Analysis of Red Meranti Wood Color Change Due to Weather Exposure in Samarinda

Abstract

Red Meranti is a high-quality commercial wood that can be used outdoors. Outdoor timber will be exposed to the weather so that, in the long period, it will cause discoloration. This study aims to determine the colour change of meranti wood due to weather exposure for five months. Observation of macroscopic and colorimeter changes in the colour of red meranti wood refers to the ASTM D2244 standard. The results showed that red meranti wood at the beginning of the study was brownish red with L* 64.67, a* 16.13, and b* 17.00. After 150 days, it turned greyish black with L* 50.74, a* 1.25, b* 3.41, and ΔE 24.50. Colour changes in L*, a*, and b* parameters for 150 days followed the estimated growth curve pattern.