Untreated wood is subject to decay, deformation or cracking. To make it more durable, you can treat it with a waterproofing product. Try to subject wood that is regularly exposed to the elements, such as furniture in the garden or on the terrace, to this treatment. It is also common to waterproof interior wood surfaces, such as those in the kitchen.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Waterproof Wood with Oil
Step 1. Decide which oil to use
The three most used to waterproof wood are those of flax, walnut and tung. Tung oil is usually found in many commercial blends. Raw oil is often more expensive than other oils, so it is generally used for smaller projects. Walnut oil is readily available at home improvement stores. Since it can cause allergies, it cannot be used commercially.
- Linseed oil can be found on the internet and is generally sold raw or boiled. The latter contains metal desiccants, which are poisonous. You can still use it outdoors, but you should avoid it for all surfaces you will be placing food on.
- Linseed oil is also available without metal desiccants. If you want a safe coating for certain types of wood, such as the kitchen counter, choose the raw one.
Step 2. Buy the oil
Consider your project and decide which wood surfaces you want to treat. For a larger project, such as a wooden deck in the garden, you could use an exterior paint or protective impregnator. Oil is best for smaller wood items, such as a cutting board, table, countertop, or baseball bat.
- Make a list of the surfaces you want to treat. This will help you figure out how much oil to buy. One of the benefits of this treatment is that the oil will stay good for several years.
- Buy the oil that best suits your needs. Purchase a large bottle. It is preferable that you advance rather than have too little of it.
Step 3. Make a blend
You can make a more effective treatment and sealer by mixing the oil with turpentine and apple cider vinegar. Mix one part oil (tung, flax, or walnut), one part turpentine and half part apple cider vinegar. This blend will allow you to use less oil and achieve a more durable finish.
- Pour the ingredients into a metal container, such as an empty coffee pot. Mix them until you get a well-blended mixture.
- It is not necessary to make this blend, but many experts in the field recommend it.
Step 4. Prepare the wood before applying the oil
Surface imperfections will be much more noticeable after application. The oil or mixture will emphasize all the colors of the wood. Use thick sandpaper or a metal file to fix any visible surface imperfections. Scrape until you get an even result.
- Finish by sanding the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper (220). This will prepare her to absorb the oil.
- Before applying the oil, clean the wood with a dry cloth to remove all residues. The surface must be dry before doing the treatment.
Step 5. Get ready
Fold a lint-free cloth and keep other rags handy. By folding it, the uneven edges will not bother you and you will also prevent the fabric from snagging or tearing when you apply the oil. Before handling turpentine and other similar products, put on thick rubber gloves.
Step 6. Take the first pass
Pour a small amount of oil onto the rag. Do not apply it directly to the wood. Massage the oil following the grain of the wood. Move it from the inside to the outside. Be careful not to touch it during absorption. Try to get a uniform result. Apply more oil instead of scrubbing hard to squeeze it out of the cloth. Do not leave oil stains.
Step 7. Let it dry
Wait about 30 minutes for the oil to absorb well into the wood. Wipe the surface with a clean cloth to remove excess. Do not touch the wood for 24 hours or until it is dry. The waterproofing procedure with oil takes longer than with a sealant.
Smooth the surface with 0000 steel wool (extra fine)
Step 8. Do two more coats of oil
Observe the same drying times and smooth with steel wool. Before using the wood, let it dry for several days or weeks. To know if it's ready, you need to be able to slide your fingers across the surface without hindrance.
Method 2 of 3: Waterproof the Wood with a Water Based Impregnating Varnish
Step 1. Prepare the surface
Before using an impregnating paint, you need to remove any traces of the previous finish with sandpaper. This allows you to eliminate the residues of all the products applied in the past, which could hinder the absorption of the impregnating agent. This method is preferable for wood that has been previously treated, because oil-based paints are unlikely to be absorbed by the material.
Use rougher sandpaper for areas that require more attention. Next, finish sanding the surface with fine sandpaper to get a smooth result
Step 2. Purchase a water-based wood stain
It can be found in home improvement stores. You can also buy a colored one; before applying it, smooth the surface.
- The paint packaging often indicates what type of surface it is intended for. For example, you can find those for wooden decks, fences, windows, floors or furniture.
- If you need to protect wood from moisture, UV rays and water, buy marine wood varnish.
- Read the instructions to know how to apply it and know the drying times. Some products can be used with a paint sprayer.
- To apply it, buy a paint sprayer or paint brush.
Step 3. Apply an even layer
Prepare your brush or sprayer. Try to make a smooth pass. Make sure that the temperature and humidity of the air are suitable for the properties of the product, otherwise it can evaporate too quickly. You may want to work in a place where humidity levels are stable, such as in the garage.
Before applying the paint, make sure the surface of the wood is clean
Step 4. Let the product dry
For the right drying times, see the instructions on the packaging. They can be shorter than those of oil. Many paints take four to ten hours.
Step 5. After the first pass, clean
To improve the adhesion of the second coat, use fine-grained sandpaper, but only if recommended by the product instructions. Do this once the product has dried completely.
You can also use 0000 steel wool (extra thin) to clean up the paint
Step 6. Make a second and third pass
Softwoods may require two or three, while solid woods only one. The former are cheaper and have not undergone any treatment in the past. The most common are cedar, pine, sequoia, fir and yew. Hardwood is thicker. It is used for high quality furniture and outdoor platforms. Some of the most used are balsa, beech, American walnut, mahogany, maple, oak and walnut.
Step 7. The wood should have plenty of time to dry
Wait several days before using it or arranging furniture. In the future, when you notice that the water that ends up on the surface will darken the wood instead of forming drops and running away, then you will have to repeat the application.
Apply the paint every two to three years to keep the wood in good condition
Method 3 of 3: Waterproof the Wood with an Oil-Based Paint
Step 1. Choose a semi-transparent oil-based paint
If you plan on treating the exterior wood, buy a suitable varnish. The clearer it is, the more oil it contains. Clear paints are good for indoor projects or for wood that won't be exhibited that much outdoors.
These products are available from hardware stores or home improvement stores
Step 2. Prepare the wood
After applying the paint, any surface imperfections will be more noticeable. The product will bring out all the colors of the wood. Fix any visible defects with thick sandpaper or a metal file. Scrape until you get an even result.
- Finish by sanding the entire surface with fine-grit sandpaper (220). This way the paint will be applied evenly.
- Before applying the paint, clean the area and wipe off any residue with a dry cloth. The wood must be dry for the treatment to be successful.
Step 3. Make the first pass
Apply the paint evenly with a brush. Coat the entire surface and let it dry for four hours or a full day. At that point, take a second pass.
Step 4. Remove excess
Sand the dry surface with fine-grit sandpaper. Clean it with an antistatic microfiber cloth or cotton gauze to prepare it for the second pass. It is important that the surface is dry and clean before applying other layers.
Step 5. Make a second coat of paint
It will take a little longer to dry. Make sure you wait as long as necessary so that the waterproofing oil is absorbed well. Five hours after application, check that it has dried.
The paint will have dried when the wood is no longer sticky to the touch
Step 6. Take the third and last pass
Follow the same procedure with the last coat as well. Try to be patient and make sure you apply the product evenly throughout the treatment. Before using the wood, wait three days or a week for it to dry.
