About Wood Sealer

Wood is a common material used for many things. Wood can be quickly and easily damaged if it is exposed to moisture, heat, light, extremely dry air or insects. A wood sealer can prevent this damage and add years to the life of the wood.

Significance

Wood that is not protected with a wood sealer will have a short existence. Interior wood is subject to everyday wear and tear and could split or crack. It possibly will become brittle and dry from the inside air or wet from excessive moisture. Exterior wood must be able to withstand the heat of summer, the cold of winter and all that Mother Nature offers all year long. Wood sealer shields the wood from all of these and any insect invasions, too.

Function

Wood sealer adds a protective coating to any wood surface. It is used any time this is needed inside or outside of a home. This includes floors, walls, planters, decks and other wood surfaces. Wood sealer is applied to clean, dry wood and allowed to dry. This process is usually repeated at least once. Wood sealer is used to prevent damage to the wood and to preserve it.

Types

You can divide wood sealer into interior and exterior types. It can even further be separated into specific uses, such as decks, fencing or interior floors and walls. Wood sealers are most often clear, but are also available in a number of tints, like redwood, cedar and coastal gray. These normally have only a slight amount of color added.

Identification

Wood sealers are devised specifically for wood and have different components from other types of sealers, like concrete or fabric ones. Some sealers can be used for multiple surfaces when wood is joined with other materials. You can purchase it in 1- or 5-gallon cans or buckets, spray cans and other types of jugs or containers.

Considerations

Purchase wood sealer that is designed particularly for the location of the wood you have (interior or exterior). You may also think about using more environmentally friendly ones. Some wood sealers are specifically created in nontoxic formulas. These sealers have low odor and zero to low VOC (volatile organic compound), and they meet the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) requirements.

Resources

• Lowe's: Wood sealers
• BizRate: Interior wood sealers
• Green Home Guide: Nontoxic wood sealers