How to Make Wood Waterproof

Wood and water have such a dramatic relationship! It’s like an affair that is forbidden in the Shakespearean drama.

Wood born in nature’s watery embrace cannot last long when the water remains clingy.

That fancy yacht of yours would be no better than a submarine without proper waterproofing, your wooden skis would not be unlike those of a daytime soap opera.

That lovely dock would sink immediately as my motivation upon waking on Monday morning, and your outdoor furniture? Just know it will become garden mulch.

Why Should You Bother to Waterproof Wood?

Waterproofing wood has more to do with than just wetness. We aim to protect our precious wooden possessions from all sorts of elements including but not limited to UV radiation, bugs, and the extremities of weather they are subjected to.

By waterproofing wood, you essentially create a protective bubble around it which keeps it away.

• Mold and Mildew: because nobody wants their wood turning into some weird science fair project.

• Structural Nightmares: so that it won’t crumble like my weight-loss plans.

• Stains and Discoloration: because the wood should age gracefully, not embarrassingly.

• Deformation Galore: no warping, twisting, or doing yoga.

• Surface Drama: goodbye scratches, scuffs, and other such indignities!

And hey, waterproofing is also your sneaky chance to give that wood a makeover, think of it as a spa day for your deck or furniture, with a dash of color thrown in for good fun.

Three Super Simple Ways To Waterproof Wood

Ready for the role of a hero in its epic battle against the elements? Here are three snazzy ways you can keep it dry:

Polyurethane, Lacquer & Varnish: Think these three items are supermodels among all preservatives for your wooden stuff – shiny yet tough enough! They will seal out moisture and add a bit of glitz.
Wood Sealants: Think about these like club bouncers; they stand guard at the entrance to keep away moisture from crashing the party.
Tung Oil: Tung oil if you are into old school with a natural twist then tung oil is your guy. It gets into the wood and flirts with every fiber and leaves it waterproof, pliable, and with a subtle yet elegant finish that says “I am naturally beautiful”.

The first technique is polyurethane, lacquer, or varnish.

Consider these finishes as the Wood Rock of wood finishes. They have been around for a long time and they are still used because they work.

Lacquer, polyurethane, and varnish happen to be like overprotective elder siblings of finishing products.

Put them on with a brush, roll them out, or spray them into every groove of your wooden project.

These love room temperature and for heaven’s sake follow the instructions written on that can like it’s a trail map.

Testing this type of finish should be done by gently stirring using a stick instead of shaking, as shaking will cause bubbles in it.

Unless you’re preparing soda or something like that, bubbles in your finish are as desirable as mosquitoes at the picnic table.

If properly aired, these finishes dry quickly (around half an hour) allowing one to apply another coat before you even think “quick-dry.”

The second technique is wood sealants.

However, if your wood project is more akin to a summer blockbuster movie (think decks, fences, and all things outside), then you’ll need some wood sealants.

These act as general-purpose players when it comes to waterproofing materials.

They come colored if you want to add spice to life or clear if you value the natural beauty of wood only.

Never ever forget that just like any other houseplant, they have to be looked after at least once every few years so as not to disappoint their owners.

Wood sealants are not just about protection. They are also about the preservation and enhancement of the wood’s natural charm.

Sprucing up an old fence or sealing a brand-new deck?

They offer you practical solutions giving your woodwork good looks as well as strength against the ravages of time.

So go ahead now with all your love on your wood and it will return this love by giving you years of durability and beauty!

The third technique is tung oil and linseed oil.

Ah! Tung oil and linseed oil – my favorite when I get all artsy-fartsy hipsterish. Distilled from flaxseeds and an Asian tree respectively, these oils resemble essential oils for wood.

No VOCs or harsh chemicals will hit you here; rather they sink into your timber through clean rags revealing its intrinsic splendor with that flawless texture that says “I woke up like this,” especially in the case of darker, richer woods.

Here’s a trick – stir, don’t shake. Unless you’re into abstract bubbly art on your wood.

Use a clean, lint-free rag to apply, allow the wood to fully absorb it, and then gently wipe away any surplus to prevent any sticky residue.

They are awesome for minor tasks such as making that bespoke wooden surfboard or just a cute outdoor chair.

Closing thoughts on waterproofing wood

But no matter which method of waterproofing you choose, remember to treat it as an art form. Know your timber and be intimate with it.

This isn’t a task to rush through. It’s more like slow dancing. What you are doing is not just painting on the coat.

Rather, you are prolonging the lifespan and enhancing the aesthetics of your wood product.

Thank you for staying here for this forest conversation! Remember that without protection wood looks like a knight without armor and our job is to keep wooden knights ready for fighting against weather attacks.

Go now, make wise choices about waterproofing entire structures, and save your valuable lumber for years to come.”