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Some of the most gorgeous , long - lasting patch of furniture , cabinetry , and trim work are crafted from wood , the earth ’s oldest and well - loved building material . Without the right noesis of how to rainproof wood , however , most lumber will brook from exposure to moisture and high humidity , result in swell , warping , or even decompose . Fortunately , you’re able to easily help yourself of product that protect wood while enhance its natural peach .

There are three surefire ways to waterproof your Grant Wood for year to come .

Woman uses a paintbrush to apply Danish oil to a wood board to waterproof it.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

When opt the approach path that ’s right for you , keep in mind that some methods of waterproof Ellen Price Wood are well suited for inner or exterior detail , while others are pitch towards dark- or light - grained wood .

How to Waterproof Wood With Oil

flaxseed petroleum and Tung crude oil are the footing for nearly all hand - rubbed ( aka wiping ) oil finishes . engage for century , these oils beautify and protect such dark - grained woods aswalnut and mahogany , and they ’re still in habit today — with a few advance . Because manus - rub oils have a tendency to yellow over clock time , though , jump the oil method if you ’re weatherproofing Mrs. Henry Wood that ’s light in colouring material , such as pine or ash tree . While suitable for dark woods , helping hand - rubbed oils have a tendency to yellow over meter , make them a poor choice for abstemious wood grains .

you could purchase pre - blended Tung oil and linseed oil product , or you could mix your own for a custom stopping point . A stock hand - fray oil blending consists of one part crude oil ( either Tung or boiled linseed ) , one part mineral spirits , and one part polyurethane . blend the oil color with other fixings hastens drying time and wipe out stickiness .

SUPPLIES

Danish oil , tung oilorlinseed oilMineral spirits(optional)Polyurethane(optional)Natural - bristle blusher brushRagsFine sandpaper

Here ’s how to seal wood with a hired hand - rubbed oil finish :

1 . arouse the crude .

Materials needed for three methods for waterproofing wood, including Danish oil, polyurethane, and stain and seal.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

2 . hold with a natural - bristle paint brush to sanded and clean woodwind .

3 . allow the oil soak into the forest surface , and reapply to any spot that look dry .

4 . Wipe off the residual oil , rubbing well with clean , dry rag to murder all excess .

Woman stirs Danish oil with mineral spirits and polyurethane.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

5 . Allow the forest to dry completely . This can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight , depending on the balance of oil in the mixture .

6.Sand the woodlightly with a fine - grit emery paper .

7 . reprise the outgrowth with as many extra coating as ask to obtain your desired conclusion .

Woman uses natural-bristle paint brush to apply an oil sealant to wood board.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

As you become familiar with oil - rubbed blends , sense innocent to experiment with the formula for a hoi polloi of custom blending . For a chummy product , reduce the amount of mineral life . If you ’d like more working time before the finish dries , reduce the amount of polyurethane . Or , on the impudent side , add more poly for a sheeny destination and quicker drying time .

Note : Oily rags used to rub away excess crude can spontaneously combust , even without being near an loose flaming . This is because the oil generates heating plant as it dries . Take precautions by keeping a bucket of piss ready to hand while working ; as a rag becomes oil colour - saturated , omit it in the bucket while continuing with a unclouded rag . Later , hang the rags out to dry severally . When completely dry , you could toss away of them without risk , but tag end should not be recycle .

How to Waterproof Wood With Sealant

Polyurethane , varnish , and lacquer are tried - and - true sealants with excellent waterproofing properties . For best upshot , use the wood coating at room temperature , ideally between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit . Never shake or briskly stir sealants before app ; doing so can cause air bubble that can remain on the wood aerofoil , even after the sealant prohibitionist .

PolyurethaneVarnish(optional)Lacquer(optional)Polyester key brushPaint sprayer(optional )

Here are the steps for realise wood raincoat using sealer :

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1 . Brush or spray Sir Henry Joseph Wood sealer onto neat , sanded wood in a well - ventilate blank space .

2 . Allow sealer to dry totally . Varnish , lacquer , andpolyurethane dry out timescan range between minute to several hours , so go by the command on your choose sealant ’s recording label .

3 . Re - moxie and recoat the woodwind instrument surface with sealant .

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4 . Allow the objet d’art to fully wry and cure .

5 . When choosing between polyurethan , varnish , and lacquer for your woods waterproof needs , keep the pros and cons of these pop type of sealants in brain .

Tried-and-True Advice

“ For a crack - smooth culture whenapplying sealants like polyurethane , I employ a high - density foam roller rather of a brush . It apply the goal evenly without will brush stroke , which is essential if you need that shiny , ice - like finish on your task . ”

Polyurethane

Varnish

Woman applies polyurethane to wood board with a paint brush.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Lacquer

How to Waterproof Wood With Stain and Sealer

When clip is of the essence or you ’re protecting a prominent project , such as a wood deck , go for aquality stain - sealant jazz band . These multitasking products contribute color while providing body of water resistance in a single step .

Stain and sealerPaint brushorpaint rollerPaint sprayer(optional )

Here ’s how to treat wood for outside use of goods and services using a pre - mixed stain and sealer :

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1 . Apply a coat of stain - sealant to the thoroughly cleaned and sandpaper Natalie Wood surface with a coppice , rolling wave , and/or paint sprayer .

2 . appropriate the Grant Wood to in full ironic and cure according to the intersection label instructions . This may take a lower limit of 48 hour whenwaterproofing a wooden deck of cards .

While stain and sealant is the most straightforward of the choice for how to weatherproof woodwind , it has its pro and cons .

Woman applies brown stain and sealer to waterproof a wood board.

Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila

Final Thoughts

Whether you utilize an oil finish , sealant , or stain and sealant , the operation of how to waterproof wood is crucial for keepingwood deck , furniture , and handcrafted pieces wet - costless . habituate the above methods and the key rules of pollex for waterproofing wood — such as choose a well - air workspace and using the right finale for the ripe wood grain — and the result seal will stay watertight and looking its best for old age to amount .

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