An effective and inexpensive homemade wood preservative can be created by mixing borax and water (ideal for indoor use and insect prevention) or a mix of linseed oil and mineral spirits (ideal for weather and water resistance).
Rachel discovered raw (untreated) lumber can be manually treated with a solution of 10 ounces of 20 Mule Team® Borax dissolved and well mixed into a gallon of water. Once mixed, the Borax solution is to be sprayed onto lumber and a gallon should do about 250 board feet of lumber.
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Coal-tar creosote
Creosote was the first wood preservative to gain industrial importance more than 150 years ago and it is still widely used today for protection of industrial timber components where long service life is essential.
To protect wood from water, UV rays, and wear, apply finishes like polyurethane, varnish, or spar urethane for a durable surface layer. For a natural, penetrating finish that won't peel, use oils like linseed or Danish oil. Exterior projects often require specialized, water-resistant sealers.
The jar of petroleum jelly or Vaseline that you have in your medicine cabinet can work wonders to remove white water rings from furniture. The oily petroleum base penetrates the finish on the wood, displacing the moisture trapped inside, and the oils also nourish and condition dry wood.
The most affordable way to waterproof wood is by starting with a natural wood oil and following with a coat or two of outdoor paint. Though more budget friendly in the short term, you will need to redo this method more frequently, as it is not as long lasting as, say, a pricier, high-quality sealant.
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There are three main types of wood preservative: (1) preservative oils (e.g., coal-tar creosote), (2) organic solvent solutions (e.g., pentachlorophenol), and (3) waterborne salts (e.g., chromated copper arsenate).
Fritzner's Old Icelandic Dictionary suggests a form of tar made from seal blubber. In historical times, train oil rendered from seal blubber, was much used as a wood preservative as it contains polyunsaturated fat in much the same way as linseed oil.
For outdoor furniture, options include spar urethane (for a durable, protective finish), or teak oil (for maintaining certain hardwoods). There are many other suitable finishes, and it's best to research and compare different options based on your specific needs.
Food-safe wood sealers are non-toxic finishes designed to protect cutting boards, butcher blocks, and wooden bowls against food liquids and bacteria. The best options are pure, natural drying oils (like pure tung oil), mineral oil, or wax-based combinations (like beeswax).
Choosing the Right Wood Treatment
Wood oils nourish and replace natural oils, are oil-based, and may need 2–3 coats. Waterproofer chemically bonds with timber pores, is water-based, and works in a single coat. Both provide water-repellent protection against rot while keeping timber's natural beauty.
Homemade sealer (Mod Podge)
To seal wood naturally, use penetrating, non-toxic oils like pure tung oil or raw linseed oil for protection, or mix beeswax with olive oil for a water-resistant, food-safe surface. These options enhance the natural grain, are safe for children's toys and food surfaces, and require regular reapplication (every 6-12 months).
Linseed oil has been used for centuries to protect wood, making it one of the most reliable natural preservatives. Its deep penetration into the wood fibers helps guard against moisture and rot, two major threats to untreated wood.
The best wood preserver depends on your project: Barrettine Premier is top-rated for preventing rot and insect damage on exterior timber. For a safe, long-lasting silver-gray patina, LifeTime Wood Treatment is an excellent eco-friendly powder, and Osmo Wood Protector is the go-to for indoor, moisture-prone areas.
Since 2003, the sale of creosote to the general public has been banned across the UK due to health and environmental risks. Creosote is still authorised under the GB Biocidal Products Regulation (GB BPR) for industrial and professional use only. The general public cannot legally purchase traditional creosote.
Restor-A-Finish helps faded lacquer, shellac, varnish, polyurethane, and most other wood finishes by bringing back the original color and luster. It restores the depth of grain in wood finishes, going much deeper than temporary “scratch cover” products.
Restore wood's beautiful shine- for less! Mix 1 cup of vegetable oil and a ½ cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle, then shake and spray on wood before wiping with a cloth. Vinegar's acetic acid will disinfect while the oil nourishes the wood.
Wood restore oils nourish dry wood and blend away blemishes without stripping the existing finish. For quick scratch and water-ring removal on antiques or cabinets, try Howard Restor-A-Finish. For bare or porous woods, penetrative oils like Watco Tung Oil or Linseed oil provide a natural, hand-rubbed finish.
Homemade wood preservatives protect timber from moisture, rot, and insects using everyday household items. Common mixtures include Borax solutions for bug and fungal resistance, or penetrating oil blends (like linseed oil and turpentine) for weather-proofing.
A great way to seal raw wood for outdoor use is with a combination stain and sealer. The stain will protect the wood from harmful UV rays and the sealant protects wood from water damage or warping.
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