Outdoor wood stains are water repellant, so they make the wood waterproof, that is protecting it against water and, as a result, against mold. The only problem is that it is a short-term protection. As the stain wears out, the water easily finds a tiny crack to penetrate the wood.
Types of Waterproofers. There are two basic product categories for waterproofing: stains and sealants. Stains are used on wood to enhance color and make them weather resistant. Sealants protect concrete and wood from moisture but do not stop water movement through the concrete from the outside.
To properly answer your question of “Do you have to seal stained wood?”, the answer is no. However, if you want to protect your wood and give it a polished finish, it's smart to do so. It's worth taking the extra steps and applying a wood stain sealer.
Liquid sealants are one of the most common ways to waterproof wood. These sealants are applied directly to the surface of the wood and form an impermeable barrier against water penetration. It is important to apply several coats of sealant to ensure a thorough application.
The Most-Effective Way: Sealing Wood
The most common type of wood sealer is polyurethane sealer. Before you begin applying any sealer, clean and sand the wood. Then clean it again to get rid of any dust that sanding has created. Then you can begin.
After staining wood, you will want to finish with a topcoat sealer to protect your wood project. Apply a sealant and let it fully cure before handling!
How long do you need to wait before sealing wood after staining? For best results, wait at least 24 hours before sealing the wood. If you are concerned the stain isn't quite dry enough, wait another day before applying poly.
Wait 24 hours before applying sealant. Oil-based wood stains have some advantages over water-based stains. If chemical fumes are not a concern, an oil base may be the right wood stain choice. They dry much more slowly, and slower dry rates allow a more even application.
If it was only a drizzle, your deck might not be damaged. However, a prolonged downpour may result in the water seeping into the wood and forcing out the stain. Instead of an evenly stained, attractive deck, you'll likely end up with one that has uneven patches and white spots.
If it rains immediately after you've stained the wood, the stain will peel and flake off. It rained when it wasn't supposed to! Now what should I do? Once the rain has stopped, hose down the deck, then clean it with Cabot's Deck Clean while it's still damp.
Step 3: Seal or “finish” the stained wood
After the stain has dried, it's time for the first finishing coat. Remember, you put the stain on unfinished wood, so you need to seal the stain to protect it. Open and stir your polyurethane then brush a coat on. It will bubble as you brush it on.
The Cons of Staining Wood
While some stains can last up to five years, postponing re-staining a wood surface for too long can cause the job to become more complex and labour intensive. Even decks that are stripped and re-stained will still require maintenance every couple of years.
A common mistake when applying stain is not taking weather, temperature and moisture into account. Staining when the deck surface is too hot or the wood is too wet; when rain is too imminent or when nighttime temperatures are too cold can all lead to problems down the road and shorten the life of your stain.
Stain can last anywhere from 1 to 8 years, depending on how opaque the stain is. Transparent stain lasts a short time, while an opaque stain lasts longer. Paint lasts up to 10 years if it is properly applied and the right type of paint is used. It's important to apply high-quality exterior-grade paint.
While staining creates a rich, deep color that highlights natural wood grain, it does not provide long-term protection. Without a protective top coat, wood can be damaged easily due to contact with water, food, or sharp objects. A polyurethane top coat protects the wood from scratches, stains and water damage.
Interior Water Based Poly Crystal Clear. For the best water-based interior wood stain sealer, there is ZAR® Interior Water Base Poly Crystal Clear. This non-yellowing and environmentally safe formula provides essential wood protection, whether it is stained or left natural.
After applying wood stain, it's a good idea to seal it with polyurethane to protect your project. There are several different types of polyurethane products to choose from. It's important to select the one that's right for your project and apply it correctly to achieve the best results.
Sealant will sometimes have pigment that will color the wood when applied, but stain will always have pigment. Additionally, the levels of protection vary between the two products. Stain offers little to no moisture protection, while sealant offers tremendous moisture protection.
Adding a few sealer coats over the wood stain will close its pores, reducing the wood's ability to absorb moisture, protecting it from some ultraviolet light, and extending its lifespan. Also, you can apply paint over the wood sealer to further enhance its color, based on your preference.
Two coats are generally better than one
If the deck has been properly cleaned, it should absorb the first of stain well in to the wood. By applying a second, light coat of material, you will fill up the cell structure of the wood (kind of like topping off the tank) and the project will last longer.
To make wood waterproof naturally, use either polymerized linseed oil or tung oil, which are the two best natural wood waterproofing products. Refined hemp oil and walnut oil can also be used, but you will have to apply a repeat coat more quickly.
1. Apply a coat of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer to protect the wood from penetrating humidity and moisture that can seep into your deck and other outdoor wood furnishings. 2. Finish and waterproof wood with a professional-grade wood stain and sealer combo and repaint when necessary.
When well-maintained, paint seals wood and protects it from water, effectively waterproofing it. However, when cracks appear in the paint, water can reach the wood, and the wood is no longer waterproof.