Introduction
Wood sealants are a type of protective coating used for outdoor wood furniture to weatherproof, decorate, and add longevity to the life of the furniture. Sealant acts as an extra layer over and between the wood grains, shielding them from moisture, temperatures, UV rays, and a number of other environmental factors. Sealants come in different forms – liquid oil-based or water-based that penetrate into the wood evenly, and waxes or varnishes that provide a glossy coat – that are each equally effective in shielding the furniture. In addition to protecting against environmental factors, sealants can also help to bring out the grain pattern of your wood; giving it an attractive finish. Depending on your climate conditions, you may need to reseal your furniture regularly to keep it looking great and ensure maximum longevity.
Different Types of Woodworking Sealants and Their Benefits
Polyurethane sealant is a popular choice for outdoor wood furniture and other woodworking projects. It is actually a plastic resin, making it waterproof, UV resistant and highly durable. Polyurethane sealants come in both an oil finish that is often used on ourdoor furniture, as well as a varnish finish designed for indoor use that imparts more of an elegant sheen finish. Benefits to using polyurethane include extreme resistance to scratches, stains and traction as well as enhanced protection against water damage.
Another popular option is penetrating oil-based sealers which work by actually getting into the grain structure of the wood to provide further protection than just “sealing” or coating the surface. These sealers are generally less expensive than polyurethanes, go on quickly and easily with just wiping them on with a rag, can be applied to both interior and exterior surfaces and create a nice soft luster look to wood surfaces. However they don’t offer much protection against UV radiation exposure or intense wear and tear abrasion type conditions.
Linseed oil is also often used in sealing outdoor wood furniture because it imparts some water resistant properties while still allowing the wood to breath naturally. However, it requires frequent reapplication – at least annually – and will not stand up to wear-and-tear or heavily exposed areas very well. Additionally linseed oil does not provide many benefits in terms of weathering exposure and may turn black over time if exposed to too much moisture.
Finally beeswax has been traditionally used for centuries for outdoor wood sealant purposes due partly to its ability for long lasting durability (when further treated with oils) but also because the natural waxes don’t offer much protection from moisture related damage or off gassing which can harm your furniture over time from excessive environmental pollutants like droppings from birds or automobiles etc…
Reasons to Use Sealants on Outdoor Wood Furniture
Sealant is an important part of protecting your outdoor wood furniture from the elements. This includes sun damage, water damage, rot, and even insect damage. Applying sealants to outdoor wood furniture can prevent further damage and keep your piece in clean condition for a longer period of time. The wrong kind of sealant, however, can potentially cause more harm than good. It’s important to find the best woodworking sealant that will offer maximum protection while also preserving the beauty of the wood.
When selecting a woodworking sealant for outdoor furniture, make sure it contains an ultraviolet (UV) blocker that helps it resist fading caused by long-term exposure to direct sunlight. Look for a UV protectant with an SPF rating of at least 15 or higher. Additionally, look for finishes that are waterproof and mildew resistant so they can stand up against rain and moisture. You should also consider what type of additional features you need such as pest control or fire retardants. Lastly, select a finish that is easy to apply so it won’t require too much effort on your part.
How to Select the Appropriate Type of Woodwork Sealant
When it comes to outdoor wood furniture, the most important thing to consider when selecting a sealant is its ability to protect your furniture from the elements. The best type of sealant for outdoor wood furniture should be able to repel moisture, resist sun and heat damage, resist fading due to UV radiation, and provide some level of protection from dirt or dust. You will also want a sealant that can withstand the frequent wear and tear associated with usage in the outdoors.
The most popular types of sealants for outdoor wood furniture are polyurethane-based products. These offer great protection against moisture, UV radiation, and dirt or dust. They are durable and easy to apply with a brush or roller – making them an ideal choice for someone who doesn’t have time to invest in applying a more labor intensive finish like wax or oil-based varnishes.
A product with additional UV blockers can also increase the longevity of your furniture by providing extra protection against fading. Additionally, some sealants include anti-mildew additives which can help prevent fungal growth on untreated wood surfaces. Oil-based clear finishes offer a natural looking finish that won’t change too much over time; however they typically don’t last as long as polyurethane-based products do. If you are looking for a more customized look, then you may want to consider one of the many tinted stains available on the market specifically designed for outdoor use.
Regardless of what type of finish you choose for your outdoor wood furniture, it is important that you properly prepare the surface before applying any type of sealing agent; otherwise, it wouldn’t be able to do its job properly and might even damage your furniture if not used correctly. Sanding and cleaning prior to applying any type of sealant or finish is always recommended – no matter what kind you decide on using!
Most Common Sealants Used For Outdoor Wood Furniture
One of the most popular sealants used for outdoor wood furniture is a marine type spar varnish. This type of varnish provides a glossy finish that does an excellent job of protecting the wood from ultraviolet damage, moisture resistance and fading. It can also help to reduce the need for frequent refinishing due to its superior water repellence. Another common sealant is a polyurethane-based product, which offers high durability, quick drying time and weather protection. This type of sealant provides the same protection as spar varnish but with an added layer of UV protection which helps to further protect against fade and discoloration. A third option is oil-based urethane, which provides excellent protection against water, dust and other contaminants while still offering a beautiful lustrous finish. Lastly waxes such as boiled linseed oil or paste wax can be used to provide additional moisture resistance without compromising the luster of the wood underneath.
Recommended Brands of Outdoor Woodworking Sealants
When it comes to selecting the best woodworking sealant for outdoor furniture, there are a variety of options available on the market. Each sealant offers its own unique set of features that can help protect your furniture against moisture and other elements. Popular brands of outdoor woodworking sealants include Thompsons WaterSeal Advanced Natural Wood Protector, Flood CWF-UV5 Clear Wood Finish Exterior Protection, Olympic Maximum Exterior Stain + Sealant in One, Sherwin-WilliamsWoodScapes Exterior Acrylic Latex Solid Color Stain, BEHR ADVANCED DeckOver Waterproofing Sealer & Finish, and Rust-Oleum rocksolid 20x Deck Resurfacer. When choosing a sealant for outdoor wood furniture, always read the instructions thoroughly and choose one that will properly fit your specific project needs.
Steps for Applying Woodworking Sealants on Outdoor Wood Furniture
1. Begin by cleaning the furniture with a soft cloth and soapy water. Make sure that you are able to get into all the crevices and remove any dirt or grime. Buff the surface dry with a clean cloth.
2. Inspect any areas of furniture where the finish may be wearing off or where there may be cracks, gaps, or rot. You may need to fill these areas in with a wood filling product before sealing.
3. Apply the sealant of your choice according to its instructions. Make sure you apply it evenly and in an even layer to prevent flaking and peeling later on.
4. Allow the sealant to fully dry (this may take up to several hours). Once finished, enjoy your fully sealed outdoor wood furniture!
Summary
Woodworking sealants play a key role in ensuring that outdoor wooden furniture is well-protected from the elements. Commonly used sealants such as polyurethane, varnish, shellac, linseed oil, and wax are considered to be the best woodworking sealants for outdoor wood furniture due to their ability to waterproof, weatherproof, increase durability, and repel water. Polyurethane is the most popular choice of sealant as it offers great protection and finishes up with an attractive shine. Varnish provides excellent durability while still allowing wood to breathe. Shellac creates an almost impenetrable barrier against water and moisture while also adding glossiness to the surface of the furniture. Linseed oil is another excellent option as its natural properties repel water while maintaining the color of any wood type. Lastly, wax serves as a great finish for tenderizing harsh surfaces along with providing additional protection without changing the natural tone of wooden pieces. Ultimately, choosing which sealant would depend on the budget, application process employed (spray or brush), environment conditions where any outdoor furniture will be placed, level of sun exposure and also personal preference when it comes to a desired finish chosen by a customer.
Hi everyone! I’m a woodworker and blogger, and this is my woodworking blog. In my blog, I share tips and tricks for woodworkers of all skill levels, as well as project ideas that you can try yourself.
