Flexible yet durable, latex paint is also easy to clean and water-resistant, making it ideal for most interior projects. While durable and waterproof, latex paint remains slightly flexible even when completely dry, making it ill-suited for the exterior climate.
Wood's Vulnerability and Paint's Limitations
Paint does provide a layer of protection, but it's important to understand its limitations. Not all paints are created equal, and some types, like interior latex paints, are simply not designed to withstand the constant assault of the elements.
If you want to achieve a coloured finish and change the hue of the wood, a wood paint, wood stain or wood oil is your best option. While these products are primarily designed to change the aesthetic of the timber, they will offer some level of waterproof protection to any outdoor wood.
Alkyd Paint (oil): Alkyd paints might be the best option for exterior wood projects as they have the best adhesion, durability, and resistance to moisture, mildew, and fading. They also offer a smooth finish and are easy to clean. Make sure you prime the wood first if it is bare or new wood.
Moisture can easily cause rotting and splitting in wood, and a new coat of paint will not do anything to fix the problem. When water soaks into the wood, it can cause wood to expand and swell as well as deteriorate to the point of falling apart. So, painting over the problem only won't fix it, it will just add to it.
These treatments include wood paints, wood stains, wood oils, wood waterproofer & wood sealers, which all vary in a number of ways. Wood paint – an opaque coloured finish that completely covers the grain of the wood with a uniform finish. Available in matt, satin & gloss finishes.
Sealant is a popular choice for waterproofing wood, offering long-lasting protection by forming a waterproof barrier on the wood's surface. Sealant is one of the closest options for how to permanently waterproof wood. Unlike oil, sealants provide both strength and protection.
Flexible yet durable, latex paint is also easy to clean and water-resistant, making it ideal for most interior projects. While durable and waterproof, latex paint remains slightly flexible even when completely dry, making it ill-suited for the exterior climate.
To waterproof plywood, an epoxy, waterproof paint, oil, varnish, latex or PVA can seal the wood for both indoor and outdoor use. These can come in either a paint-on or spray form, and they all bond easily to the wood to seal it and protect it from moisture.
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.
Latex paint is the most popular type of paint for wood. It's easy to use and dries quickly, making it a great choice for beginners. It's also inexpensive and available in a wide range of colors. It's not as durable as oil-based paint, so it's not the best choice for high-traffic areas or exterior surfaces.
Primer helps improve the durability of your paint job by providing an extra layer of protection against weathering and fading due to sunlight exposure or heavy rains. This means that your painted surfaces will stay looking great for much longer than if you had just used paint alone.
Two or more coats of exterior paint are already sufficient outdoor protection. As long as the paint and underlying wood are in good condition, the paint can remain as-is. The best sealer for wood painted in exterior-grade paint is another layer or two of exterior-grade paint. No clear coatings are necessary.
Cuprinol Wood Preserver is the best clear deck sealer out there, designed for application on pressure treated wood and for both exterior and interior types of wood. Apply this preserver before painting, staining or varnishing your deck to protect against decay, rot and mold. Shop for Cuprinol Wood Preserver on Amazon.
On average, Thompson's water seal will last for about 5 years. Depending on the weather patterns in your area, this deck sealer might need your attention more often. In a rainy state, you might need a fresh coat of water seal for ultimate protection every 2-3 years.
How do you keep untreated wood from rotting? Treat it with outdoor wood preserver to protect it from biological growth that causes wood rot.
You can waterproof most types of paint by coating them with clear polyurethane or acrylic. This method can be as effective as spraying a sealant, but may change the paint's appearance by adding a glossy or shiny finish.
Acrylic latex paint is a great choice for exterior painting because of its durability and protection. It has the ability to protect against UV rays, making it ideal for sunny climates, as well as providing weatherproofing properties that help with rain and snow.
Introduction to SBR Latex: Styrene Butadiene Rubber
SBR latex has emerged as a versatile material for waterproofing due to its exceptional properties, including excellent adhesion, flexibility, durability, and water resistance.
The Best Option For Durability: Sadolin Extra Durable
It acts like a protective skin, expanding and contracting with your wood to prevent any blistering and flaking. It offer clear waterproof protection, which is a great option if you want to maintain a natural look to your exterior wood. We'd recommend it highly!
It can be applied to wood, copper and other metals, concrete, masonry, glass, fabric, plastics and much more. Flex Seal works best when the can is kept at am ambient temperature above 60 degrees F. It will work on surfaces between 0-100 degrees F. Once applied it can withstand temperatures from -20 to 140 degrees F.