How to Apply a Wood Preserver
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.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Brushes
- Face Mask For Painting
- Stiff Brushes
- Wood Preservatives
- Buckets
- Stiff brushes
-
-
1
Strip the paint or varnish completely.
-
2
Follow up with a stiff bristle brush to remove debris.
-
3
Treat the wood first with a clear wood preserver to protect it from insects and fungus.
-
4
Paint a complete coat of preservative on the wood and repeat as soon as the first coat has soaked in.
-
5
Apply a total of three coats, paying special attention to covering the ends, sides, and joints.
-
1
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.
