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How to treat wood for outdoor use?
Outdoor wood needs special treatment to protect it from the elements and keep it looking its best. Without proper care, outdoor wood can quickly become damaged by rain, sun, wind, and pests.
Fortunately, treating outdoor wood doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, with a few simple steps you can easily treat your outdoor wood and ensure that it will last for years to come.
Read on to learn how to properly prepare your wooden furniture or structures for use outdoors so that they are protected from the environment and look great year-round.
If you prefer a visual explanation of how to treat wood for outdoor use, have a look at the following video:
You don’t really need a professional to seal, varnish, and finish your outdoor wood furniture for you. The video above illustrates how easy it is to do it yourself.
As long as you have the knowledge, the right tools, and equipment you’ll be able to treat your outdoor wood furniture in no time.
How to treat wood for outdoor use: Most Common Methods
Outdoor-Rated Finish
To preserve your exterior wood surfaces, you have multiple coatings to choose from. Polyurethane, lacquer, varnish and epoxy are the most commonly chosen options; however, depending on what product is used application techniques may slightly differ.
Before applying any finish make sure that all of the wood is cleaned carefully- if there had been a prior coating applied then sand it off before resuming with another one.
Wood finishes typically last for several years, so while they’re not permanent in nature, they can certainly boost the lifespan of your wood pieces significantly. Furthermore, once you’ve treated them with a finish once and are familiar with it, future treatments will require much less time!
What You’ll Need
- Sandpaper
- Chosen Outdoor-Rated Finish
- Paint Brush
- Tack Cloth or Wet Cloth
- Broom or Vacuum Cleaner
Steps in Applying Outdoor-Rated Finish to your Wood Surface
- Be sure to be in a clean, dust-free place to make sure you protect wood from elements besides the finishing chemical.
- Lightly sand untreated wood to give it a little more texture and remove any excess wood fibers.
- Get a tack cloth, or a wet cloth to remove the wood dust accumulated from sanding the wood.
- Mix your chemical properly to rid it of bubbles, which can affect the quality when you treat untreated wood.
- Begin treating wood by applying your finish, refrain from overloading the brush because it may drip and cause uneven layers on your wood. You may apply multiple layers of finish to protect exterior wood better.
- Once you’ve finished applying, get a cloth to wipe off any excess oil on your treated wood.
- Let dry. Leave your wood for 4 hours or much better if you leave it overnight to dry to make sure you treat outdoor wood in its utmost dryness.
Varnish
Although varnishes and sealers may seem similar, they have distinct differences which set them apart.
From polyurethane to oil-based varieties, these distinctions create different capabilities and qualities that make it possible for anyone to tell the two types of products apart. With this knowledge in hand, you can now decide which product is best suited for your project.
Applying layers of varnish can easily form a sturdy, water-resistant barrier around your furniture – preventing it from becoming damaged due to moisture and safeguarding against dents or scratches! With this protection in place, you can rest assured that your furniture is safe.
Lacquer
Are you hunting for a glistening, long-lasting finish? Lacquer is your ideal choice! By dissolving tree sap with either turpentine or alcohol and applying it to the surface with lacquer thinner, you will achieve various sheens.
Though this product yields beautiful results, ensure that there is adequate ventilation while working as three to five coats are necessary – plus no strong odor in your home once finished.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a highly durable plastic resin with various sheens ranging from satin to semi-gloss and high gloss.
When using polyurethane on wood surfaces, there are two options available: oil or water based polyurethanes.
Oil based require fewer coats of paint for the desired outcome but takes longer to dry; additionally they emit more VOCs than their water counterparts.
To remove oil-based polymeric compounds, you’ll need to get your hands on mineral spirits, turpentine or acetone. Water-based polymers are much easier to clean up and can be washed away with nothing more than a bit of soap and water.
Epoxy
Composed of plant-based epoxy resins, Epoxy provides a robust foundation for varnish and lacquer and is best for softer wood.
Despite the fact that all epoxies will eventually yellow when exposed to sunlight, those made explicitly cater to outdoor use offer greater UV resistance and are more likely to endure extreme weather conditions.
Before you start treating your wood, be sure to check with the manufacturer if the epoxy resin is thin enough for it to reach into all of the hard-to-reach areas.
Using Wood Sealer with Tung Oil or Linseed Oil
Give your exterior wooden surfaces the protection they deserve with our superior blend of Flaxseed oil, Tung Oil from Southern Chinese trees, mineral spirits, and polyurethane.
Not only will this unique combination give them a stunning look but it also creates an efficient barrier against harsh elements so you can relish outdoor wood furniture or structures for years to come.
What You’ll Need
- Tung Oil or Linseed Oil
- Polyurethane
- Paint Brush
- Paint Stirrer
- Fine Sandpaper
- Tack Cloth or Wet Cloth
- Mineral Spirits
- Broom or Vacuum Cleaner
Steps in Applying Tung Oil or Linseed Oil
- Combine your Tung Oil, Polyurethane, and Mineral Spirits in equal proportions.
- Stir the mixture, and keep watch for air bubbles on your wood oils.
- Once again sand your wood, and after that remove all the wood fibers using a tack cloth or wet cloth to give way for your wood sealers.
- Begin applying your finish on the wood and sand them in between before you apply another layer.
- Oil Finish become yellow overtime so it’s best to apply them on dark woods.
- Let the oil soak in for a few minutes before you apply another layer of wood oil.
- Let dry for eight hours (best if overnight) depending on the amount of layers you put.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood is the most popular choice but not that DIY-friendly for outdoor furniture and structures. It’s treated with a chemical compound that makes it resistant to rot, decay, mold, and pests so you don’t have to worry about your outdoor projects deteriorating over time.
Pressure-treated lumber is the perfect choice for your outdoor projects, since it can contain copper azole, alkaline copper quaternary or any other weatherproof and durable form of copper.
Even if you buy wood that appears wet to the touch, no need to panic – the moisture will rapidly evaporate leaving only preservatives in its wake and a natural wood looking wood stain.
Conclusion
No matter how your outdoor furniture or structures are made, it’s essential to give them the protection they deserve against harsh elements.
Whether you’re using polyurethane, epoxy, wood sealers with Tung oil or linseed oil, or even pressure-treated lumber – each of these materials will help preserve and protect your projects for years to come.
Remember that no two products will provide exactly the same results; be sure to consult manufacturers regarding application methods and drying times before beginning any project involving how to treat wood for outdoor use.
With a bit of research and preparation ahead of time, you can ensure that your wooden surfaces remain in pristine condition for many seasons down the road.
