Description
Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback 5L fence and shed treatment
Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback is a water-based, wax-enriched treatment developed to colour and weatherproof rough-sawn fences, sheds and similar garden timber for up to five years.
Its non-drip consistency makes it particularly practical for vertical fence panels and shed walls, while the water-repellent formulation helps rain run off the treated surface. It produces an opaque matt finish and is available in a choice of traditional and contemporary garden colours.
Please note: Cuprinol Ducksback is intended for rough-sawn garden timber. It is not the correct product for decking, floors or smooth-planed interior or exterior joinery.
Cuprinol Ducksback at a glance
- Pack size: 5 litres
- Suitable for: rough-sawn fences, sheds and garden buildings
- Finish: opaque matt colour
- Protection: up to 5 years when correctly prepared and applied
- Coverage: up to 24m² for one coat
- Approximate fence coverage: up to 8 standard panels for one coat
- Recommended coats: at least 2 coats
- Drying time: approximately 2–4 hours
- Showerproof: approximately 1 hour
- Base: water based
- Application: brush or suitable roller
Why Masseys recommends Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback
At Masseys, we recommend Cuprinol Ducksback for customers who want an affordable, reliable coloured treatment for rough-sawn fence panels or sheds.
The non-drip consistency is particularly helpful when coating upright fence panels because it is easier to control than a thin, runny treatment. The wax-enriched formula also provides effective water repellency, while the range of colours allows tired or mismatched garden timber to be given a more consistent appearance.
It is a good choice for large areas of straightforward rough-sawn timber. We would not recommend it for decking, smooth-planed wood or detailed garden furniture. For those projects, browse our Cuprinol Garden Shades, decking treatments or other specialist woodcare products instead.
What can Cuprinol Ducksback be used on?
Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback is designed for exterior rough-sawn garden timber, including:
- Rough-sawn fence panels
- Timber sheds
- Summerhouses with rough-sawn exterior timber
- Garden storage buildings
- Rough-sawn timber screens and garden structures
What should Cuprinol Ducksback not be used on?
Do not use Ducksback as a general-purpose treatment for every wooden surface. It is not intended for:
- Decking or wooden floors
- Smooth-planed doors and window frames
- Interior timber
- Frequently handled garden furniture
- Previously waxed or incompatible surfaces
- Rotten or structurally damaged timber
For a broader range of decorative garden colours and surfaces, see our Cuprinol Garden Shades. For bare timber requiring a dedicated preservative product, browse our wood preservers.
Key benefits of Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback
Up to five years of protection
When the surface is correctly prepared and the treatment is applied in accordance with the instructions on the container, Ducksback provides up to five years of colour and weather protection.
Wax-enriched water repellency
The wax-enriched formulation helps repel rainwater from the treated surface, making it well suited to exposed sheds and fence panels in typical British weather.
Non-drip application
Its thicker, non-drip consistency makes the product easier to control on upright surfaces and helps reduce runs and splashes during brush application.
Showerproof in approximately one hour
Under suitable drying conditions, the treated surface becomes showerproof in approximately one hour. Full drying normally takes around two to four hours, depending on the timber, temperature, humidity and weather.
Water based and low odour
The water-based formula has a lower odour than many traditional solvent-based wood treatments. Brushes and suitable rollers can be cleaned with water before the product dries.
Suitable for use around plants and pets
Cuprinol describes Ducksback as safe for use around plants and pets. Keep children and animals away from the area during application and until the coating has dried, and always follow the safety instructions on the container.
How much area will 5 litres of Cuprinol Ducksback cover?
One 5L tin covers up to approximately 24m² for one coat, which Cuprinol equates to approximately eight standard fence panels.
Because the product normally requires at least two coats, allow for approximately 12m² of completed two-coat coverage from one 5L tin. This is an estimate: rough, dry or highly absorbent timber can use significantly more product.
Remember to include:
- Both sides of a fence if both will be treated
- Fence posts and gravel-board timber
- Shed doors, gables and trim
- Additional product for porous or weathered surfaces
- A small allowance for application losses
How many coats of Cuprinol Ducksback are required?
Apply a minimum of two even coats. A third coat may be required where:
- The timber is very absorbent
- You are making a strong colour change
- The previous finish is uneven
- The first coats have not produced an even, consistent colour
Allow approximately two to four hours between coats in normal drying conditions. Because Ducksback contains water-repellent wax, apply subsequent coats within the period stated on the container. Leaving the first coat for too long may make it more difficult for another coat to adhere evenly.
How to apply Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback
- Check the surface. Only use the product on suitable rough-sawn exterior timber.
- Clean the wood. Remove dirt, dust, algae, loose material and failing previous coatings.
- Allow the timber to dry. Do not apply to wet or damp wood.
- Protect nearby surfaces. Cover paving, plants, glass, metalwork and any areas that are not being treated.
- Stir thoroughly. Mix the contents before use and periodically during application.
- Test the colour. Apply a small test area and allow it to dry fully before treating the whole surface.
- Apply along the grain. Use a brush or suitable roller and avoid heavy overlaps, runs or pooling.
- Apply at least two coats. Allow approximately two to four hours between coats in suitable conditions.
- Clean tools promptly. Remove excess treatment and clean water-based application tools before the product dries.
Do not apply below 5°C, in damp conditions or when rain is expected before the coating has had time to dry. Always follow the instructions and safety information printed on the specific container supplied.
Can Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback be sprayed?
Do not assume that this non-drip Ducksback formulation is suitable for use in a fence sprayer. Apply it using the methods stated on the container. Customers specifically wanting a spray-applied treatment should choose a product that is clearly labelled as sprayable.
Available Cuprinol Ducksback colours
Colour availability may vary, but the current 5L range at Masseys can include:
- Autumn Brown
- Autumn Gold
- Black
- Delicate Pine
- Dusted Aloe
- Forest Green
- Forest Oak
- Harvest Brown
- Herring Grey
- Misty Heathland
- Rich Cedar
- Silver Copse
Choose the required colour from the selector above. Colours can appear different according to the underlying timber, the number of coats, lighting conditions and the screen used to view them. Always test a small area and allow it to dry before completing the project.
Technical specifications
| Product | Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback |
|---|---|
| Pack size | 5 litres |
| Product type | Coloured exterior shed and fence treatment |
| Suitable timber | Exterior rough-sawn timber |
| Finish | Matt |
| Base | Water based |
| Coverage | Up to 24m² for one coat |
| Approximate panel coverage | Up to 8 standard fence panels for one coat |
| Number of coats | At least 2; additional coats may be required |
| Showerproof time | Approximately 1 hour |
| Drying and recoating time | Approximately 2–4 hours in suitable conditions |
| Application | Brush or suitable roller, subject to container instructions |
| Protection period | Up to 5 years when correctly prepared and applied |
Collection and local delivery
Cuprinol Ducksback cannot currently be sent through our national courier service because of the plastic containers.
The product is available for collection from Masseys in Woodville, near Swadlincote. Local delivery may also be available depending on your postcode and order. Please contact Masseys if you need to confirm availability or delivery before ordering.
Why buy Cuprinol from Masseys?
Masseys stocks a broad range of Cuprinol and exterior woodcare products, allowing you to compare colours, finishes and treatments before choosing the most suitable product for your project.
Shopping with Masseys gives you access to:
- Practical advice from an established independent DIY retailer
- A wide selection of Cuprinol colours and woodcare products
- Help choosing between fence treatment, preservative, decking oil and Garden Shades
- Suitable brushes, rollers and preparation products
- Collection from our Woodville store
- Local delivery in qualifying areas
Browse all Cuprinol products, compare our complete range of shed and fence treatments, or find suitable brushes and decorating tools.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cuprinol 5 Year Ducksback last?
It provides up to five years of colour and weather protection when applied to a correctly prepared, suitable surface in accordance with the instructions.
Is Cuprinol Ducksback waterproof?
Ducksback is wax enriched and highly water repellent. It is more accurate to describe it as a weatherproofing treatment rather than claiming that treated timber becomes completely waterproof in every circumstance.
How much will a 5L tin cover?
A 5L tin covers up to approximately 24m² for one coat, or around eight standard fence panels. For a complete two-coat application, plan for approximately 12m², with less coverage possible on rough or highly absorbent wood.
How quickly is Cuprinol Ducksback showerproof?
It normally becomes showerproof in approximately one hour in suitable conditions. Full drying and recoating generally take around two to four hours.
Can Cuprinol Ducksback be used on smooth timber?
No. It is designed principally for rough-sawn garden timber. Use a product specifically approved for smooth-planed wood where that is the surface being treated.
Can Ducksback be used on decking?
No. Decking requires a coating designed for horizontal surfaces and foot traffic. Browse our dedicated decking oils and stains instead.
Can Cuprinol Ducksback be sprayed?
This non-drip formulation should not be assumed to be sprayable. Use the application method stated on the container, normally a brush or suitable roller.
Is Cuprinol Ducksback safe around pets and plants?
Cuprinol describes it as safe for use around plants and pets. Keep pets and children away during application and drying, and follow all instructions on the container.
Why does the wet colour look different from the colour shown?
Wood treatments can change noticeably while drying. The final result is also affected by the original timber colour, previous treatments, timber porosity and the number of coats. Always apply and dry a test patch first.
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