How to Seal Log Furniture

Use a sanding sealer.

New log furniture contains moisture trapped beneath its surface. Over time, the trapped moisture escapes and as the wood dries out, it shrinks. This results in splitting that ultimately leads to premature wood rot. If you want your log furniture to last, seal it with the proper coatings. Because most log furniture already contains minor cracks and fissures, you need to apply a specific type of sealer that will penetrate these crevices and raise the surface level higher.

Things You'll Need

• Tack cloths
• Canvas drop cloths
• Sanding sealer
• 2- to 3-inch china-bristled paintbrush
• Mineral spirits
• 180-grit sandpaper
• Compatible varnish

Instructions

1. Wipe the log furniture down with tack cloths. Place the furniture on thick, canvas drop cloths.

2. Apply a sanding sealer to the log furniture, using a china brush. Apply a very fine coating or runs and sags will result. Use the brush to work the sealer into any cracks and fissures within the logs.

3. Let the sealer dry for two hours. Lightly sand the sealer. Do not penetrate the coating. Wipe the logs with tack cloths. Apply two more coats of sanding sealer; be sure to wait two hours before sanding each one. Sand the final coat until it feels and looks smooth.

4. Wash the brush with pure mineral spirits.

5. Apply varnish to the log furniture, using the clean china brush. Do not sand the varnish top coat.

Tips & Warnings

• Not all sanding sealers and varnishes are compatible. Before you buy, read the labels of each to determine if they are compatible.