Weathered (grey) wood

When varnishVarnishA clear or semi-transparent finish for wood that lets the grain show through and protects it from sun, rain and wear. or paint wears away and the wood is left bare, the sun slowly breaks down the top layer of its fibres and the rain washes it away. The wood loses its colour, turns grey or silvery, feels rough to the touch and often opens fine splits along the grain.

Greying looks bad, but it usually affects only a thin layer on the surface. SandedSandingSmoothing a surface with sandpaper or a power sander to remove bumps, loose old paint or gloss, so the new paint or varnish grips well and comes out smooth. back until clean wood shows, the wood gets its colour back and can take a new finish such as varnish or paint. The grey layer has to come off before the finish goes on, because a finish doesn't grip well on it.

It is not the same as rotWood rotDecay of wood caused by fungi when it stays damp for a long time. Rotten wood goes soft, gives when pressed or crumbles, and can't be saved with paint.. Weathered wood is hard underneath, while rotten wood is soft and gives when pressed. It is, however, a sign that the wood has been left unprotected, and the longer it stays that way, the more easily water gets in.