Waterproofing Wood

Wood is a natural material which when used for making furniture, floor or deck adds warmth and beauty to the interiors and exteriors of the house. When wood is exposed to moisture, then it is readily absorbed into its porous surface and the wood undergoes expansion. Later on, when the water dries up, then the wood starts contracting. This continuous expansion and contraction of the wood often deteriorate the structure of the wood. As a result, the wood may get buckled or crack may develop on its surface. Too much of moisture absorption may even lead to rotting of the wood. Besides, a damp wood is a breeding ground for mold and mildew. To protect the wood from all these harmful effect of moisture, waterproofing is a must.

Different Types of Waterproofing Materials for Wood

There are wide range of products available that can be used for waterproofing wood. Waterproof sealants is one of them and is widely used for waterproofing fences and decks. When it is applied on the wooden deck, then it provides protection from water as well as high temperature and harmful effects of sunlight. Most of the sealants either have a silicone rubber base or acrylic latex-base. These substances adhere to the wood surface really well and just one application provides protection for several years.

Application of wax polish is another effective way of waterproofing wood. Its components which are mostly beeswax, carnauba, etc. are highly resistant towards water. Moreover, it does not attract dust, dirt and grime on wood surface. Hence, it is widely used for waterproofing wooden furniture. It can be applied on unfinished woods as well as those which are finished with oils or varnishes. Another advantage of wax polish is that it can cover up minor defects like scratches and dents on wood surface really well. Both these waterproofing materials are available both in clear variety as well as tinted variety. Some of them are clear which when used retain the natural beauty of the wood. On the other hand, if you want some tint, then you can opt for tinted sealants or wax polish. The tints are of various shades that can enhance the color of light colored wood. Thus, it can hide blemishes on the wood surface. Besides, other translucent colors are also available.

Then there are many different types of waterproof paints for wood. Among them, latex based paints and alkyd based paints are most popular. Latex based paints are most suitable for indoor application while alkyd paints are better options for outdoors. The glossiness of these paints may vary from high gloss to semi gloss to flat. For waterproofing wood floors, paints with high gloss finish is best suited. This is because such paints on wood flooring are easier to clean. There are some people who look for non toxic waterproofing material for wood. This is because they are safe for the environment as well as the pets and children of the house. However, they are not very easily available and provide only a temporary solution and is not that effective.

How to Waterproof Wood

First of all, you have to clean up the surface of the wood with a wet sponge dipped in a soapy solution made of mild detergent and water. Then rinse off the soap with plain water and allow it to dry. If there are stubborn stains on the wood surface, then sand those areas with the help of sandpaper. Then start applying waterproofing sealer on the wood surface with the help of a brush. You can also use a sprayer for the application of the sealant or paint. If you are using waterproofing wax polish for wood furniture, then put the wax in a piece of cloth and rub it thoroughly over the wood. If it is a hard wood, then one application is enough but softer woods often require multiple number of applications. Waterproofing wood is fairly a simple job and you can do it yourself. However, for larger areas like wooden decks, it is advisable to hire a professional.

You have to treat your wood with waterproofing products after regular interval of time. To check if a wood need waterproofing or not, pour some water on its surface. If beads form on it, then it suggests that the wood is waterproof. If there are no beads, then you must waterproof the wood all over again.