Wood and coating properties that affect durability of exterior wood

Wood properties such as texture, density, content of extractives, surface roughness and pre-weathering, affect the durability of the whole wood-coating system. The prinicipal properties of a sucessful wood coating are: long-term elasticity, good adhesion, barrier against liquid water with sufficient vapour permeability, resistance to attack by microorganisms, and protection from sunlight. This article attempts to bring together research related to the influence of wood and coating properties on the whole wood coating system.