How to Apply a Wood Preserver

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Wood that will be exposed to the elements needs to be protected. Although it seems like a lot of trouble, think about the time and money you'll save by not having to replace that lumber in a couple of years.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Brushes
Face Mask For Painting
Stiff Brushes
Wood Preservatives
Buckets

Step1

Strip the paint or varnish completely.

Step2

Follow up with a stiff bristle brush to remove debris.

Step3

Treat the wood first with a clear wood preserver to protect it from insects and fungus.

Step4

Paint a complete coat of preservative on the wood and repeat as soon as the first coat has soaked in.

Step5

Apply a total of three coats, paying special attention to covering the ends, sides, and joints.

Tips & Warnings

Wood that comes in contact with the ground is in particular need of attention.
Give fence posts extra protection by soaking them in a bucket of preservative for 15 minutes or so.
Wood with previous varnish treatments or creosote applications can be preserved as long as it has been weathered.
Be careful with preservatives - they are very flammable. Use them in well-ventilated areas; wear gloves and a face mask when applying them.