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.

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.