Cuprinol Garden Shades is a water-based wood protector and paint designed for garden surfaces, offering a range of colours for sheds, fences, terracotta, brick, and stone. The product is marketed as providing a long-lasting, opaque finish that allows the natural texture of wood grain to remain visible. According to the provided source material, it offers six years of weather protection and is noted as being harmless to plants and pets. The paint is available in various colour options, including Iris, Natural Stone, and Muted Clay, among others.
The source data does not contain any information regarding free samples, promotional offers, no-cost product trials, brand freebies, or mail-in sample programmes for Cuprinol Garden Shades. There are no references to sample request forms, sign-up pages, eligibility criteria, or any other method for obtaining a free sample of this product. The documentation focuses exclusively on product specifications, application instructions, safety information, and purchasing details.
Product Overview and Specifications
Cuprinol Garden Shades is described as a versatile paint suitable for multiple garden materials. The product is water-based and comes in a one-litre size. Key features highlighted in the source material include:
- Finish and Protection: It provides a matt finish with six years of weather protection for wood surfaces.
- Suitable Surfaces: It can be applied to wood, terracotta, brick, and stone.
- Application Methods: The paint can be applied by brush or spray. For larger areas, the use of specific Cuprinol sprayers (Fence Sprayer or Power Sprayer) is recommended for even application.
- Colour Range: The product is available in a wide range of colours, with one source mentioning a choice of 23 colours to enable creativity in garden design.
- Coverage: The product covers up to 10 square metres per litre per coat. A 2.5-litre container is noted to cover approximately 13.9 square metres with two coats.
Application and Preparation Guidelines
The source data provides specific instructions for preparing surfaces and applying the paint:
- Surface Preparation: Wooden surfaces must be clean, dry, and free from surface dirt and debris before painting. Existing coatings such as paint or varnish must be fully removed back to bare wood by sanding or using a suitable paint stripper.
- Wood Preservative: For bare wood structures, it is recommended to treat them with a wax-free wood preservative first to protect against mould, algae, and fungi. The preservative must be fully dry before painting. The use of a wax-free preservative is critical, as wax, oil, or silicon can repel water-based products like Cuprinol Garden Shades.
- Application Process: Apply the paint to clean, dry, and contaminant-free surfaces. For optimal results, apply 2-3 coats, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. The recommended drying time between coats is 2-4 hours (up to 8 hours in cool weather). Both coats need to be applied on the same day, as the wax in the paint will fully cure overnight, and a second coat applied later may not adhere correctly.
- Maintenance: To maintain the finish and protective properties, re-apply a fresh coat if the surface shows signs of weathering, following the same preparation and application instructions.
Safety and Environmental Information
The product specifications include several hazard and precautionary statements:
- Hazard Statements: P102 (Keep out of reach of children), P101 (If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand), P262 (Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing), P312 (Call a poison centre or doctor if you feel unwell), P501 (Dispose of contents/container to...).
- General Guidance: Always follow local regulations and product guidance.
- Environmental Safety: The product is described as harmless to plants and pets, making it an eco-friendly choice for gardeners.
Limitations and Recommendations
The source material includes specific recommendations and limitations regarding the use of Cuprinol Garden Shades:
- Decking: Although ideal for decking balustrades and handrails, the product is not recommended for decking boards due to a lack of durability. It is stated that it will soon show signs of wear and tear on horizontal decking surfaces.
- Plastic Surfaces: The product is not recommended for use on plastic. An alternative, Sadolin Superdec Opaque Wood Protection, is suggested for plastic substrates.
- Previous Treatments: The suitability for fencing depends on whether the surface has been previously treated, is bare wood, or has been preserved. The source suggests contacting woodcare experts for more information on suitability and preparation.
- Finish Type: The product has a matt finish and the usual consistency of water-based paints.
Purchasing and Delivery Information
The provided source data includes information related to purchasing from specific online retailers:
- Delivery: Free standard delivery is offered on US mainland orders. Express delivery and international shipping options are available at checkout.
- Returns: A 30-day money-back guarantee is offered on most products. For defective items, customers should contact the seller within 14 days for a replacement or refund.
- Product Sizes: The paint is available in 125ml pots (potentially for sampling colours) and 1-litre containers.
It is important to note that the source material does not specify whether the 125ml pots are free samples or require purchase. The reference to sampling colours "before buying what you need" suggests that these may be purchasable trial sizes rather than complimentary free samples.
Conclusion
The provided source material offers comprehensive details about Cuprinol Garden Shades as a product, including its composition, application methods, safety information, and purchasing details. However, there is no information available within the chunks about free samples, promotional offers, or any programme for obtaining the product at no cost. Consumers interested in trying the product would need to purchase a container, possibly starting with a smaller 125ml pot to test colours. The documentation emphasises proper surface preparation and adherence to application guidelines to achieve the stated six-year protection and desired finish. For specific queries about product suitability or previous treatments, contacting the manufacturer's woodcare experts is recommended.