If you've ever looked at an exterior wood project and thought where do I even start? - you're not alone.
Proper care of exterior timber can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces. Traditional oils often need multiple coats and dry weekends between each one. There's usually a different product for decking, furniture, cladding, and joinery - and a cupboard full of half-used tins to show for it. And after all that effort, some finishes still crack, peel, or need re-coating far sooner than you'd expect.
Rubio Monocoat DuroGrit is designed to solve many of these problems by simplifying exterior timber protection. It's a one coat system designed to colour, protect, and enhance exterior wood while remaining easy to apply and maintain.
In this guide (and in the video below), we'll explain how DuroGrit works, where you can use it, how to apply it properly, and why its unique technology makes it different from traditional exterior wood oils.
What Is Rubio Monocoat DuroGrit?
Rubio DuroGrit is an exterior wood protection oil designed for use on virtually all exterior timber projects. It's suitable for both hardwoods and softwoods and can be used across decking, cladding, garden furniture and exterior joinery.
What makes DuroGrit different from many traditional exterior oils is its combination of superior oil technology and water-based ease of use. It's easy to clean up, low VOC (meaning lower odour during application compared with many solvent-heavy exterior finishes), and easy to apply while still delivering the durability expected from a high performance exterior wood oil.
How does DuroGrit work?
One of the key technologies behind DuroGrit is Rubio's patented FibroGrit Technology. Put simply, microscopic wood fibres are suspended within the oil itself. When applied to the surface of wood, these fibres penetrate into the surface and bond with the timber fibres. This creates a durable network within the wood surface that creates a protective layer and holds additional UV stabilisers to improve weather resistance.
The result is long-lasting protection that helps reduce UV degradation and greying.
Why DuroGrit doesn't crack or peel
Unlike film-forming coatings, DuroGrit penetrates into the timber rather than sitting heavily on the surface. Because it absorbs into the wood:
- It moves naturally with seasonal timber movement.
- Weather cannot easily get underneath the finish.
- It will not typically crack, flake or peel like surface coatings.
Instead, DuroGrit gradually fades over time and can be maintained when needed.
Where can you use DuroGrit?
One of DuroGrit's biggest strengths is its versatility. It can be used on pretty much any outdoor timber, including:
- Decking
- Cladding
- Garden furniture
- Fencing
- Exterior joinery
- Timber structures
- Garden rooms
- Exterior doors and windows
And it's suitable for both hardwoods (including Teak, Oak, Iroko, Afzelia, Cumaru, Thermowood, and Sapelle) and softwoods (including Pine, Spruce, Cedar, and Douglas Fir).
For tropical hardwoods such as Iroko, Afzelia and Cumaru, allow the timber to weather outdoors for approximately 4-6 weeks before application.
Preparation & application
Good preparation is essential for achieving the best possible results with DuroGrit. Before application, timber should be sanded to 80-100 grit, thoroughly cleaned and allowed to dry completely. Removing dust, algae, mould and contamination helps maximise penetration, improve adhesion and promote more even colour absorption.
When applying DuroGrit, work methodically and apply to one board or one element at a time to maintain a wet edge and minimise overlap marks. Because DuroGrit is designed to penetrate into bare timber, always ensure existing finishes, oils and coatings have been fully removed before application.
Drying times
Drying times will vary depending on timber species, temperature, humidity and airflow. Lower temperatures and higher humidity will extend drying times. See the below table for approximate times:
| Â Conditions | Touch dry | Rain resistant | Light use | Full cure | Notes |
| Cool conditions (10-15°C) | 4-6 hours | 24-36 hours | 3-4 days | 7-10 days | Lower temperatures and poor airflow increase drying times |
| Typical UK conditions (15-20°C) | 2-4 hours | Around 24 hours | 2-3 days | 3-7 days | Ideal application conditions |
| Warm conditions (20-30°C) | 1-2 hours | 12-24 hours | 1-2 days | 3-5 days | Avoid direct sunlight where possible |
Do I need a second coat?
Usually not.
DuroGrit is specifically engineered as a one coat system and one coat typically provides:
- Full colour development
- UV protection
- Weather resistance
- Long-term performance
Some users may choose a second coat for additional colour depth, but this is not normally required.
Selecting the right colour
DuroGrit is available in a wide range of colours, ranging from natural-looking timber tones through to contemporary greys and pastel shades. The chart below illustrates Rubio's recommendations for colour choices across different timber species:
Cleaning & maintenance
Regular cleaning away dirt, organic debris, and algae or mould growth can significantly extend the life of any exterior finish. As a general rule, it's better to apply maintenance coats when the finish begins to fade rather than waiting for complete breakdown.
How frequently DuroGrit requires maintenance depends on several factors:
1. Exposure levels
Surfaces exposed to constant direct sunlight or fluctuations in temperature/moisture will generally require maintenance more frequently than surfaces in shaded or protected areas. For example:
• South-facing surfaces generally weather faster due to increased UV exposure.
• Coastal environments may experience faster weathering from salt and wind.
• Sheltered or partially covered areas often retain their finish for much longer.
2. Timber species
Different wood species absorb and weather differently, as movement and porosity vary between species. e.g. dense hardwoods such as Iroko and Cumaru do not absorb oil as deeply as other species, but more porous timbers may require maintenance sooner, as they are more susceptible to water damage.
3. Horizontal vs vertical surfaces
Horizontal surfaces usually experience the greatest wear because they are exposed to:
• Standing water
• Foot traffic
• Dirt accumulation
• Leaves and organic debris
• Snow and frost
Vertical surfaces typically shed water more easily and experience less physical wear, meaning they often maintain their appearance for longer.
DuroGrit offers:
- Up to 10 year warranty on vertical surfaces
- Up to 2 year warranty on horizontal surfaces
You can view the full warranty here.
Why choose DuroGrit?
DuroGrit is sometimes more expensive than traditional exterior oils, but because only one coat is required, overall project costs are broadly similar.
Benefits:
- One coat application
- Excellent UV resistance
- Suitable for most timber species
- Very versatile
- Low VOC formulation
- Toy safe once cured
- Easy water clean up
Things to consider:
- Existing finishes must be removed before use
- Maintenance coats generally require sanding back
- Higher upfront product cost
Rubio DuroGrit simplifies exterior timber finishing by combining easy application with long-lasting protection.
For DIY users, contractors and anyone looking for a straightforward one coat system, it offers a practical way to protect exterior timber while maintaining a natural appearance and feel.
For more, check out the FAQs below, as well as the video from our recent Rubio demo day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can DuroGrit be applied over existing oil or stain?
No.
DuroGrit should only be applied to bare, prepared timber. Existing oils, stains, varnishes or coatings should be removed before application to allow proper penetration and performance.
Does DuroGrit peel?
No.
DuroGrit penetrates into the timber rather than forming a heavy surface film, which means that as the timber naturally expands and contracts outdoors, the finish moves with it rather than cracking or peeling away.
Can you apply DuroGrit on a sunny day?
It's generally better to avoid strong direct sunlight where possible. Warm temperatures can cause the product to dry more quickly, making it harder to maintain a wet edge and increasing the risk of overlap marks. For best results:
- Apply between approximately 10–30°C.
- Work in shade where possible.
- Work in manageable sections.
Can DuroGrit be used on hardwood?
Yes.
DuroGrit is suitable for both hardwood and softwood species including: Iroko; Afzelia; Cumaru; Douglas Fir; Cedar; Pine; and Spruce.
How long before the surface is resistant to rain?
Under typical conditions, allow approximately 24 hours before rain exposure where possible. Cool temperatures, poor airflow and high humidity may increase drying times.
How long before you can walk on decking?
Light use is normally possible after a few days depending on conditions. For heavy traffic, furniture placement or regular use, allow full cure before use.
Is one coat really enough?
Yes.
DuroGrit is specifically engineered as a one coat system and is designed to provide colour, UV protection and weather resistance in a single application. Some users may choose to apply a second coat for additional colour depth, but this is not usually necessary.
Is DuroGrit available in a clear version?
No.
Unlike interior oils, exterior wood finishes rely heavily on pigments for UV protection. DuroGrit uses a combination of pigments, UV stabilisers and FibroGrit technology to achieve long-term durability, which is why a completely clear version isn't available.
For the most natural appearance, Grassland Beige is generally considered the closest option to a near-clear finish.
What finish does DuroGrit leave?
DuroGrit is a matt finish. Because it penetrates into the timber rather than building a surface film, it maintains a natural appearance and feel while still providing protection.