This work aimed at evaluating the photodecomposition process of five tropical wood species and the protection effect of two wood finishing products under artificial weathering. Woods of
Tabebuia impeginosa
,
Manilkara huberi
,
Mezilaurus itauba
,
Bagassa guianensis
and
Couratari sp.
were employed. Samples were submitted to cycles of 2,000 hours of ultraviolet radiation (UV) and 400 hours of water leaching.Changes in the natural color of wood, indicative of the photodegradation process, and the protection degree of a transparent poliuretanic varnish and a semitransparent stain were monitored by spectrocolorimetry. The most resistant wood species were
Tabebuia impetiginosa and
Couratari sp. followed by
Mezilaurus huberi, Mezilaurus itauba and
Bagassa guianensis, respectively. The varnish protected
Tabebuia impetiginosa and
Mezilaurus huberi for a long period, while the stain seemed to be more efficient for Mezilaurus itauba and Bagassa guianensis. Both products presented similar performance for
Couratari sp.
