How to Make Wood Water-Proof
Untreated wood is prone to rotting, warping, or tearing. To extend the life of your wood, you can treat it with a waterproofing product.
Consider waterproofing any wood that is regularly exposed to the weather, such as a porch or patio furniture.
It is also common to make indoor furniture and kitchen surfaces waterproof. Besides, if by any chance you’re quarantined in your home in Pennsylvania due to this pandemic, this might just be the perfect indoor project you can do.
So, here is how to go about making your furniture or any piece of wood waterproof.
Decide Which Oil You Want To Use.
The three common oils used to make wood waterproof are linseed, walnut and Tung oil.
Tung oil can usually be found as an admixture in most commercial products. Raw Tung oil is often more expensive than other oils, so it is commonly used on smaller wood projects.
You can find walnut oil in the grocery store next to the olive oil. Due to nut allergies, walnut oil can often not be used commercially.
Flaxseed oil can be found in most hardware stores, but many of these products are sold raw or heated. Heated linseed oil contains metal coloring agents that may be toxic. You can still use this product on patio furniture, but you shouldn’t use it for anything that comes into contact with food.
Linseed oil can also be bought without metal-coloring agents. Choose a raw linseed oil if you want to coat certain woods such as your kitchen countertop safely.
Prepare The Wood Before Applying Oils.
Any surface imperfections become more noticeable after the oil has been applied. The oil or the oil mixture highlights all the colors in the wood.
Remove any visible imperfections from the surface with thick sandpaper or a metal file. Sand with the sandpaper or file until the wood looks even.
Finally, sand down the entire surface with fine sandpaper (220 grit).
This prepares the surface to absorb the oil.
Wipe the area or rub off any residue with a dry cloth before applying the oil. The wood must be dry before you treat it with oil.
Apply the First Coat
Pour a small amount of oil on a rag. Do not put the oil directly on the wood. Apply the oil in the grain direction, working from the inside out.
Be careful not to touch the oil while it is being absorbed. Concentrate on achieving an even coating.
Apply more oil instead of rubbing too hard to release the oil from the rag. Do not leave puddles of oil.
Let The Layer Dry.
Wait for about 30 minutes for the oil to soak in the wood and wipe the surface with a clean cloth to remove excess oil.
Let the wood harden for 24 hours or until it is dry.
It takes longer to make the wood waterproof with oil than with seals and stains.
Rub the surface with “0000” (very fine) steel wool.
Apply Two More Layers Of Oil.
Apply another coat of oil to the wood. Repeat the same drying times and sanding with steel wool. Let it harden for several days before using the furniture.
The Bottom Line
Making furniture waterproof, as you can see, is relatively easy. However, sometimes applying these oils alone may not be sufficient, so hiring a painting contractor to professional apply seals and stains, or a coat of paint might be necessary.
So, if you don’t have the painting and staining skills, experience, and tools required, consider hiring a professional painting contractor in West Chester, PA, like Left Moon Painting.
We have years of experience offering residential repainting services in Kennett Square, PA, and West Chester PA.
If you would like to give us a try, request a FREE estimate below to get started or call us at (484) 757-5295 for more information.
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