The Secret to Evenly Aged Timber: Controlled Erosion Stain

One quality of timber that people love is the way it gracefully ages with time. When left out to the elements, most timbers colour and tone gradually softens into a silvery grey patina that feels coastal and timeless. The challenge that architects and designers face is that this transformation doesn’t happen overnight. Sometime the desired colour can take years to reach, and the results are often extremely uneven. Some boards fade quickly, while others hold their colour, and before long you’re left with a mix of shades that don’t quite match.

Instead of waiting for years and hoping your timber will weather evenly and reach the shade you want, Grimes & Sons Controlled Erosion Stain gives timber and other porous surfaces, a naturally aged look from the very beginning. With many application uses, Grimes & Sons Controlled Erosion Stain is designed to gently fade over time and allow the timber’s own weathered patina to come through. It’s a great all in one for people wanting a robust finish that has slightly protective properties and produces an authentic result without the patchy in-between stage.

Highlighted below are some of the topics we will be discussing so you can jump straight to the answer you are looking for:

• What is Controlled Erosion Stain?
• How does it work?
• Where do you use it?
• Application
• Benefits
• FAQ
• Comparison to alternatives

Grimes & Sons Controlled Erosion Stain is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the aged look of timber from day one. Perfect in blending new boards with existing weathered timber and delivers a consistent, natural finish straight away. Although this finish has multiple application uses, we will only be focusing on its effects and use with Timber species. Exploration on what the product is, how it works, the benefits it offers, where it performs best and the important things to consider before using it on your project.

Let’s get into it.

What is Grimes & Son’s Controlled Erosion Stain?

Controlled Erosion Stain is a timber finish made by Grimes & Sons is a low VOC, wax and oil free, water based stain that instantly ages timber. It works very differently to typical timber finishes and varnishes, most film-forming coatings sit on top of the timber and try to lock in a colour for as long as possible, which often leads to peeling and a lot of maintenance. Controlled Erosion Stain takes another approach.

It soaks into the timber, gives it an instant yet organic aged look, and over time the finish gradually fades, revealing the naturally weathered timber beneath. The result is an even and authentic weathered finish that leaves you without having to deal with a peeling finish and with far less upkeep to achieve your desired look.

Application is simple, the finish bonds well to bare timber, and after the first coat you’ll notice it also helps repel water. Keeping the finish looking good is simple – if you want to hold onto the colour, just give the surface a quick clean and add another coat. No sanding, no stripping, no hassle.

Available in 1L, 5L, & 10L, Controlled Erosion Stain doesn’t dry timber out, it protects it against water soaking in, while letting the timber breathe and balance its own moisture naturally. Because it’s a water-based, it’s a great option for cladding, fences, gates and even feature walls. You can also use in on decks and outdoor furniture. You’ll just want to seal it with an oil afterwards so the timber finish isn’t compromised.

How Does it Work?

Controlled Erosion Stain is a water-based finish made with mineral and acrylic components. It works by penetrating slightly into the timber fibres while also leaving a fine layer of pigment across the surface. This creates an immediate, even colour that looks naturally weathered from the start.

The coating is alkaline, with a pH above 10, and contains around 40–45% solids. These properties help the stain bond tightly to bare timber while still being breathable. Once applied, it also provides short-term water repellency, causing water to bead on the surface instead of soaking in.

Over time, exposure to sunlight, wind and rain gradually breaks down the pigments and binders. Instead of failing suddenly, the stain is designed to erode slowly and evenly, washing away bit by bit. As this happens, the timber develops its own silver-grey patina, which blends seamlessly with the fading colour.

Because the stain is made to wear away naturally, there’s no heavy film left behind. When it comes time for maintenance, the surface doesn’t need sanding or stripping. A simple clean and recoat is all that’s required.

So why does this matter?… The science behind Controlled Erosion Stain means you get the weathered look you want straight away and as your timber transitions naturally over time, and you avoid the hassle of patchy finishes of labour-intensive maintenance.

Where Do You Use it?

Controlled Erosion Stain can be used in a variety of timber applications, helping achieve an aged look in a way that’s both consistent and low maintenance. Here are some of the most common ways it’s used:

• Cladding and Façades

Controlled Erosion stain gives timber cladding a consistent aged look right from application. Every board is set to the same tone, avoiding the patchy appearance that often comes when timber weathers at different rates.

• Fences, Gates and Screens

On fencing and screening, thespian creates the appearance of timber that has already softened and settled into the landscape. It’s an easy way to achieve a cohesive look across large surfaces.

• Heritage Projects

For renovations and heritage work, Controlled Erosion Stain is especially valuable. it helps new timber been with old, allowing repairs and extensions to sit naturally alongside exisiting weathered materials.

• Decking and Outdoor Furniture

The finish can also be applied to timber decking and outdoor furniture to create a driftwood-life aesthetic. When sealed with an oil, it can handle foot traffic and daily use while retaining its colour for longer.

HOW DO I APPLY CONTROLLED EROSION STAIN?

Grimes and Son’s recommends to always test on part of the job which does not show to determine suitability for your specific use. Coverage is =10m2/L, depending on surface porosity and application method. Ensure the working surface is clean, dry and free from wax, grease, dust, and other material. In mould prone areas, it is recommended to treat the raw timber with Chlorite to reduce the chances of mould spores coming through. Always ensure adequate ventilation, eye and hand protection during use.

Stir thoroughly before and during application with a flat paddle. Apply 2 coats with a clean brush, roller or spray gun. Controlled Erosion Stain can be scoured to give a deep appearance on dressed timber surfaces. On Weatherex, 3-4 saturation coats should be applied with a 10mm nap roller, one panel at a time.

To avoid picture framing, cut in and feather the edge out and fill in whilst keeping the wet edge moving. Controlled Erosion Stain is NOT suitable for Primed Weathertex.

Gum or darker coloured timbers need to be left for about 4-6 weeks so the excess tannin and gum can leach out.

Do NOT apply in temperatures below 10℃ or above 40℃. Allow 24 hours drying time and brushes and equipment should be cleaned thoroughly with water.

What Are The Benefits?

One of the biggest advantages of Controlled Erosion Stain is the control and predictability it gives. Instead of waiting years and hoping the timber will weather evenly, you can achieve an aged look straight away and have assurance that the timbers colour will fade smoothly and evenly. Boasting a range of benefits, this finish helps bring out the character of your timber and touts to fit the style and needs of your project with the ability to be stained black to also give a charred timber look.

The benefits of this stain are;

• Instant Weathered Look
  Achieve the soft, silvery finish of ages timber right from installation that over time, blends into a natural and even weathered timber look.
• Even, Consistent Colour
  Helps avoid the patchy look that often occurs when some boards fade faster than others. Great for matching mixed species timber projects by unifying the underlying colour. Can be stained black.
• Natural Transition Over Time
  The stain gradually wears away, blending seamlessly into the timber’s own silver-grey patina for an authentic result
• No Peeling or Flaking
  Designed to erode evenly under sun, wind and rain, so timber never suffers from cracked or peeling finishes.
• Simple Maintenance
  To refresh the colour, just clean the surface and reapply – no sanding or stripping required.
• Water Repellency
  After the first coat, the finish helps shed rainwater, reducing early staining and slowing moisture absorption.
• Design Flexibility
  Available in a wide range of greys, browns and black tones, with the option for custom colours to suit specific projects.
• Great for Matching New with Old
  Ideal for heritage projects or extensions where new timber needs to blend seamlessly with already weathered boards.
• Environmentally Friendly
  Being water-based and low in VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), it’s safer to apply, better for indoor air quality, and less harmful to the environment.

Why low VOC’s matter for timber finishes

VOC are carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature. Found in paints, stains, adhesives and many other building products, VOC’s are often found in solvents that keep the product liquid until its applies.

• Health & Safety 
  High VOC products can give off strong fumes that cause headaches, irritation or more serious health effects with long-term exposure.
• Indoor Air quality
  As VOC’s contribute to indoor pollution, many builders and homeowners prefer low VOC or VOC-free finishes.
• Environment
  VOC’s can react in the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone and smog, which is harmful to the environment.

Controlled Erosion Stain is very low in VOC’s (<15 g/L). This means it is much safer to work with, has little to no odour and is better for the environment compared to traditional and competing solvent-based stains.

Things to Keep in Mind/FAQ

Controlled Erosion Stain is designed to give timber a natural, evolving finish. This means it behaves a little differently to protective oils or paints. For many projects, these traits aren’t drawbacks at all, they’re exactly what makes Controlled Erosion Stain so effective.

Here are a few things worth knowing before you choose it for your project:

• Does the colour last forever?
  No – Controlled Erosion Stain is designed to fade gradually. this helps the timber move smoothly into its natural silver-grey without looking patchy.
• Will I need to reapply it?
  Yes, if you’d like to keep the original colour. Many projects will need a refresh every 1-2 years, depending on the level of exposure.
• Can I use it on decks?
  You can, but because these surfaces see more wear, the stain should be sealed with an oil to help hold the colour for longer.
• Will it work on all timber types?
  Not always. Very dense or oily timbers don’t absorb the stain well, not suitable for Pacific Teak. It’s best to check your timber species before applying.
• Does the weather affect application?
  Yes – like most exterior finishes, it should be applied in the right conditions. Avoid very hot, cold or rainy days for the best results.
• Will the colour change over time?
  Yes, and that’s the point! The stain is sacrificial, so as it fades, the timber’s own silver-grey patina takes over for a natural, authentic look.

Comparison to Alternatives

When weighing up timber finishes, each option has clear strengths and considerations. Oils enrich the timber’s natural colour and add protection, but they need consistent upkeep to look their best. Paints and varnishes can lock colour for longer, though when they fail they often peel or crack and require heavy sanding. Leaving timber to weather naturally avoids coatings altogether, but the process is slow and usually uneven. SiOO:X delivers long-lasting results, though it comes with a higher upfront cost and more complex application. Controlled Erosion Stain sits between these approaches, offering a balance of simplicity, authentic appearance, and easy maintenance.

• Appearance from Day One

Controlled Erosion Stain gives an instant aged look, whereas oils deepen natural colour and SiOO:X takes months/years to grey. Paints/varnishes give a uniform but often artificial look.

• Longevity vs Authenticity

SiOO:X and heavy film coatings last longer but can look less natural and need more complex maintenance when they fail. Controlled Erosion Stain fades sooner but in a softer, authentic way.

• Maintenance Style

With Controlled Erosion Stain, maintenance is light and simple: just clean and re-coat. Oils need regular reapplication to keep protection, while paints and varnishes usually require sanding or stripping when they break down.

• Stability for Different Projects

Controlled Erosion Stain is perfect for cladding, fences and heritage projects where appearance is the focus. Oils are better where durability and water repellency are priorities. Paints or varnishes may suit high-colour, design-led applications. SiOO:X is best for long-term, low-maintenance projects.

• Cost vs Value

Controlled Erosion Stain is less expensive and quicker to apply than mineral systems like SiOO:X, but needs more frequent re-coating to keep a particular colour. Customer balancing upfront cost with long-term upkeep will want to weigh these trade-offs.

Brining It All Together

If you are wanting your timber to have an even, aged look without waiting years, Grimes & Son’s Controlled Erosion Stain is a simple option to consider. It’s easy to look after, doesn’t peel, and keeps the timber looking even and natural over time. If you’d like to know how Grimes & Sons’s Controlled Erosion Stain could elevate your timber project.

Contact us or request a free quote and our expert team will assist and guide you through the journey!