If you have ever had the misfortune of leaving your outdoor furniture out in the rain, you know how quickly wood can start to warp, mildew, and rot. Waterproofing wood furniture for outdoors is a simple and effective way to protect it from the elements.
There are a few different methods you can use to waterproof wood furniture for your outdoors, depending on the type of wood and the finish.
In this article, I will discuss the different methods on how to waterproof wood furniture for outdoors and how to choose the best option for your needs.
How To Waterproof Wood
These methods are certain to keep your wood waterproof for many years.
- To create a lovely and protective hand-rubbed finish, use linseed or tung oil.
- Apply a layer of lacquer, varnish, or polyurethane to protect the wood.
- A stain-sealant combination can waterproof and finish wood at the same time.
Why Waterproof Wood Furniture for Outdoors?
In the absence of sealing, outdoor wood furniture is susceptible to swelling, warping, discolouration, and decay due to exposure to the elements (wind, sun, rain, and frost). By sealing it, you may shield your outdoor wood furniture from moisture, UV rays, insects, and ice.
If you don’t seal it, your furniture will probably need to be replaced in a few years; if you seal it and take good care of it, however, it can endure for two decades or more.
How To Waterproof Wood Furniture For Outdoors (3 Easy Methods)
Wood furniture can be waterproofed using one of three techniques:
- Natural Oil like Tung Oil & Linseed Oil
- All-in-one stain + Sealant
- Clear coats
Natural Oils
The simplest way to seal your outdoor furniture is to use natural oils such as linseed or tung oil. Natural oil products are also the least toxic because they do not contain the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) produced by synthetic sealers. Natural oils, on the other hand, provide only moderate weather protection, so use this option only on well-sheltered furniture.
Tung Oil
Tung oil comes from Chinese tung tree seeds and is another non-toxic, eco-friendly finish for outdoor wood furniture. It works best when applied in multiple thin coats, similar to linseed oil, and dries about as quickly as polymerized linseed oil. Tung oil also does not turn yellowish, making it a better choice for maple and other light woods. Tung oil forms a harder surface layer than linseed oil, making it more resistant to moisture and scratching.
Linseed Oil
Linseed oil has been used for thousands of years and is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. It, like all hand-rubbed oil finishes, penetrates deep into the grain and brings out the natural beauty of the wood. Linseed oil repels moisture and humidity. On the downside, it does not form as strong a barrier as synthetic sealers. It may also turn yellow over time.
There are three types of linseed oil products, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks:
Raw linseed oil – When applied in several thin coats, it provides the best look and protection. However, because each coat takes at least two weeks to dry, treating your furniture with this product is unlikely.
Boiled linseed oil – It contains petroleum-based or heavy-metal drying agents. While these extra ingredients reduce drying time significantly, they also emit harmful VOCs.
Polymerized linseed oil – It combines the best of both worlds: pure linseed oil is heated until it thickens significantly. Polymerized linseed oil, which contains no VOCs and dries quickly, can be applied in several thin coats over the course of two or three days.
Natural Oil Application Instructions for Outdoor Wood Furniture
Materials/Tool Needed:
- 80-grit sandpaper and an orbital sander
- Brush with a stiff bristle and deck cleaner
- Linseed oil polymerized or tung oil
- Natural bristle paintbrush of superior quality
- distilled mineral spirits
- sanitized rags
Detailed instructions:
If Furniture is weathered or has an old finish on it:
- Sand your furniture completely. It is best to use a 5″ or 6″ orbital sander with 80 grit sandpaper.
- Scrub the furniture with a stiff-bristled brush and one part deck cleaner to four parts water.
- Allow the furniture to dry completely after rinsing it with the deck cleaner formula.
If Furniture is new and unfinished
- Apply a thin coat of oil to the furniture with a high-quality natural-bristle paintbrush. Make sure to get the oil into all the crevices and between the slats.
- Once the wood has been saturated, wipe it down with clean rags to remove any excess oil.
- Place the rags in a bucket of clear water immediately after wiping; otherwise, they may spontaneously ignite.
- Mineral spirits can be used to clean your paintbrush.
- Allow the furniture to dry for at least one night.
- In the same manner, apply a second and, if necessary, a third coat. Allow 30 minutes between coats before applying the next one.
- Allow the furniture to dry for 24 hours after applying the final coat of oil.
All-in-one stain + Sealant
Use an all-in-one stain and polyurethane sealer to add rich color and enhance the grain of your wood furniture while also protecting it from water and UV rays. These products come in a variety of tints and shine levels ranging from flat to glossy.
They provide color, shine, and protection in just two coats. All-in-ones have the advantage of not yellowing or darkening over time. They contain VOCs, just like other polyurethane products.
How to Apply All-In-One Stain + Sealer to Outdoor Wood Furniture in Steps
Materials/Tool Needed:
- Equipment for protection: respirator or N-95 protective mask
- 80-grit sandpaper and an orbital sander
- Brush with a stiff bristle and deck cleaner
- All-in-one oil-based stain and sealer
- Natural-bristle paintbrush of superior quality
- Distilled mineral spirits
Step-by-step instructions:
If furniture is weathered or has an old finish on it
- Sand your furniture completely. It is best to use a 5″ or 6″ orbital sander with 80 grit sandpaper.
- Scrub the furniture with a stiff-bristled brush and one part deck cleaner to four parts water.
- After rinsing it with the deck cleaner formula, allow the furniture to dry completely.
If Furniture is new and unfinished
- Work outside or in a well-ventilated area while wearing a respirator.
- Apply a thin coat of all-in-one stain + sealer to the furniture with a high-quality natural bristle paintbrush. Work the finish into all the nooks and crannies as well as between the slats.
- Mineral spirits can be used to clean your paintbrush.
- Allow the furniture to dry for at least one night.
- In the same manner, apply a second coat of all-in-one stain + sealer.
- Allow at least 24 hours for the furniture to sit before placing cushions or other items on it.
Clear coats
Unlike natural oils, which penetrate the wood, clear coat sealers form a hard, shiny skin on top of it. This skin is more resistant to moisture and scratches, but it peels away over time and must be sanded off before the wood can be refinished.
Most types of wood are darkened by oil-based clearcoat sealers. They also have potentially harmful VOCs that natural oils do not have. Clearcoat sealers are classified into three types: polyurethane, varnish, and lacquer.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane, which is frequently confused with varnish, is essentially a liquid plastic that forms a thin coat over wood that is impervious to water and highly resistant to scratches and dents. There are both water-based and oil-based polyurethanes available, but only the oil-based type is suitable for use on outdoor furniture.
Oil-based polyurethane has a similar appearance to varnish, but it only requires two coats instead of eight. On the negative side, polyurethane contains more VOCs than varnish.
Vanish
External varnish, particularly marine varnish, provides unrivaled protection against moisture and UV rays. It cures to a flexible coat that will not crack when exposed to the elements.
The main disadvantage of varnish is that it takes time and effort to apply: you must apply eight thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Every two to three years, if the finish begins to look filmy, lightly sand it and then apply a new topcoat.
Lacquer
Lacquer provides the ultra-high-gloss finish found on Oriental cabinetry. It is long-lasting and scratch-resistant, but it tends to discolor over time.
Lacquer is smaller than varnish or polyurethane; it was previously applied with a sprayer rather than a brush. Lacquer contains a lot of VOCs.
Clearcoat Finishes for Outdoor Wood Furniture: Step-by-Step Instructions
Materials/Tool Needed:
- Equipment for protection: respirator or N-95 protective mask
- 80-grit sandpaper and an orbital sander
- Brush with a stiff bristle and deck cleaner
- Polyurethane, oil-based varnish, or lacquer
- Natural-bristle paintbrush of superior quality
- Distilled mineral spirits
Step-by-step instructions:
If furniture is weathered or has an old finish on it
- Sand your furniture completely. It is best to use a 5″ or 6″ orbital sander with 80 grit sandpaper.
- Scrub the furniture with a stiff-bristled brush and one part deck cleaner to four parts water.
- Allow the furniture to dry completely after rinsing it with the deck cleaner formula.
If Furniture is new and unfinished
- Work outside or in a well-ventilated area while wearing a respirator.
- Apply a thin coat of varnish, polyurethane, or lacquer to the furniture with a high-quality natural bristle paintbrush. Work the finish into all the nooks and crannies as well as between the slats.
- Mineral spirits can be used to clean your paintbrush.
- Allow the furniture to dry for at least one night.
- Continue with additional coats in the same manner: 8 thin coats varnish, followed by 2-3 coats polyurethane or lacquer.
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions and let each coat dry completely before applying the next.
- Allow the furniture to dry for at least 24 hours after applying the final coat of finish.
Read More: Can You Use Foam Tiles Outdoor – Full Details
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which waterproof finish is the best for wood?
Tung oil is the primary ingredient in some kinds of Danish oil and even some oil-based synthetic finishes since it is thought to be the best at waterproofing wood. It is more water-resistant than even shellac and the most resilient oil.
Can Indoor Wood Furniture be used Outside?
No, Any treated indoor piece will not be resistant to damaging heat, rain, and snow, so consider placing treated indoor furniture on a covered patio or porch for the longest use.
Can I leave Wooden Furniture outside in the rain?
Yes, Wooden furniture may indeed be left outside. Nobody wants to bring it inside every time it looks like it might rain.
How Frequently Should Wood Furniture Be Oiled?
You should oil your wood furniture once a year if it is indoors or in an area that is well-protected outside. To provide it the best protection, however, if it is exposed to the elements, use oil at least twice a year.
The basic message is that to keep the wood water-resistant and looking nice, if your wood furniture starts to look dry or weathered, add a fresh coat of oil and make sure to rub it into all the nooks and crevices.
Can You Paint Wood After Waterproofing It?
If you use exterior-rated primer and paint, there is no need to waterproof wood before painting it. You may get the waterproof outcome you want by properly applying both primer and paint to every square inch of your wood furniture because both finishes have sealing components built right in.
Conclusion
Did I answer all of your questions about How to Waterproof Wood Furniture For Outdoors ?
My advice is to clean on a regular basis whatever method you use to protect outdoor wood furniture, because dirt and dust are the first elements that ruin the wood.
So there you have it. I strongly advise you to try protecting your outdoor wood furniture by yourself as your next project. I hope everything goes smoothly!