Which Sealant is Best for Your Outdoor Wood Furniture?

Spending time outdoors on your patio or deck is one of life's simple pleasures. But exposure to sun, rain, snow and temperature fluctuations can quickly weather your beautiful outdoor wood furniture.

Applying a protective sealer is crucial for extending the life and beauty of cherished outdoor wood pieces. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right product?

Why Sealing Outdoor Wood Is Essential

Left unprotected, outdoor wood is susceptible to cracking, warping, mold, mildew, and more. The natural expansion and contraction of wood from temperature and humidity changes causes the grain to open up.

This allows moisture to penetrate deep into the fibers. Once inside, water causes the wood to swell and enables mold, mildew and rot to take hold.

UV rays from the sun also damage outdoor wood. They break down the lignin and cellulose that give wood its strength and rigidity. This leads to dry, brittle, gray and warped boards.

A high-quality outdoor wood sealer forms a protective barrier. It blocks out moisture and prevents UV ray penetration into the wood grains. Sealers also fortify the wood against cracking and resist mildew and fungus growth.

Choosing the Right Sealant for Your Wood Type

Certain sealers work better for specific wood species. Teak, a dense tropical hardwood rich in natural oils, requires only light sealing. More porous woods like pine, cedar and redwood need deeper penetrating sealants.

Oily woods like teak, ipe and mahogany benefit from quick-drying sealers that won't soak in too deep. Look for acrylic, water-based or lighter oil options.

Resinous woods like cedar and redwood contain natural water repellent oils. Focus on enhancing the wood's moisture resistance with oils, waxes or oil-based varnishes.

For open-grained woods like oak, pine, fir and larch, choose a thicker sealer that penetrates into the pores for best protection.

Best Sealers by Wood Type

• Teak - Teak oil, tung oil, spar varnish
• Cedar - Tung oil, spar urethane, wax
• Redwood - Linseed oil, tung oil, wax
• Pine - Spar varnish, spar urethane, tung oil
• Oak - Polyurethane, spar varnish, Danish oil

Sealants for Protecting Outdoor Furniture

From natural oils to synthetic resins, there is an extensive array of sealers for outdoor wood . Consider durability, appearance and application method to select the right solution.

Varnish

Varnish penetrates wood pores to provide robust moisture and UV resistance. Oil-based varnish forms a harder, more durable coating than water-based. But it emits strong fumes.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane seals the wood grains to prevent water and moisture intrusion. It provides a thick plastic-like coating and glossy appearance. Consider oil-based or water-based options.

Stain and Sealer Combos

These offer coloring and protection in one. Look for specialized exterior wood stains with sealer additives like acrylics for durability.

Oils

Penetrating oils like tung, linseed and Danish oils waterproof wood from the inside out. They maintain a natural appearance but require more frequent applications.

Wax

Wax creates a hydrophobic barrier against moisture while letting wood breathe. It provides minimal UV resistance though and needs frequent reapplication.

Lacquer

Lacquer dries into a hard, durable and water-resistant coating. Use a formulation designed for outdoor use as indoor lacquer fails quickly outside.

Shellac

Shellac forms a light protective coating with moderate water resistance. It preserves wood's natural look but lacks durability for long-term outdoor use.

Comparing Durability of Sealants

The expected lifespan of a sealer depends on its formulation. Study product details like UV and water resistance ratings to gauge performance.

Higher solids content indicates more protection. But thicker applications obscure wood grain.

Also, consider application frequency . Oils and waxes protect for several months, while varnishes and polyurethanes last years.

Factors When Picking a Wood Sealant

Consider the following factors when selecting the ideal sealer for your outdoor wood:

Desired Finish

Do you want a glossy varnish look or prefer to maintain the natural grain? Oils provide little sheen while lacquers and varnishes create a shiny effect.

Application Method

Choose a sealer that suits your tools and skills . Brushes work for oils and varnishes. Sprays are fast but require masking. Rags apply waxes and oils easily.

Drying Time

Faster drying products like water-based polyurethane make recoating easier. But they offer less protection than slow-drying oils and varnishes.

Eco-friendliness

Mineral spirits in oil-based products are hazardous and flammable. Opt for plant-based or water-based options for an eco-friendly, non-toxic choice.

Applying Sealers for Best Performance

Proper preparation and application techniques ensure maximum sealer longevity. Follow these tips for best results:

Prep the Wood Surface

Clean dirt and debris with wood cleaner. Sand lightly to smooth the grain. Let dry fully before sealing.

Apply in Proper Conditions

Only apply sealers in dry weather under the manufacturer's recommended temperature range.

Follow Directions

Carefully read and follow product instructions. Watch for drying times between coats.

Brush Smoothly

Use a high-quality natural bristle brush. Work along the wood grain to spread sealer evenly without drips.

Apply Multiple Coats

Extra sealer layers maximize protection. Lightly sand between coats for the best adhesion.

Cover All Surfaces

Seal top surfaces as well as ends, undersides, and cuts to prevent moisture entry.