Do you have wood furniture for your outdoor patio or kitchen? If you take a few extra steps, you can ensure the wood lasts for years to come. If you leave untreated wood outside, it can age quickly. You don’t want that to happen!
To treat wood for outdoor use, you don’t need a professional. If you’re new, it can take some time to learn. We’ll show you three quick ways to do it and ensure you make as few mistakes as possible.
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For a quick introduction to treating wood for outdoor use, check out the video below. This homeowner treats his Western red cedar table with West Systems epoxy and oil-based Epiphanes varnish.
It’s OK if you’re not familiar with what finish you want, the difference between the finishes, or how to apply them. We’ll go over all that and more in detail.
You have several options for outdoor finishes. Four of the most popular are polyurethane, lacquer, varnish, and epoxy. Application techniques vary depending on the product, but we’ll give you a general idea of how to apply your finish.
Clean the wood completely before applying the finish. If the wood is already finished, sand it off before applying a new one.
Note: If you’re applying the same finish and it’s not too old, you don’t need to sand it off. Just clean the wood thoroughly.
Most wood finishes last several years. They are not permanent but definitely increase longevity. After you treat wood once, the process will go much quicker in the future!
Here’s the materials list; it’s not exhaustive but should cover the basics to get you started.
If you stir the finish too vigorously, air bubbles can form which can make it difficult to apply.
When applying your finish, go with the grain. Don’t overload the brush, as this can cause drips and an uneven coating.
Wait two to four hours for water-based sealants, or about six to eight hours for oil-based sealants. Overnight is great too. When you let the finish dry, keep the furniture out of the sun. In colder months, keep it covered so it doesn’t get rained or snowed on.
The higher the number, the finer the sandpaper. As you apply more coats, use finer grit sandpaper. For example, ideally use finer grit sandpaper after your third coat compared to your first coat. Finer sandpaper is much gentler on the wood.
Oil-based finishes require fewer coats than water-based finishes.
Again, this is just a general guide on applying finish to outdoor wood. Always defer to the manufacturer’s instructions when applying your finish, as not all finishes are the same.
Polyurethane is a durable plastic resin. Polyurethane sealants come in different styles including gloss, semi-gloss, and satin. Satin is the least reflective of the three, while high gloss finishes are shiny. They reflect a lot of light.
When treating wood, you have the option of water-based polyurethane or oil-based polyurethane. Oil-based sealant takes longer to dry than water-based, but it doesn’t require as many coats. It’s also higher in VOCs than water-based polyurethane.
Oil-based poly requires mineral spirits, turpentine, or acetone to clean up, while water-based poly comes off with soap and water.
Polyurethane is available for indoor and outdoor use. You can use the outdoor sealant indoors, but not vice versa. So make sure you have the right product before starting your project!
Lacquer is an ultra-durable high-gloss finish made by dissolving tree sap in alcohol or turpentine. You can find lacquer in many different sheens. Lacquer thinner makes lacquer easier to apply to your wood finish.
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It’s best to apply three to five coats of thinned lacquer to your wood. The fumes can be pretty unbearable so make sure to open windows and doors when applying this finish.
Varnish is made up of drying oil (such as linseed oil), tree resin, and a solvent, like alcohol. Once applied, varnish hardens as the solvent evaporates. Depending on the solvent, some varnishes harden quickly while others take time to cure.
Varnish is highly water and UV-resistant It is thinner than most polyurethane solvents. It requires more coats and can take a long time to dry. Varnish is naturally glossy but you can find it in a wide variety of sheens.
When treating wood for outdoor use, look for varnish with high UV resistance. Marine varnish is a good option. This durable finish was originally used on boats and ships.
Epoxy is made up of epoxy resins, organic compounds that come from plants. It’s a durable finish often applied before varnish or lacquer.
Not all epoxy is rated for outdoor use. All epoxies will eventually yellow over time when exposed to sunlight, but those meant for outdoor use are more UV-resistant.
Check with the manufacturer before you start treating your wood. Some epoxy resins work well at filling in cracks in wood as the resin seeps into the hard-to-reach areas with ease. Not all epoxies are thin enough to do that, though. In the video above, a full coat of epoxy was applied, dried, and sanded down before applying the varnish.
Linseed oil is made from flax seeds while tung oil is made from seeds of tung trees native to Southern China. These oils are typically combined with mineral spirits and polyurethane to make a durable finish for outdoor wood.
After you’ve applied the oil-based sealant, place any oily rags in water. As the oil dries, it generates heat and the rag can spontaneously combust. After it soaks in water for a few minutes, ring out the rag and let it dry before throwing it out. Do not reuse oily rags.
We’ll go over the step-by-step process to make and apply this sealant.
Here’s the materials list; it’s not exhaustive but should cover the basics to get you started.
Here are a few Amazon links for linseed oil, tung oil, and mineral spirits.
Make sure the wood is cleaned and sanded before you apply the finish. In between coats, sand your wood with fine sandpaper once dried.
Oil-based sealants yellow over time. So this finish is best on dark woods like walnut or cedar rather than light woods like pine.
Stain sealant combos add color and a durable finish to your outdoor wood. Here’s a stain-sealant combo from Amazon that works great. If you like the look of unfinished wood, stay away from stain-sealant combos. Stain-sealants typically last a couple of years before they need to be reapplied.
Typically, brushing is better because it allows more of the sealant to soak into the wood than a sprayer. Using a paint sprayer is faster than a brush but more surface level. Spraying also doesn’t leave brush strokes.
You can thin oil-based sealants with turpentine, acetone, or mineral spirits. Most people go with three or four parts sealant to one part mineral spirits. If the finish is particularly thick, you can go with half spirits and half finish.
Thin water-based sealant with water. You can use similar ratios to thinning oil-based sealants: three to four parts sealant to one part water. Add water in small quantities and mix the sealant so you can ensure you get the right consistency.
If you’re applying the same finish that was used before – and it’s not too old – just clean the surface well. Then dry it and reapply your finish.
if you’re applying a different finish, it’s discolored, or it’s severely aged, then remove the old one. The coarser the sandpaper, the easier the finish will come off. If sanding isn’t working or takes too long, use a paint or stain stripper to remove the old finish. Don’t use steel wool as it can lead to rusting.
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Applying finish over paints and stains may change the color of your finish. Chances are high it won’t look attractive.
We know that was a lot of information! Hopefully you learned something from this post to help you treat your wood for the outdoors! Remember that you have three methods to treat your wood:
Cedar, teak, and redwood are the most popular types of wood for outdoor furniture due to their natural resistance to decay and rot.
Start by cleaning the wood thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or previous finish. If the wood is already finished, sand it off before applying a new one. Once the wood is clean, you can apply a sealant or protective finish.
There are several types of finishes that work well for outdoor wood, including polyurethane, lacquer, varnish, and epoxy. Choose a finish that is appropriate for your specific project and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
The number of coats you need to apply will depend on the type of finish you choose and the level of protection you desire. In general, three to five coats of finish are recommended for most outdoor projects.
The frequency of reapplication will depend on the type of finish and the level of exposure to the elements. In general, it’s a good idea to reapply finish every year or two to ensure maximum protection.
Indoor finishes are not recommended for outdoor use as they are not designed to withstand the harsh elements of nature. Always use a finish that is specifically designed for outdoor use.
Regular maintenance is important to keep your outdoor wood furniture looking its best. This includes cleaning the furniture regularly, reapplying finish as needed, and storing the furniture in a covered area during the off-season.
Yes, you can paint outdoor wood furniture. However, it’s important to use a paint that is specifically designed for outdoor use and to properly prepare the wood surface before painting.
Yes, you can stain outdoor wood furniture. However, it’s important to use a stain that is specifically designed for outdoor use and to properly prepare the wood surface before staining.
If you’re looking for lumber near you, the first step is to search for a lumber store near me. This will help you find a local supplier of high-quality lumber for all your building and DIY needs. Whether you’re working on a home renovation project or building a new deck or fence, having access to quality lumber is essential.
Once you’ve found a lumber store near you, it’s important to choose the right type of lumber for your project. There are many different types of lumber available, including hardwoods, softwoods, and treated lumber. Your choice will depend on your specific needs and budget.
One important consideration when working with wood is protecting it from the elements. This is where wood sealers come in. Outdoor wood sealer is designed to protect wood from moisture, UV rays, and other environmental factors that can cause it to deteriorate over time. Look for a high-quality wood sealer that is specifically designed for outdoor use, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and maintenance. With the right lumber and wood sealer, you can create beautiful and durable outdoor structures that will last for years to come.
If you’re looking to build or restore outdoor wood projects, finding a quality lumber supplier near you is key. For durable exterior woods like cedar, check local hardwood suppliers and lumber suppliers near me. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects, making it ideal for outdoor furniture, decks, and other outdoor cedar furniture projects. When working with cedar or any wood, properly sealing the surface is crucial for longevity. Look for exterior wood sealers and waterproofing products specifically formulated for outdoor use. Top choices like Thompson’s WaterSeal can protect cedar furniture and lumber from moisture damage. With high-quality lumber and the best waterproofing for wood, you can create stunning, long-lasting cedar projects for your outdoor space.
For more tips on selecting lumber suppliers, sealing exterior cedar, and caring for outdoor wood furniture and outdoor cedar furniture, explore the rest of our outdoor living content. Discover how to build and maintain pieces like patio tables, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, and more using weather-resistant woods. Achieving a beautiful, durable outdoor living area is easy with the right materials, prep work, and maintenance.
Check out more of our outdoor content at the links below!
How to Clean Outdoor Furniture (Complete Guide)
How to Make Outdoor Furniture Last
How to Clean Outdoor Cushions
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Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
This post was last modified on 12/10/2023 11:47
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