Wood is surely the most loved, prevalent, and oldest building material around our world.
People craft some of the loveliest looking cabinetry, furniture, and craftworks from wood. And you know what?
None of us want to see these beautiful pieces of furniture worn out.
But for that, the natural beauty of the wood needs protection from water.
Yes, water is the arch-rival of wood that destroys its beauty and longevity like pests eat up our crops.
Hence, today we are going to deal with how to seal wood in the most convenient and straightforwardly.
You must read the write-up if you love your furniture.
Different Ways on How to Seal Wood
We have carefully selected three surefire alternatives to make your wooden furniture waterproof.
We have opted for these ways for their ease off and long-lasting performance. These are-
- Staining and smoothing wood furniture
- Waterproofing with polyurethane
- Use of Tung Oil for a sealant coating and beautiful finish.
Now, let’s get to see them.
Method One: Staining and Smoothing Wood Furniture
Perhaps the oldest and most reliable ways to seal wood is to smoothen it with a subtle finish and stain later with sealant. Interestingly, it’s the easiest way also.
Things you will need-
- Sanding tool
- Sandpaper
- Tac cloth
- Wood stain
- Sealant
- Paintbrush
Step 1: Smooth the wood through sanding
At first, you need to use a good-quality electric sander to remove all the roughness and imperfections from the entire wood surface. For rough surfaces, we recommend you to start with 100-120 grit sandpaper and change to heavier grit as you progress.
However, for the smoothest finish, use a 400grit sandpaper with care.
Step 2: Removing sawdust
As you sand the wood surface, naturally, sawdust will accumulate around the surface.
You need to remove the sawdust to proceed further.
Use a tack cloth or dry rag to wipe out all the sawdust from the wood surface so that wood particles won’t suck when you stain the furniture or wood floor.
Tac clothes are made specially to remove sawdust. It will remove the finest particles successfully for a better finish.
Step 3: Use of wood stain
You will find quite a number of varieties when it comes to the wood stain.
Some of them only stain the wood while some highlight the wood grain for a lovely finish.
So, choose accordingly. You will also find many color options for the wood stain.
Use a paintbrush (made for wood painting) to apply the stain on the surface and wait for the time stated on the stain container.
This waiting allows the wood to soak the stain.
After waiting for the desired amount of time, gently grit the stained surface with a dry rag to wipe off the excess stains.
Step 4: Applying the sealant
If you need to finish off quickly and running out of time, use a combination of waterproof sealant and stain to apply a water-resistant sealing and colorant on the wood surface.
It not only adds watertight sealing but also makes your furniture or deck look beautiful.
The application is the same as the stain, so you should find it easy.
Method Two: Waterproofing with Polyurethane
Lacquer and polyurethane both are trustworthy and dependable waterproofing agents when it comes to sealing the wood.
Polyurethane is famous for creating a matte or glossy finish that people find attractive.
Step 1: Choosing the polyurethane
First off, you need to select the best polyurethane for your wood sealing project from the many available types.
For instance, oil-based ones are most durable and used for sealing outdoor furniture, whereas water-based polyurethane is used widely for indoor furniture.
So, choose which one you would use for wood sealing.
Step 2: Applying the polyunsaturated coating
After you have cleaned the entire surface, use a dry rag to apply the first coating of polyurethane on the wood.
You can alternatively use a brush for the purpose.
You will need to utilize long strokes to cover the wood surface with the polyurethane coating evenly.
Also, remember that you need to stroke from one side to another consistently.
Also, use more coating on the ends since these will soak more polyurethane.
Step 3: Removing the imperfections
As the 1st polyurethane coating is done, you need to remove all the flaws from the wood surface.
Use a 400-grit sandpaper to finish off the layer as smoothly as possible, Also, wipe off every imperfection to make the surface even.
Step 4: Reapplying the coat
Lastly, reapply the polyurethane coating for few times until you are satisfied with the finish.
Once done, leave the furniture to soak and dry. Then, use 400 grit sandpaper once again to finish off the sealant.
Method Three: Use of Tung Oil for a Sealant and Beautiful Finish
Almost all hand-rubbed oil is extracted either from the Tung tree as Tung oil or derived from the flax plant as Linseed oil.
Both create a pleasing finish and have been used for centuries.
These days, the woodworking industry has improved the formula with a combination of mineral spirits, polyurethane, and Tung oil.
- Wipe off every dust from the wood surface so that you get rid off imperfections. Also, make the surface even with the sandpaper.
- Now, stir the oil sealant thoroughly.
- After that, take a bristle natural paintbrush and drip into the oil sealant. Now apply it on the wood surface quickly.
- Once the 1st coating of the hand-rubbed oil is applied and soaked correctly, reapply the 2nd coating of the oil.
- You may need to repeat the process more than twice for a long-lasting and robust oil finish.
- Use a dry rag to wipe off the residual for a better finish.
- Once the paint is adequately dried, use 400-grit sandpaper to sand the surface for a perfect finish.
Conclusion
Wood furniture adds aesthetics at home indoor and exterior.
This uniqueness being said, you need to make sure that the wood is waterproofed and sealed so that it lasts long.
Therefore, the three straightforward ways described here on how to seal wood should come handy for everyone.
Besides sealing the wood, these methods will provide the wood a beautiful finish that most people will love.