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It’s the time of year when many homeowners are getting ready for summer. The first thing on their minds is to seal up all the exterior wood that may have been damaged during the winter months. If you’re painting your outdoor furniture or planters, then it’s important to take some extra steps to protect them from outside elements like rain and humidity.
To seal your painted wood, begin by lightly sanding the surface. This will help the paint to adhere better and also give the sealer something to grip onto. Once you’ve sanded, wipe away any dust with a damp cloth. Next, apply a primer to the wood if you’re using an oil-based paint. If you’re using a water-based paint, you can skip this step.
Once the primer is dry, it’s time to paint! Be sure to use a paint that is specifically made for outdoor use. These paints are usually more durable and can withstand harsher conditions than regular interior paint. When you’re finished painting, wait for the paint to dry completely before applying a sealer. This will help to protect your paint job and make it last longer.
When To Seal Painted Outdoor Wood for Use
You should start sealing your painted outdoor wood if:
- It’s been a few months since you painted it
- It’s been exposed to the elements for several months
- It’s freshly painted, but you plan on using it outdoors shortly
- The best time to seal outdoor wood is when it has just been painted. If you have a fresh coat of paint and are planning to use your items outside in the next few weeks or so, then definitely consider sealing them for extra protection.
RELATED: 20 Tips On How To Seal an OSB Board
Types Of Wood Sealants
Sealants come in handy on how to seal painted outdoor wood furniture. Some of the wood sealants include:
1. Natural Wood Sealants
Natural wood sealants are made from a mixture of plant-based waxes and oils.
How Is It Applied?
Apply the sealant to your wood, just as you would paint. The key is to apply it evenly and liberally so that all of the surfaces are covered with an even coating of wax or oil. After about 15 minutes, wipe away excess oil/wax using a clean cloth or paper towel.
Advantages Of Natural Wood Sealants
- It does not contain any harmful chemicals; therefore it’s safe for your family and pets!
- Natural sealants also provide a protective coating that makes it easy to clean and maintain.
Disadvantages Of Natural Wood Sealants
- It is the most expensive type of sealant; however, you’ll save money in the long run because re-application is not required for three months.
Note: This type of wood sealant should only be used on untreated or raw wood.
2. Synthetic Wood Sealants
Synthetic wood sealants are made of a mixture of liquefied petroleum gas, resin, and wax. It is applied with a brush just like the natural type however it needs to be left to dry for 24 hours before being exposed to any kind of moisture or humidity.
How Is It Applied?
It is applied with a brush and left to dry for 12 hours.
Maintenance:
Once every three months, it should be reapplied to keep the wood well protected from humidity and rain.
Advantages Of Synthetic Wood Sealants
- This type of wood sealant has a slightly higher viscosity which makes it easier to apply and gives you more time to work with it before it dries.
- Synthetic wood sealants also provide good protection from moisture, sun damage, and other outdoor elements.
Disadvantages Of Synthetic Wood Sealants
- It is more expensive than natural sealants; however, it will last longer so you’ll have to reapply less often.
Note: This type of wood sealant should only be used on treated or painted wood.
3. Oil Wood Sealants
Oil wood sealants are made of linseed, tung, or soybean oil. It is applied with a brush and left to dry for 12 hours before being exposed to any kind of moisture or humidity.
How Is It Applied?
It is applied with a brush just like the natural type however it needs to be left to dry for 12 hours before being exposed to any kind of moisture or humidity.
Advantages Of Oil Wood Sealant
- This type of wood sealant is easy on your wallet
- Eco-friendly
- Easy to use
Disadvantages Of Oil Wood Sealant
- Takes time to dry before it can be used
- Not as effective at protecting wood from water damage and other outdoor elements.
Note: This type of wood sealant should only be used on untreated or raw wood.
4. Stains
Stain wood sealants are made of a mixture of linseed oil, tung oil, pine resin and other ingredients. It is applied with a brush just like the natural type however it needs to be left to dry for 12 hours before being exposed to any kind of moisture or humidity.
How Is It Applied?
It is applied with a brush just like the natural type however it needs to be left to dry for 12 hours before being exposed to any kind of moisture or humidity.
Maintenance:
Once every three months, it should be reapplied to keep the wood well protected from humidity and rain.
Advantages Of Stain Wood Sealant
- Pocket friendly
- Easy to apply
- Eco-friendly
Disadvantages Of Stain Wood Sealant
- It does not provide adequate protection from moisture, sun damage, and other outdoor elements.
Note: This type of wood sealant should only be used on treated or painted wood.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Best Sealant
There are several factors to consider when choosing the best sealant for your project.
1. Price
You’ll want to consider how much you are willing to spend on the different sealants so that you can narrow down your choice.
2. Maintenance
How each of them needs to be maintained is also important if you’re looking for a long-term solution. You may not have time or money available to do it often; therefore this is an important factor.
3. Durability
If you’re looking for something that will last longer, then durability should be another point to consider when choosing the best sealant.
4. Protection Level
Another thing that needs to be considered when choosing a wood sealant is how much protection level it provides for your wood.
5. Preference
Finally, you’ll have to consider your personal preference when choosing the best sealant for your wood. Do you want something easy on the wallet? Or are durability and protection more important to you?
Benefits Of Using Wood Sealants
How to seal painted wood for outside use has the following benefits:
- Protection Against Moisture
- Protection Against Sun Damage
- Protection Against Other Outdoor Elements
- Protection Against Insects
Materials Needed to Seal Painted Wood for Outdoor Use
- Paintbrush
- Linseed oil wood sealant or another type of sealants
- Water
- Mixing container plastic or glass
- Measuring cup
- Deck brush
- Sandpaper
- Bucket
- Rags or towels
Preparations For Sealing Painted Wood
- Thoroughly clean the wood with a deck brush to remove dust, dirt, and debris.
- Sand the wood with sandpaper to make it smooth and even.
- Mix the wood sealant as per instructions.
Different Methods of Sealing Painted Wood for Outdoor Use
There are several methods on how to seal painted wood for outdoors:
1. Brush Application
This is the most common method of applying the wood sealant to painted or treated wood. It can be applied with either a natural bristle brush, deck brush, or paint roller.
2. Spray Application
This method is the most effective in terms of saving time and money.
It’s also very easy to clean up after it has been applied because there are no brushes or rollers necessary.
However, this application requires you to use a spray gun which can be expensive for some people especially if they do not have one already.
3. Roller Application
This method is similar to the brush application, but it requires less work.
With this method, you only have to pour the sealant into a bucket and dip your deck roller to coat it with sealant before applying it to the wood surface.
4. Wipe Application
This method is becoming increasingly popular because it’s very easy to apply.
It can be applied with either a rag, towel, or sponge and doesn’t require any previous preparation work before applying the sealant.
5. Dip Application
The easiest way to apply wood sealant is with a dip.
All you have to do is use the brush supplied with your container to coat it with wood sealant before applying it on the surface of the treated or painted wood.
You may also choose this method if you’re looking for something very easy and quick to apply.
However, this method is not recommended because it’s easy for the sealant to dry up while you’re dipping your brush in and out of the container repeatedly.
This can cause a lot of waste which will end up costing more money than if other methods were used instead.
6. Pour and Spread Application
This is the easiest way to apply wood sealant, but it’s also one of the messiest.
All you have to do is pour some into a bucket and spread it on your treated or painted surface with either a brush or roller.
How To Maintain Painted Wood After Sealing
You must regularly maintain the treated or painted wood surface to keep it looking as good as new. This can be done by:
- Applying a couple of coats of sealant before your old one wears out every few months.
- Cleaning the surface with a deck brush or broom.
- Replacing the sealant every few years.
- Repainting the wood if it starts to look dull or absorbs dirt.
- Replacing the wood if it becomes severely weathered and damaged.
Best Way to Seal Painted Wood for Outdoor Use
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to treat painted wood for outdoor use:
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area and Materials
Place a drop cloth under the area where you’ll be working.
Make sure to wear protective gloves, eye protection, and breathe through a mask when applying wood sealant.
Step 2: Prepare Your Wood for Sealing
Sand your wood with sandpaper to make it smooth and even. Clean off all excess dust.
Step 3: Apply the Wood Sealant
Brush the wood sealant on your wood in a circular motion. Make sure to apply it evenly and thinly until you’ve covered each area completely.
Make sure not to leave any part of the surface dry or with excess material as this could lead to cracking, peeling, or discoloration.
Step 4: Wait for The Wood Sealant to Dry and Apply a Second Coat
Do not walk on the treated wood for at least 24 hours after applying the sealant to allow it to dry completely.
Apply another coat of wood sealant if needed and wait for it to dry before walking, sitting, or placing anything on top of it.
Step 5: Maintain Your Treated Wood
Apply a wood sealant every three months to keep your treated or painted wood looking great and protected from the outdoor elements for years to come.
How To Seal Acrylic Paint on Wood for Outdoor Use
What you’ll need:
- Acrylic outdoor sealant
- Primer
- Paintbrush
- Sandpaper
- Sponge
- Tack cloth
Step 1: Clean the Wood.
Using a tack cloth, remove any residual sawdust from the surface of your wood. If the wood is old, or you are concerned about potential lead paint, sand the surface lightly with medium-grade sandpaper.
Step 2: Prime the Wood.
Whether you’re using a water-based or oil-based primer, apply it evenly to the surface of the wood with a paintbrush. One coat of high-quality primer should be sufficient. Be sure to follow the instructions on the can for the best results.
Step 3: Let the Primer Dry.
Before proceeding to the next step, give the primer plenty of time to dry. Depending on the type of primer you used, this could take anywhere from two to 24 hours.
Step 4: Apply the sealant.
With a paintbrush, apply one or two coats of an acrylic paint sealant to the wood, using even strokes. If you’re planning to add a second coat, wait for the first one to dry completely before proceeding.
Importance Of Sealing Painted Wood for Outdoor Use
- Wood sealant is a thin film of liquid that protects and preserves wood against moisture, water damage, and the sun’s UV rays.
- It also helps prevent mold or mildew growth on your deck or exterior wooden surfaces while allowing the wood to breathe naturally.
- It’s important to seal the wood on your deck, siding, doors, and windowsills as soon after they’ve been treated or painted. This will prevent them from looking dull over time and protect them against moisture damage which can cause serious problems like rotting and warping.
- Wooden surfaces that aren’t sealed also run the risk of being destroyed by mold, mildew, fungus, or insects.
- Sealing wood for outdoor use also makes it easier to clean and maintain the surface since dirt won’t get into its cracks that easily.
- It can even make your home more energy-efficient if you have a porch or deck on the south side of your house because UV rays don’t have as much of an effect on untreated wood.
Safety Measures When Painting Wood for Outdoor
- Make sure to wear protective gloves, eye protection, and breathe through a mask when applying wood sealant.
- Avoid getting the product on your skin or in the eyes as this can irritate them.
- Avoid inhaling fumes from wood sealants by working in a well-ventilated area away from open flame whenever possible.
- Avoid getting sealant on your gardening tools or clothing as this can damage them over time.
- Cover all open flames in the area you’re working in to avoid inhaling wood fumes that could catch fire or explode if sparked by an external flame or heat source.
- Place a drop cloth under the area where you’ll be working.
- Sand your wood with sandpaper to make it smooth and even. Clean off all excess dust.
- Brush the wood sealant on your wood in a circular motion. Make sure to apply it evenly and thinly until you’ve covered each area completely.
- Make sure not to leave any part of the surface dry or with excess material as this could lead to cracking, peeling, or discoloration.
- Do not walk on the treated wood for at least 24 hours after applying the sealant to allow it to dry completely.
FAQs
How Long Should I Wait to Apply Another Coat of Wood Sealant?
Apply another coat of wood sealant if needed and wait for it to dry before walking, sitting, or placing anything on top of it.
Does Treated Woodwork in An Enclosed Porch That Doesn’t Get Any Sun Exposure?
Yes, as long as you apply a sealant within two weeks of it being treated.
How Often Should I Reapply Wood Sealants?
Apply a wood sealant every three months to keep your treated or painted wood looking great and protected from the outdoor elements for years to come.
Can You Seal Wood for Outdoor Use?
Yes, you can. With the right products and a little elbow grease, you can weatherproof your wood in no time. Sealants provide a barrier between the paint and the elements, protecting your paint job from moisture, UV rays, and other environmental damage. There are a few different types of sealants available on the market, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.
Conclusion On How to Seal Painted Wood for Outdoor Use
In conclusion, sealing painted wood for outdoor use is a great way to protect your deck or exterior wooden surfaces from moisture, water damage, and the sun’s UV rays.
There are many different types of sealants available on the market that you can choose from including oil-based products, water-based products, and other special additives designed especially for sealing decks.
What type of sealant you decide to use will depend on where it is being applied, the wood type, and the intended purpose for your deck or exterior wooden surfaces.
By reading this blog post you should now be well informed about how to properly protect painted wood to make it last longer when used outdoors. Good luck.
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https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-seal-painted-wood-for-the-outdoors-5214910
https://www.ehow.com/info_8119152_use-seal-painted-wood-outdoors.html
https://norcrosssupply.com/seal-painted-wood/
https://www.creativeramblingsblog.com/how-to-seal-a-wood-sign/
https://spraygadgets.com/how-to-seal-painted-wood-for-outdoor-use/
