How To

How to Apply a Wood Preserver

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(6 Ratings)

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. Step 1

    Strip the paint or varnish completely.

  2. Step 2

    Follow up with a stiff bristle brush to remove debris.

  3. Step 3

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

  4. Step 4

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

  5. Step 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.

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