surface shows signs of weathering, following the preparation and application instructions.

Product Characteristics and Limitations

Cuprinol Garden Shades is a water-based product that contains some wax. This wax-enriched formulation helps repel liquids once dried, which is beneficial for the finished surface but requires careful attention during application. The product should not be applied to plastic surfaces; instead, the manufacturer recommends Sadolin Superdec Opaque Wood Protection for plastic substrates.

The product's relatively thin consistency is intentional and not a defect. This design allows the paint to flow smoothly into all gaps while maintaining the wood's profile. While the product achieves good opacity in two coats over similar colors, deeper colors or rougher woods with open grains may require a third coat. This is particularly noticeable with woods that have been exposed and dried for extended periods, as they may absorb more product away from the surface.

Surface Compatibility

Cuprinol Garden Shades is suitable for various garden structures including summerhouses, log cabins, and garden fences. When used on fencing, the product's suitability depends on whether the surface has been previously treated, is bare wood, or has been preserved.

The product is specifically designed for the vertical timber of garden structures. However, it is not recommended for horizontal surfaces or decking. The manufacturer suggests that those seeking solvent-based fence paints or treatments should consider alternative products in their range.

Cleanup and Storage

Proper cleanup and storage of Cuprinol Garden Shades are important for maintaining product quality and ensuring safety. The can should be resealed after each use, and spills should be cleaned up while still wet. The product should not be stored or used in extreme temperatures and should be protected from frost.

After final use, brushes and rollers should be cleaned immediately to allow for reuse in future projects, which saves money and reduces waste. The recommended cleaning process involves: 1. Removing excess paint by scraping it into a container for reuse 2. Washing brushes and rollers with warm, soapy water in a sealed container 3. Thoroughly rinsing out all soap and paint residues 4. Letting tools air-dry naturally and storing them in a dry, dust-free area

For responsible disposal, paint solids should be allowed to settle at the bottom of the container, with clear water poured off for reuse or disposal. The remaining paint solids should be allowed to dry fully before disposal as solid waste. It is important not to flush paint down the drain, including when cleaning painting tools.

Conclusion

Cuprinol Garden Shades offers a comprehensive solution for coloring and protecting garden wood structures, with the added benefit of being available in 125ml tester pots for color sampling. While these tester pots are not free samples but available for purchase at approximately $12.07 each, they provide an opportunity for consumers to test colors on their specific surfaces before committing to larger quantities.

The product's six-year weather protection, ease of application, and range of color options make it a popular choice for garden enhancement projects. Proper preparation, application technique, and aftercare are essential to achieving the best results and maximizing the product's protective qualities. For those considering using Cuprinol Garden Shades, the tester pots offer a practical way to experiment with colors and ensure satisfaction with the final appearance of garden structures.

Sources

1. Cuprinol Garden Shades Product Information
2. Cuprinol UK Product Information
3. eBay Cuprinol Garden Shades Tester Paint Pot
4. Cuprinol Garden Shades Colour Chart