Varnishing weathered timber

[krismusic]

I have maintained my windows with stain varnish for many years since they were fitted. Unfortunately despite my best efforts the timber has weathered. The fibers of the timber have opened up. What would be the best way to treat them? Fill before varnishing, if so with what? Or simply apply the varnish as normal? Any advice much appreciated.

 

[footprints]

Varnish on outdoor wood always fails because it is not flexible or breathable then it's a lot of trouble to rub down to re-treat as you know.
Best solution is to strip the wood back to bare timber and use a treatment like.

https://www.wood-finishes-direct.co...MIwOfA2K6j4wIVz7ftCh02pgMpEAQYASABEgLz1vD_BwE
To colour and HLS as a UV resistant top coat.
https://www.decoratingwarehouse.co....MIwOfA2K6j4wIVz7ftCh02pgMpEAQYAiABEgLK3fD_BwE

They do not flake anything like varnish and a light rub down every 5 years or so with a top up coat will keep the wood looking nice.

Or https://www.decoratingwarehouse.co.uk/sadolin-extra-woodstain-yellow-tin With sadolin classic as a base coat.

Either way if the wood grain has lifted you need to sand down smooth and use a coloured / stainable wood filler on any big splits.
Wooden frames look lovely but what a pain to maintain!

 

[krismusic]

Thank you very much for your reply. I have been using this.
https://www.wood-finishes-direct.com/product/dulux-trade-ultimate-woodstain
A similar product to the Sadolin?

 

[footprints]

Looks similar, not used it myself but as a rule Dulux Trade products should be OK.
Always used Dulux trade products only ever had one dodgy batch (from B&Q) normally I buy from a trade stockist like Dulux Centres or Brewers.

 

[dhutch]

I can vouch for the Sadolin, not what I would call a varnish, but is reasonably forgiving.