Best wood paint/preservative?

[bario1]

I need to re-coat my shed as it's down to the bare wood and looking shabby. Walking into a DIY store there's a baffling array of products including wood stains, decking oils and paints... but what is the best, longest lasting product in the experience of the good peeps on this forum? I know many will say the old fashioned creosote was better than anything now available, but in it's absence what does the next best job? My gut tells me that a water based product will not be as good, but there are very few oil based products still out there. Is black bitumen paint any good?

Any thoughts and suggestions gratefully received!

[sparrow100]

I do love the smell of creosote...

Mine's all done with cuprinol. For the pretty colours...Looks good, but on repainting you have to be patient as the next coat doesn't take easily on top of the old.

[bario1]

Cuprinol 'Garden Shades'?

[Owamya]

I use creocote which is a creosote substitute.

[Guest]

Another for creocote. It is not as strong as creosote for good reason, but still does a good job.

[DannyK]

Creocote too. It soaks in well.

Cuprinol gave prettier finish but recoating was a faff.

[Potstubsdustbins]

Wicks own brand was very good the last time I bought some, must be five years and I haven't recoated yet. Don't like many of their other products but they seem to have this one right.

[Stan79]

Another vote for Wickes own brand... particularly when they have a sale on!