What to put on untreated wood for outdoor use?

Author: Dr. Marlen Herman  |  Last update: Friday, August 8, 2025

Adding wood oil or a layer of outdoor paint is a cost effective method to protect wood from the elements.

How do you treat raw wood for outdoor use?

Untreated wood is the most susceptible to rot, fungi, and general weathering. It's extremely important that you use a wood preservative first. You can either use a wax enriched preservative for an all-round coating or alternatively use a wax-free preserver if you want to then use a stain or a paint on top.

How to make untreated wood last longer outside?

How to make wood last longer outdoors
  1. The Wood Itself. Make sure that the wood has been thoroughly dried to prevent shrinkage. ...
  2. Avoid Decay. Preservative Treatment to avoid decay should be used on a regular basis, good quality preservatives can be purchased from most good diy stores. ...
  3. Staining. ...
  4. Coastal Considerations.

Can you seal untreated wood for outdoor use?

The only way to properly use untreated wood of any type outside is with the addition of water-repellent preservatives, sealer or paint that contain UV protection. Over-the-counter wood preservatives are available in clear versions, or with stain containing pigment or dye to color the wood.

What is the best thing to put on untreated wood?

We recommend using colorless matte solid wax to preserve its natural look, but you can use the wax that best suits your taste. Tip: apply the oil to the pieces separately and assemble the furniture once the process is finished.

Sealing wood for outdoors

How to prevent wood from rotting outside?

To prevent wood from rotting, treat it with preservatives like sealants, stains, or paint that repel moisture. Pressure-treating wood with chemical preservatives is another effective method for outdoor use. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation and minimize exposure to water.

What oil do you use on untreated wood?

Danish Oil

Additional layers will build up a thick, durable coating like wood varnish. Noticeable for having a faster drying time than linseed oil, Danish oil works best on new and untreated wood surfaces, giving a lustrous finish.

What is the cheapest way to seal wood for outdoor use?

Adding wood oil or a layer of outdoor paint is a cost effective method to protect wood from the elements. Note that while both of these methods are cost effective, they will require more frequent application as compared to applying a high-quality wood sealer every three years or so.

How long will untreated wood last outside?

Untreated wood doesn't share the durability as pressure-treated lumber, because it lacks the same protective chemical preservatives. When left unprotected against elements like rain or snow, this type of wood deteriorates quickly – often within just a few years.

Can you use Thompson water seal on untreated wood?

Yes. Although pressure-treated lumber is pre-treated with chemicals, preventing insect damage, it is NOT waterproofed. In fact, the chemical treatment actually causes the lumber to dry out quicker and absorb more water than untreated lumber.

How to make wood waterproof for outdoors?

Three to four coats of polyurethane are needed to waterproof wood. Water-based polyurethane will require several more coats than oil-based polyurethane.

What is the best paint for untreated wood outside?

The best paint for exterior wood for us is Sadolin Superdec, which is a highly durable opaque exterior wood paint for all exterior woodwork, except decking. It is perfect for decorating garden furniture, sheds, fences & much more, providing a burst of colour to your outdoor spaces!

How do you store untreated wood outside?

If you have to keep your lumber outdoors, keep it off the ground. Lay a sheet of plywood or OSB down over the ground. Raise the lumber up on concrete blocks, stack it with stickers for ventilation, and cover it with a tarp. Check it after a rainfall, and consider removing the tarp if there's trapped water underneath.

What do you put on raw wood to protect it?

A wood oil will provide the necessary means to resist water intake, whilst aiding the natural character of the wood. A quality varnish can also be used to grant a tough, waterproof seal. Without such protection, moisture will absorb into the cells of the wood, causing them to swell and expand.

How do you weatherproof old wood?

How to Apply Wood Oil
  1. Prep the furniture surface with 400-grit sandpaper. ...
  2. Wipe the surface with a tacky cloth to remove any dust created when sanding.
  3. Stir the oil in the can. ...
  4. Use an oil-dampened cloth or a paintbrush to apply the oil directly to the wood. ...
  5. Use a dry cloth to wipe up any pooled oil.

How do you keep untreated wood from rotting outside?

In most cases, it will be necessary to apply a wood preservative to timbers in and around the affected area. Our ProBor and SoluGuard wood preservative ranges are suitable for use in the treatment of both woodworm and dry rot / wet rot.

How do you protect untreated wood from weather?

Another way to protect wood from weather is to paint and waterproof it. Bare wood is highly reactive to the elements and doesn't stand a chance against harsh weather conditions, especially in winter. You can increase its lifespan by applying some sort of protective layer on wood, such as paint, stain, or sealant.

How to protect wood for outdoor use?

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.

What is the best sealer for wood outside?

12 Most Effective Wood Sealers According To Experts
  • Rainguard Premium Wood Sealer.
  • DEFY Crystal Clear Sealer.
  • Anchorseal 2.
  • Roxil Wood Protection Cream.
  • Eco-Advance Exterior Wood Waterproofer.
  • Ready Seal Stain and Sealer for Wood.
  • Pure Tung Oil Natural Wood Sealer.
  • Olympic Stain Maximum Waterproofing Sealant.

How do you seal unsealed wood?

How do you seal old raw wood? Clean the wood thoroughly with a damp cloth, then lightly sand the surface before applying your chosen sealer. Be sure to apply sealant in thin layers following the wood grain.

What is the best oil to seal outdoor wood?

Teak oil is generally considered the best oil to treat wooden garden furniture. It provides year-round weather protection whilst emphasising the wood's natural colour. It does this by replacing the natural oils that are lost through weathering, and preventing the wood from splitting and warping.

Can you use Murphy's oil Soap on untreated wood?

If it is furniture - use Murphy's oil soap, but not on wood floors! Use only what the wood floor manufacturer recommends. If it's raw wood floors and finished in the home you can use a very small amount (2 Tablespoons) to a gallon of water.

How do you coat untreated wood?

Choose a product suitable for your wood type, such as linseed oil, varnish, or a water-based sealant. Apply multiple coats, allowing each to dry thoroughly. Regular maintenance with reapplications will extend the wood's lifespan.

How many coats of linseed oil on outdoor wood?

Boiled Linseed Oil Re-coating – Sanding Between Coats

Follow this method for the next coat. Typically you would lay down three coats.

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