Home / Wood paint | breathable & matt | for all types of wood

Wood paint | breathable & matt | for all types of wood

Wood is a beautiful, sustainable building material for – for example – a garden house, fence, wooden house or patio cover. An important characteristic of wood is that it shrinks and expands under the influence of moisture differences.

A classic lacquer paint cannot adjust to these whims of the wood. The result: the lacquer starts to peel and flake. However, if you opt for a breathable wood paint, applying is a lot easier and the result is a lot more resistant.

Moose F is a robust wood paint which preserves the wood while giving it a a wonderful matt color. The paint is not a design trend, but has been used in Sweden for more than 350 years to protect outdoor wood. Even in a harsh climate with extremely changeable weather conditions such as in Sweden, the paint proves itself again and again as the ideal wood protection!

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breathable wood paint opaque stain
Breathable wood paint (or opaque stain)

What is a ‘breathable’ wood paint?

With a layer of Moose Färg paint you protect wood against weather conditions. Moose Färg paint works like a stain: it penetrates into the wood, in contrast to a lacquer, that puts a film layer on top of the wood. Our breathable wood paint has the preservative characteristics of a stain, but the opaque color of a paint. A breathable paint system allows vapor to pass through so that the substrate can “breathe”. Any moisture that may be present inside the wood can escape. This limits or prevents detachment of the paint layer.

Breathable wood paint from Moose Färg

In terms of colour, Moose F gives full coverage, just like paint does. In terms of technical operation and wood protection, it is more like a stain. The linseed oil drops in the paint provide a water-repellent layer; moisture that’s inside of the wood can still escape (vapour-permeable). This prevents the paint from flaking and the characteristics and charming grain of the wood remains visible.

On the picture you see the colour Ljus Blå on a rougher wood type. The grains are still visible, but the color of the wood is completely opaque (Ljus Blå).

About Moose F

Opaque paint for all types of wood

Moose F is suitable for various surfaces. All types of wood – whether untreated, impregnated or already painted – are basically suitable. We will be happy to give you paint recommendations and preparation advice for each surface. Please feel free to contact us for personal advice.

An opaque paint such as Moose F is ideal for softer types of wood such as pine, spruce, Douglas fir and larch, as these are wood types that can shrink and expand a lot. Moose F is also an excellent solution for ‘difficult to paint’ types of wood such as Red Cedar, Accoya and thermally treated wood. The paint absorbs into the wood and leaves the beautiful grain visible.

Due to its human- and environmentally-friendly composition, it is also suitable for indoor use, e.g. on stucco, wallpaper, plasterboard, MDF and textured paint. Do not hesitate to ask us for advice.

Breathable

Moose Färg’s opaque paint follows the age-old Swedish recipe. It is a water based paint, that is fortified with modified, natural linseed oil. This emulsion of oil droplets can be compared to how mayonnaise is prepared. The oil droplets are being stirred in very delicately. Moisture will therefore not easily penetrate the wood. At the same time it creates a vapour-permeable surface. This means that moist inside of the wood can still seep out.

The paint soaks into the wood like a stain and does not form a film over the wood. Moose F is water-repellent and preservative. The vapour permeable paint layer ensures that the wood can “breathe” and does not flake when the wood shrinks and expands.

Not harmful to humans, animals and the environment

In both the composition – completely vegan, without microplastics and with minimal solvents – and the production process, we try to minimise the environmental impact.

Our paint is also sustainable in use; an old Moose Färg coat does not need to be removed when repainting. This way, you do not release any paint residues into the environment. In all areas of the business, we make choices that minimise environmental impact. If you want to know more, feel free to reach out to us.

Easy to apply and maintain

Moose F opaque paint is water-dilutable and spreads very easily. Due to its matt character, brush marks disappear completely when applying the second coat. The paint does not drip and smells pleasantly.

How durable the result is, depends on the conditions. For instance, whether the wood is in full sunlight or not. The English climate is more humid, although in Sweden the moisture differences are much greater. In Sweden, a maintenance period of 20 years is no exception, but even here it lasts at least 5 years on average outside.

Maintenance is peanuts: you don’t need to sand, just clean and brush over. One coat of paint is sufficient for maintenance.

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Breathable matt paint for wood: easy to apply and maintain

The great thing about working with a breathable wood paint like Moose F is that painting itself is incredibly easy. Since our products are completely safe, you don’t have to use any protection such as gloves or mouth caps. Brush marks disappear when applying the second layer, so you don’t have to work too precisely.

It is always wise to pay close attention to the pre-treatment of the wood. Some people get to work enthusiastically with the paint and the result will initially be beautiful. But, that doesn’t mean that the paint was able to adhere well in the long term. We are happy to give you some tips for good adhesion.

  1. For fresh and impregnated wood

    If wood is very fresh or impregnated, juices and resin will come out of the wood. This reduces the adhesion, which is why it is better to let fresh wood dry thoroughly first (this can take several weeks, sometimes a month). This is especially the case with freshly impregnated wood: impregnating substances seep out of the wood and can cause weaker adhesion..

    If you want to start painting immediately, we recommend that you first degrease the wood thoroughly, e.g. with linseed oil soap. Then paint only 1 layer and wait a few months before applying the second layer. This allows the impregnating salts to “sweat out” and acclimatise the wood to outside temperatures. After the second layer, you are good for several years without maintenance. On average five years.

  2. A rough surface

    A good penetration of the paint ensures good long-term adhesion. For Moose F to prenetrate into the wood properly, the wood must be somewhat rough. This is already the case with roughly sawn or weathered planks. With smooth planed planks it is highly recommended to sand them with a coarse grit (80) before painting.

    Using a primer is not necessary, you apply Moose F directly to the wood.

  3. When repainting wood that has an old paint, stain or oil coat

    If your wood has been processed before, it is a good idea to inspect the old layer and to pre-process if necessary. Our rule of thumb is: it should not peel and it must not shine.

    Painted wood: if the old paint coat is peeling, it is best to remove it. When the old layer is in good condition, you can sand down the lacquer layer to the base layer. Use a coarse grit (60 or 80) so that the entire glossy film layer is removed and you achieve a rough surface.

    Oiled wood: ensure that it is very well degreased. You can use soapy water with linseed oil soap for this.

    Stained wood: usually, an old stain layer has penetrated into the wood. Sometimes, old layer does show ‘flakes’. The easiest way is to spray the wood with a high-pressure sprayer. Pay attention to the spray position; you don’t want to damage the wood. This is the easiest and fastest way to prepare the wood: the stain flakes are removed, you clean the wood and the wood is roughened. An alternative to this is coarse sanding.

  4. Let’s get started!

    The painting itself is lot’s of fun, really! You don’t have to be a professional painter to work with our Moose F.

    Keep a mind that the temperature should be minimally 12 -15 °C. Dilute extra at temperatures above 25 °C. Stir the jar of paint briefly and dilute the paint for the first layer with 5-10% water.

    It’s easiest and quickest to paint with a (block)brush, since its hairs can effortlessly reach the cracks and grains of the wood. It is also possible to use a paint sprayer – in which case extra dilution with water is recommended.

  5. Temperature and drying time

    Let the first layer dry thoroughly. The drying time depends on the temperature and humidity. At a temperature of 20 °C, this is often approximately 6 hours.

    After the second coat, the paint should not be exposed to heavy rain for 2 – 3 days. When not fully dry, the paint can absorb moisture again and become soft and, in the worst case scenario, rain off.

  6. Consumption of Moose F

    Two coats of paint is usually sufficient for a nice and opaque result. Sometimes you will need three layers, for example if the wood is very absorbent and with lighter colours such as white and yellow. Do not apply more paint than necessary! This makes the paint layer more vulnerable.

    Per liter of paint you can paint approximately 5 m² opaque – this means two layers. This includes a margin of about 30%. New or very dry absorb more paint, then the consumption is higher. Consumption is somewhat lower with already painted wood.

    Brushes can be cleaned with water and some mild soap. Our linseed oil soap is very suitable for cleaning brushes.

  7. Maintenance

    If applied correctly, Moose F breathable wood paint does not flake. This makes repainting and touching up very easy. The durability of the result will depend on the circumstances; the sun-side may weather a little bit faster than the shadow-side
    The English climate is more humid, though in Sweden the differences in humidity are a lot bigger. Here, it can last outside for years: 4 to 5 years for certain. In Sweden 20 years is known to be no exception.

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Scandinavian, opaque wood paint colours

Our opaque stain is available in a beautiful Swedish colour palette with all-matt colours. The colours all have their own appearance, but combine well with each other.

A selection of Moose Färg F breathable wood paint colours:

  • Falu RödSwedish redMoose Färg Falu Röd (Swedish red)
  • Vasa SvartDeep blackMoose Färg Vasa Svart (Deep black)
  • BlytungsgråLead greyMoose Färg Blytungsbrå (Lead grey)
  • Skiffer GråSlate greyMoose Färg Skiffer Grå (Slate grey)
  • Kiruna GråPerl greyMoose Färg Kiruna Grå (Perl grey)
  • SommerblåSummer blueMoose Färg Sommerblå (Summer blue)
  • Bohus BlåSwedish blueMoose Färg Bohus Bla (Swedish blue)
  • Ljus BlåLight blueMoose Färg Ljus Blå (Light blue)
  • Victoria GrönDark greenMoose Färg Victoria Grön (Dark green)
  • Dalarna GrönSwedish greenMoose Färg Dalarna Grön (Swedish green)

Black paint

Our black paint has been very popular for several years. The matt look and deep colour of the earth pigments make for an intensely beautiful black that does not fade over the years, but stays black.

Black paint Vasa Svart

White paint

Our white paint is beautiful to use on its own, but is also often used as a contrast colour with one of our brighter colours. This adds a nice contrast to your wood. You can choose for all-white or off-white.

White paint Grädde

Red paint

Moose Färg’s red paint is the original Swedish red colour. This colour is certainly familiar to you if you have ever been to Scandinavia. A traditional colour that is alive and looks different in changing light.

Red paint Falu Röd

Grey paint

In our colour palette, we have five shades of grey. From very warm and light to more dark shades. Five beautiful grey colours that add atmosphere to your wood without being cold.

Grey paint Kiruna Grå

Blue paint

Whether you are looking for a really bright blue, or just a quiet softer colour: our blue shades give your wood a special colour, without being too present.

Blue paint Bohus Blå

Yellow paint

If you’re looking for a cheerful colour, our yellow paint is perfect. Choose the cheerful Skåne Gul (Swedish yellow), or the slightly quieter Ljus Gul (light yellow) for your wood.

Yellow paint Skåne Gul

Green paint

Our green paint matches wonderfully with nature. Not only because of the green colours, but also because of the durable character the paint.

Green paint Dalarna Grön

Anthracite paint

Popular paint colours are ral 7016 and ral 7021. Both are just off black and have a stylish, modern look. Our Antracit Grå roughly corresponds to ral-7016.

Anthracite paint Antracit Grå

Brown paint

Our brown paint is classic yet warm. Visby Brun is an intense, strong colour based on earth pigment. The colour is totally matt and fully opaque.

Brown paint Visby Brun

Assessing our colours from a computer screen is difficult because monitor settings and photo quality can affect colour display. Our advice is to view several photos to get a good impression of the colour. Want to see the colours in real life? Our colour chart is free and is painted with the paint itself. It gives the best idea of the colour. You can also order a paint sample to see the colour on your own wood.

For hardwood window frames

You can use breathable wood paint Moose F for all types of wood. However, for dimensionally stable surfaces – this means that the wood does not expand and contract much, if at all – we recommend using Moose RDM. Usually, window frames and doors are made out of hardwood, making them dimensionally stable.

Moose RDM has the same look and feel as Moose F and is also completely matt. Because it contains more solids and oil, Moose RDM is more robust and wear-resistant. This is nice for e.g. doors where you will occasionally touch your fingers. This paint type – in contrast to Moose F – should be applied without a primer and is not suitable for types of wood that shrink and expand, as it needs a dimensionally stable surface.

We recommend Moose RDM only for stable hardwood substrates such as window frames and doors. Also, Moose RDM can be applied to surfaces that are subjected to heavy wear.

Garage door in Moose RDM Kiruna Grå, window frames in Norrland Vit.

Inspiration photos of our breathable wood paint:

Many customers have already painted with Moose F. Let their examples inspire you!

Would you like additional, personal advice?

We are happy to help. Send an e-mail or call +31(0) 6 55 333 165. Watch our Instruction Video for more information. Apply here for a free color-card.