Its tempting to pick up old chairs and tables at yard sales for use in the garden, but weve all seen what happens to them after a few seasons if they arent properly treated to withstand the elements. Some wood like redwood, cedar, teak and other hardwoods contain varying degrees of natural wood preservatives. The best type of oil to use depends on the type of wood and its condition. That looks really nice. You are also much more susceptible to mold and mildew because the presence of moisture creates the perfect environment for it to grow. If you do not seal outdoor wood furniture from water, it will soon get soaked through and the wood will rot. It absolutely will damage the wood. What's the best sealer to use? In Exterior Wood, Outdoor Furniture by JamieMay 3, 2022. These are some of the easy things you can do. But with rainstorms pounding every now and then, wooden benches and coffee tables outside the home become picture-perfect only for so long. Chemically treated lumber used to be marketed saying it wouldresist rot for decades. You will need to apply at least two coats for good protection. Spar urethane can be applied with a brush or a roller, and it dries quickly so you can get it done in just a few hours. Give your furniture a deep clean once or twice a year by using a wood cleaner. Learn how to protect outdoor wood furniture so it can withstand inclement weather. The oil needs to be worked well into the wood, so make sure you take your time and dont rush it. It is very easy to apply, it dries quickly, and you only need one coat on most pieces of furniture, so its a very popular option. Homeowners are spending more time outdoors due to the warmer temperatures. I have a lovely wooden bench on the porch that I got for free last spring, and it soon became my favorite coffee-sipping seat. It is not advised to use linseed oil for exterior projects as it does not offer adequate protection. However, they will still benefit from a coat of sealant every now and then. Humidity, sun, and heat can melt the glues or cause them to fail. Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website and your user experience. We wont send you spam. Wood stain and sealant can be combined with waterproof wood. Get alerts of our latest projects and special peeks behind the scenes! The two end panels are bare wood while the center panel has two coats of a synthetic resin water repellent. If you want to move a piece of furniture that was made to be kept indoors outdoors, you will want to seal it completely with an outdoor sealant. When water gets into the wood, it can cause the fibers to swell and break, which leads to decay. Apart from these ways on how to protect outdoor wooden furniture, regular maintenance is also imperative. I put two coats on my side table and then flipped it upside down and sealed it from that side to be sure I got the underside well. For best results, keep all wood furniture covered, such as on a porch or covered patio. Staining is the best way to bring out the natural grain of the wood, but if you are staining furniture for outdoor use, you should combine it with a sealant. Secondly, oil penetrates into the wood as well as the surface offering protection throughout the structure. Cleaning and sealing any outdoor wood is not much different than doing the same thing for a wood deck. Its unlikely that you spend much time sitting in the yard during the winter, so does your furniture need to stay out there? By contrast,Osmo Country Colourcovers up the natural grain of the wood with rich and vibrant colours that provide enhanced UV protection. Spar urethane is a type of sealant that is used to protect the wood from moisture and decay. It turns out this is not true. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Subscribe to the FREE Ask the Builder newsletter to receive professional advice for your home. Its never too late to save those pieces of furniture and bring back their glow. Even if you have bare wood, sanding a little bit will help to open up the wood surface to best absorb the new sealant. These oils also lend the furniture a newly-buffed look. Whether youre turning a ladder-back chair into a flower planter or want to put your favorite wooden rocker on the porch, here are some tips on how to get the most life out of wood furniture in the garden. Its cheap to buy, easy to apply, and it gives a strong coating that lasts a few years at least. Complete our online stockist form and our local representative will be in touch. All of the methods outlined below are simple, so as long as you have some basic DIY skills and a few simple tools, you should be able to manage it on your own. As a part of our mini patio makeover, we wanted to add a side table next to our new hanging swing. A good sealant can slow that process down, but wont stop it forever. Its a good idea to do this in the spring and autumn when the weather is changing, as this is when your furniture is most at risk of damage. At this point if there are any scuffs or stains I recommend scrubbing them with a magic eraser to try to get them off. However, if you waterproof your wood furniture, you can protect it from the elements and keep it in good condition for longer. Any paint or stain that you put on your wooden furniture will also peel and flake off when exposed to excess moisture. Cedar, for example, is a softer wood and it will decay more quickly than harder woods like oak or ash. Heres how to learn more about wood furniture. Glossy finishes will show more bumps or imperfections in your furniture, but give it more of a high-gloss, laquered look. Such a cozy spot that you made! When it is humid and there is a lot of moisture in the air, this can seep into the wood and cause decay. The oil needs to soak into the wood, so it cannot be used over the top of a wood stain like other sealants. Since protective oil for outdoor furniture is of a much thicker consistency than water-based counterparts, it dries much slower, leaving a more even finish. Custom Wood Carving is reader-supported. Exposure to the elements can ruin the finish of the wood, cause it to warp, and make it susceptible to rot. But if you dont have one, you can still apply it easily with a brush, paint pad, or roller. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. You have to maintain a wet edge with the sealer. Once you have cleaned the wood, the best way to apply Thompsons Water Seal is with a sprayer. all take the same abuse from Mother Nature. My attachment to this piece is purely sentimental its not particularly nice or even my style any more so I decided to move it outdoors to our patio. This table was cleaned with Stain Solver oxygen bleach. For many, the start of spring or summer marks the time to spruce up outdoor wood furniture thats in desperate need of a little TLC. The piece to the right is what it looked like BEFORE it was put out in the sun and water!!! All of the options outlined in this article will help you prevent decay and keep your outdoor furniture in great condition. Different types of wood require different levels of maintenance. Do not shake the can of sealant like you would a can of paint shaking poly leads to bubbles which can leave bumps and bubbles on your furniture. My wife has informed me that I must make it look like new. To apply wood oil, you will need to give the furniture a good clean first. CLICK THE IMAGE TO ORDER IT NOW. I learn about a lot of products, knowing what is the best. Garden sets make the outdoors look cozy and inviting. However, its important that you choose the right paint. It requires a fine touch so your brush strokes are not seen and you don't create any overlap marks. 2020 Osmo UK. Not only does this stop it from getting wet, but it also protects it from the sun, so the wood does not fade as easily. Custom Wood Carving is reader-supported. What is it made of? Backed by his 40-year remodeling career, Danny served as the home improvement expert for CBSs The Early Show and The Weather Channel for more than a decade. Copyright 2017 Tim Carter. Also note if your furniture has a veneer or glued joints. Once they are sealed on they are going to be much harder to get off. Furniture intended for the indoors is never going to have as long an outdoor life as its pressure-treated or rot resistant wood counterparts, but a little protection from the elements goes a long way. Do not leave a crack or crevice of the wood uncovered. There are chemical wood strippers available that you can use. The two pieces on the left are cedar and the two smaller pieces are treated lumber. Take your time to do a really good job, avoiding drips or missed spots. It is available in both clear and tinted versions, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. The finish will start to wear off after a year or two, so you will need to reapply it. In this article, we will discuss why its important to waterproof furniture in the first place, and some of the easiest ways to do it. You may not have space to store it over the winter and you might not have a covered area in the garden either. You can use a brush, rag, or sprayer to apply it. Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | YouTube. There are also wood types that are sturdier. Putting oil onto wood will protect it against moisture, give it a nice finish, and accentuate the grain of the wood. It needs to be exterior wood paint, not interior paint. Subscribe to get our latest content by email. It's made to take a 1/4 sheet of ordinary sandpaper so there's no waste. Any questions about how to waterproof wood furniture for outdoor use? Follow along to keep your yard in tip top shape. You mix the pure powder with warm water, stir until its dissolved and then brush or spray it onto the outdoor wood. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. I've been married since 1974to the same wonderful woman and have discovered that keeping her happy completing projects is some of the glue that holds our marriage together. Let it dry, give it a light sand, and then apply another coat. The sealant will need to be reapplied every few years, but it will help to protect the paint from UV rays and moisture. How to Stain a Deck Everything You Need to Know From Prep to Finish. It will begin to bubble and foam as the oxygen ions attack mold, mildew, algae, sun-damage old sealers and dirt. Your email address will not be published. While different in nature (as described above), all products are water and dirt resistant, leaving a finish that will not peel, crack or flake. When painting your furniture, always make sure that it is clean and give it time to fully dry before applying paint. Osmo UK works closely with a large network of suppliers throughout the UK and worldwide to offer all of its products in-store at your local trade shop or online. This paper self sharpens itself as it's being used. For example, is preserving the natural characteristics of the wood important? Do this every other year or so and your outdoor furniture and play set will look fantastic instead of resembling a 50-year-old fishing pier. IMPORTANT TIP: I urge you to work in the shade when applying the sealers. Good quality exterior sealants protect wood furniture from: Wood naturally decomposes. Sealing your outdoor furniture also protects against UV rays, which can cause the wood to fade over time. Here are some reminders: Protecting your wooden furniture also entails choosing the appropriate product for your desired finish and effects. Join our group of Osmo enthusiasts for advice, inspiration and project troubleshooting. The active ingredient, sodium percarbonate, is made with food-grade-quality ingredients. DEAR TIM: My outdoor wood furniture has weathered to a mottled gray and there is mildew covering it. Lastly, theOsmo Natural Wood Stainallows homeowners to apply a base and top coat in one finish. However, with paint, you might lose that natural wooden charm. What Happens if You Do Not Seal Outdoor Wood Furniture? So, your furniture needs to be sealed whether you live in a rainy climate or not. Woods that require the least maintenance include teak, cypress, and mahogany. The cracks start out as tiny checking cracks. The pigment acts as a sun screen blocking the sun's ultraviolet (UV) light from turning the wood gray. Covering your wooden furniture is the simplest way to protect it. You can put anything outdoors, but the pieces that will last the longest will be made of: If your furniture does not fall into those materials, then you will want to apply an exterior varnish to protect the wood. Latex-based paints also work well, just double check that they are specifically formulated for outdoor use. When you are choosing products to seal outdoor furniture, always double-check that it protects against sun damage too. When choosing to purchase an oil-based exterior wood sealer, there are many factors to be considered. Use the search bar below to find what you are looking for! Wooden furniture built for the outdoors is more durable compared to indoor furniture. You can see similar sealers on our top 10 best clear coats for outdoor wood furniture here. Another great way to keep up with out latest projects is by joining our weekly newsletter! After that lightly scrub, rinse with clear water and the wood will look like new. However, the most prudent choice is oil when it comes to outdoor furniture. Working in direct sunlight can shorten this time dramatically leading to ugly spotting and overlaps. Once the stain is dry, apply a coat of sealant over the top. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. His extensive hands-on experience and understanding of the industry make him the go-to source for all things having to do with the home from advice on simple repairs, to complete remodels, to helping homeowners prepare their homes for extreme weather and seasons. How is your furniture built? If I do a good enough job, I've been told I can then refinish the kid's play set. Look for varnish varieties that block UV rays. To check if your fixtures are made for the outdoors in the first place. A prerequisite is to know your outdoor furniture better in terms of the kind of wood it is made of, its finish, and its construction and design. The manufacturers place mildewcides and algecides in the products to slow down the growth, but water and sun break down these chemicals. We met because we lived in the same apartment building and Sean found this table next to the dumpster. You have a big range of colors to choose from too. Go for outdoor furniture that uses waterproof glue. The good news is, most waterproof sealers also provide strong UV protection to prevent this. CLICK THE IMAGE above to get access to the full test results. Don't skip this important step. I know the homeowner. Osmo UK is the trading name of Woodex Limited. Painting the furniture is a good way to give it some color and protect it at the same time. Using paint or stain with a built-in sealer can help to prevent this. Its sturdy and comfy, and right beside the bird feeders even the cat loves it. The sun can cause outdoor wood to fade and become brittle over time. The moisture in the ground can cause the wood to rot and decay, so its best to use a patio or decking area instead. Even if you take all of the above steps to protect your furniture, its still important to clean it on a regular basis. This will remove any dirt, dust, or debris that can damage the wood over time. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Sealing it is the most important thing you can do because prolonged exposure to moisture and sunlight will do a lot of damage. How to Aerate Your Lawn | Why, When, and How? Thompsons Water Seal is a sealant that comes in a liquid form. All four were coated with the same sealer. If you were doing this job, what secret tips can you offer to get the best results in the shortest amount of time? This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages. Its really important that you dont skip this step if you want your new protective coat to really stick and protect your wood. CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local contractors that clean and seal outdoor wood. In some cases, you can wax wood to seal it, but this doesnt give a particularly strong protective coating, so it will need to be reapplied very often if used on outdoor furniture. If you allow the sealer to dry and then coat over it with a second coat, you get double the color pigment in the overlap area. Stain Solver is made in the USA with USA ingredients. Sanding even lightly will remove the existing top coat and allow the new wood sealant to stick better. This will remove any built-up dirt or grease and it will also restore the natural color of the wood. The dark gray, nearly black, piece was only out in the weather for four months. I did an extended test on many outdoor wood sealers and water repellents. The sealant will need to be reapplied every few years, but it will help to keep the wood looking good for longer. Some paints are self-priming so check the directions on the tin first. However, it is an easy process and the results are worth it if you want natural-looking furniture. Even sealed, a piece of wooden furniture wont last long in your garden. Spar urethane is a good choice for sealing wood furniture if you want a long-lasting finish that lets the natural wood show through. How is your furniture held together? the best way to protect outdoor wood furniture. No matter the preferred finish or specific protective properties, Osmo has a wide selection of exterior wood preservatives that, collectively, meet every possible requirement. CLICK HERE to get access to the BEST outdoor furniture sealer. Instead of buying or building something new, I decided to move a side table that we already had outdoors. This cuts down the application time and gives you a nice even coverage. Now you want to seal your wood completely. The washing process almost always raises the grain of the wood. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you are located in an area where the sun is harsh, the paint may work better for you than a clear varnish. Obviously, this is a big problem in the winter when it is raining a lot, but moisture is still an issue in the summer. The high-pressure stream of water erodes the softer lighter colored bands of spring wood that are found between the darker bands of summer wood grain. Its better to do several light coats to get full coverage. Tung oil is better if you want a strong, plastic-like finish that is closer to something like spar urethane or polycrylic but with a natural feel. Typically, wooden furniture is held together with glues that weaken when exposed to heat or moisture. If you have a pergola or covered patio area of some kind, keep your furniture under there whenever you are not using it. Read our Privacy & Cookie Policy, The 7 Best Axes For Chopping Wood: The Buyers Choice, The 7 Best Budget Hand Plane For Woodworkers, The 7 Best Woodworking Chisels For Woodworkers, The 7 Best Tape Measure Holder For Measuring. Staining and sealing outdoor furniture is quite different than sealing a deck. Doing this step helps your primer to stick to the surface of the wood. Well, technically you can, but dont expect it to last a lifetime! This is a marvelous brand-name palm sander at a great price. Stain Solver is MADE in the USA with USA ingredients that are food-grade quality. Hi! Water entering the wood causes it to expand. Constant sunshine and being soaked by rain will break down the wood naturally. These pieces are usually made with interior-grade glues that wont necessarily last outdoors. See my About Page here. While I know it will probably get damaged out there, I do want to try to keep it as nice as possible, so I decided to apply an outdoor finish to help protect it. CLICK HERE to Get Tim's FREE & FUNNY Newsletter! This type of wood requires less maintenance too, but it should still be sealed regularly to increase its longevity. My name is Jamie, The Backyard Pros is a website where I piece together articles about all my awesome yard ideas. This is an affordable power tool that works similar to a vibrating hair trimmer a barber might use to cut your hair. The Best Wood Carving Tools, Guides, Accessories, Woodworking Tips & More. Allow the wood to dry well after it's clean. Outdoor sealant is easy to apply and makes a big difference in keeping your wooden furniture from rotting when used outdoors! The first piece of furniture that Sean & I ever made over together was this side table. See our best outdoor furniture covers here! It comes in a variety of finishes, including matte, satin, and gloss. A lot of wooden furniture is pressure-treated with chemicals that give it some moisture resistance and protection from mold and mildew. Varnish, lacquer, or polyurethane may be applied to seal the wood as well. Unsubscribe at any time. This keeps dirt from being sealed into your furniture. There are a number of ways you can waterproof wood furniture so it is fit for outdoor use. But what is the best way to protect outdoor wood furniture? Outdoor wood tables, chairs, fencing, wood play sets, arbors, etc. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Here is how to use outdoor wood furniture sealer to finish wood furniture for outdoor use! Copyright 2017 Tim Carter. The added UV protection of the cover can really help! Steve P., Mannassas, VA. DEAR STEVE: It's just as important to keep your better half happy as it is to clean and protect outdoor wood furniture. I did an extended test on many outdoor wood sealers and water repellents. Use oxalic acid to clean redwood. A palm sander works great for this project. Copyright 2017 Tim Carter. Don't use oxygen bleach on redwood as it can darken this wood species. If you fail to maintain outdoor wood it will eventually rot and crack to pieces. I urge you to maintain a positive attitude through this entire project. This product also has properties that bestow exterior wood with resistance against algae, mould, mildew and fungal attacks. If you want to give your furniture a natural finish, you could try using wood oils. Damage caused by moisture and prolonged exposure to the sun can ruin the look of your furniture and damage the structural integrity. Some wood furniture is made from pressure-treated timber, so it already has some level of protection against moisture. CLICK HERE to get the results of the test showing which sealer performed the BEST. By utilising sunflower, soya, and thistle oils (to name a few), Osmo products provide long-lasting protection for exterior wooden products, such as garden furniture. Working in the shade is easier on you, the wood and the sealer. However, you can get general oils like Danish oil and tung oil that are good for several types of wood. 2022 Todays Homeowner Media. Wood is prone to wear and tear because of its natural properties. Here's an assorted pack of aluminum oxide sandpaper that will do a great job on soft wood. Be sure to pay attention to the sheen of the sealant most come in gloss, semi gloss, and satin. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. The pigmented, or colored sealers, will keep the furniture looking spectacular. Sealing your wood furniture will protect it from moisture and prevent rotting. As it dries, it contracts. Failure to do this can result in very unattractive overlaps where the color of the sealer seems darker at the overlap area. We sanded it and gave it a new stain and instantly got hooked on refinishing furniture. TheOsmo Teak-Oil Sprayleaves a finish that allows the wood to fade naturally into a beautiful silver patina colour over time. The results were shocking. CLICK THE IMAGE NOW TO ORDER IT. Want to move a piece of your indoor wood furniture to the outdoors? Once the wood is sanded, you should seal it with a pigmented synthetic resin water repellent. However, after weathering this summers rainstorms, the finish started to peel and the wood started to warp, and it soon became evident that my bench wasnt built for the outdoors. Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences! Water-based solutions do have a few advantages for wooden products. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we earn a small percentage of each sale. If so, it makes sense to opt for anoil-based wood spray, or teak-oil in a tin, which enhances the surface of the wood furniture to become better protected against the elements. Sign up to my newsletter to receive expert advice for your home! While there are a few options, the principle choice when it comes to an exterior wood sealer is between water-based and oil-based. naturally water-resistant woods such as cedar, cypress, teak, or redwood. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This is the time of year when it gets the most moisture exposure, so if you can store it in a garage or shed until the weather warms up, you will protect it. Do not use a pressure washer to clean outdoor wood. I prefer to clean outdoor wood with Stain Solver certified organic oxygen bleach. Once its applied, wipe away any excess that hasnt soaked in. Tints lie somewhere in the middle of clear and coloured finishes, as they allow the wood grain to remain visible after application like clear oil, while offering excellent UV resistance like an opaque oil. I did a second more detailed test a few years after making this video. If the sun is not your wooden furnitures worst enemy, go for the original wooden sheen of varnish. Linseed oil or Tung oil on wooden furniture may also be used. Stain Solver certified organic oxygen bleach, CLICK HERE to get the results of the test. Osmo recognised early natural oils provide the best protection to exterior wooden products, such as garden furniture. But water that soaks into all these wood species will cause them to crack and rot over time. There are many products on the market that serve similar but distinct purposes, and its essential to understand those nuances to find the best product for the job. There are a number of different types available, most of them specific to the species of wood. Polycrylic is an excellent sealant to use over the top of wood stain. This movement creates the tiny cracks. I like to use a spar urethane sealant on my yard and garden furniture. Over time, these pieces of furniture may lose their charm and glow. Be sure to check out my video showing exactly how I sealed this side table! If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Start by staining the wood with a waterproofing stain. Join our online community where we share real time behind the scenes looks at our DIY projects and peeks inside our home + family! Two or three coats should be adequate. Don't use an oil-based product. Yes, outdoor wood furniture needs to be sealed from water. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Copyright by The Charleston Crafted Blog, LLC, 2020 | Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Even better, it lasts up to ten years without losing its color, so if you want a low-maintenance option, this is definitely the product for you. First on the list is the makeup of the protective solution itself. See our 10 best outdoor wood furniture wood oils in our detailed guide here. Complete the form below and each week you'll get: Unsubscribe at any time. The protective coating should last for about two years before it needs to be reapplied. This meansyou stain each individual piece of wood completely never stoppinguntil you reach the end of that piece of wood or it intersects with another piece of wood. It's best to work in the shade and keep the wood wet with the solution for 15-30 minutes. Categories Furniture Projects, Garden & Yard, Garden and Yard. You can also get teak oil sprays which are great for topping up the coating without having to sand it beforehand. Alternative Ways to Protect Outdoor Wood Furniture. CLICK HERE to get access to the BEST outdoor furniture sealer. Thus, it is important to choose wooden furniture built out of treated lumber. Its not expensive and its a great way to protect wooden furniture without having to move it. I was working in the sun here, but it's okay because I knew I'd have different sealers on the same piece of wood. Follow these tips to help your piece survive longer in the great outdoors: Subscribe today for exclusive content & tips in your inbox! If water gets into the cracks, it soaks deeper into the wood causing even greater expansion and contraction forces that cause the cracks to get deeper and wider. Let these pointers guide you: When you go for repainting, consider sanding down the surface of your furniture to strip the wood. Do Some Types of Wood Require More Maintenance? If the furniture is new and the wood has not been treated in the past, Danish oil, which is a thinner oil, works well. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon and other affiliate programs. Clean outdoor wood with Stain Solver oxygen bleach, Use a synthetic-resin pigmented sealer for best results. How to protect outdoor wood furniture always relies on the right mix of products, maintenance schedule, and skill. I like to use a foam paint brush to apply sealant. It is also UV-resistant, so it will not fade in the sun.