How To Waterproof Teak Wood: 3 Easy Method

3 Easy Method How To Waterproof Teak Wood:

Make a selection among a synthetic sealant, a natural oil, or a stain/sealer for waterproofing the wood. Each option possesses its unique waterproofing characteristics, user-friendliness, and anticipated level of durability.

Steps to Ready Teak Wood for Waterproofing:

To ready the wood for any waterproofing technique, follow these consistent preparatory measures:

1. Eliminate paint and alternative coatings until reaching the raw wood using sandpaper or stripping agents.
2. When dealing with stain/sealers, utilize a pressure washer with a wide spray pattern to pressure wash the deck, fence, or railings.
3. Smooth the wood’s surface using an assortment of sandpaper grits, commencing with coarse grits and progressively transitioning to finer ones.
4. Rid the wood of sanding residue through vacuuming, a tack cloth, or a cloth dampened with mineral spirits.
5. Tackle problematic substances like grease using mineral spirits.

1. Synthetic sealants

First options to waterproof teak wood is sythetic sealants. When applied onto the wood’s surface, synthetic sealants permeate the cellular structure of the wood, leading to its solidification.

Additional layers of sealant contribute to the formation of a protective coating that extends to the surface, creating an impermeable barrier that prevents water from infiltrating.

The wood remains unaffected by water as it is effectively shielded from any direct contact. The range of finishes varies from a satin to a high-gloss appearance.

Coating Types:

• Varnish: Imparting a resilient, shell-like finish, varnish is resistant to yellowing, making it particularly suitable for outdoor applications by effectively blocking harmful UV rays.
• Lacquer: While lacquer provides the wood with a rich hue, it tends to develop a yellowish tint over time.
• Polyurethane: Available in both water-based and oil-based variants, polyurethane sealants are popular choices for wood finishes due to their ease of application and resistance to yellowing.

What You’ll Need:

• Nitrile waterproof gloves
• Synthetic bristle brush, foam brush, or applicator pad
• Tack cloth or shop vacuum
• Sealant
• Mineral spirits or paint thinner

Instructions:

1. Carefully mix the sealant using a paint stirring stick in a different container. Avoid shaking or agitating, as this can result in the formation of bubbles.
2. Apply the sealant onto the wood using a synthetic bristle brush, foam brush, or an applicator pad.
3. Allow the sealant to remain undisturbed for its full recommended re-coating duration or potentially even longer before adding the subsequent layer. In the case of water-based polyurethane, the waiting period before re-coating should be a minimum of two hours, while for oil-based polyurethane sealant, the suggested interval is four hours or more. Support the drying process by maintaining a warm, well-ventilated environment devoid of dust.
4. “If the wood’s surface becomes uneven by the conclusion of the re-coat period, gently sand the wood using sandpaper with a grit range between #220 and #320. Afterward, remove any debris using a tack cloth.”
5. Apply an additional two to three layers of sealant, aiming to create a protective layer on the wood’s surface that conceals the wood grain entirely.
6. When using a water-based sealant, it’s recommended to clean your tools using warm water and soap. In the case of an oil-based sealant, you should clean the tools using mineral spirits or paint thinner. Allow the wood to cure for up to three days before it’s ready for use.

2. Natural oils

Another options for waterproof teak wood is natural oils. When natural oils are applied onto the wood’s surface, they deeply penetrate and eventually solidify within the wood’s cellular structure. These oils are categorized as penetrating sealants: they integrate with the wood rather than forming a surface layer.

Consequently, the wood’s authentic appearance and tactile properties are preserved. As a result, the wood retains its natural essence, avoiding the sensation of being coated.

Common natural oils employed to waterproof wood encompass linseed oil, tung oil, and Danish oil, the latter being a fusion of tung oil and varnishes. These oils have a brief re-coating interval and typically become touch-ready soon after application.

What You’ll Need:

• Clean, lint-free rags
• Staining pad
• Nitrile waterproof gloves
• Tack cloth or shop vacuum
• Tung, linseed, or Danish oil
• Mineral spirits or paint thinner

Instructions:

1. Maintain a clean and dust-free environment throughout the entire oil application process for the room. Dust has the tendency to adhere to the oil before complete hardening.
2. Combine the oil in a separate receptacle using a paint mixing tool. Alternatively, you can blend the oil within its original container by gently swishing it and then waiting for around 15 to 20 minutes until the bubbles vanish. Avoid vigorous shaking.
3. Use a brush, applicator pad, or a cloth that doesn’t leave lint to apply the initial layer of oil onto the wood. Ensure that you apply the oil following the direction of the wood grain, and exercise caution to avoid putting on too much oil, which could result in pooling.
4. Allow the oil to penetrate the wood for approximately 15 minutes.
5. With a new towel, gently wipe the entire surface following the wood grain’s direction to distribute the oil evenly and eliminate any pooled areas. Ensure that you apply gentle pressure. The removal of surplus oil stands as a crucial phase when dealing with oil, as it enhances the drying process and prevents the wood from acquiring an uneven look.
6. If an additional layer of oil is required, apply it using a new cloth. Allow the oil to rest for 15 minutes before eliminating it. However, bear in mind that when using oils, a restrained approach is ideal. Applying one or two coats is satisfactory, as excessive coats can result in a murky and unclean appearance on the surface.
7. Thoroughly cleanse brushes and other equipment using mineral spirits or paint thinner.