Outdoor elements continuously damage outdoor furniture and painted woods, including chairs, tables, doors, and flower pots.

External factors such as heavy rain or burning sunlight are likely to have a negative impact on these wooden outdoor objects, which is why we have provided you with this comprehensive instruction on sealing painted wood for outdoor use.

source

Sealing painted wood for outdoor usage is an excellent method to preserve it from the elements that might degrade it. Unfortunately, all wood finishes are vulnerable to wear and tear from the environment, and wood will suffer fungal growth when assaulted by rain.

It is why you need to know how to seal painted wood for outdoor use. Stay tuned and keep reading for more information in our article!

Things To Prepare Before Sealing Painted Wood For Outdoor Use

Choosing the proper coating or sealant will make sealing wood outdoors extremely successful, and there are wood sealants that may be used outside, while others will not give you the required results. When covering wood outside, you can use one of three wood sealants or coats:

Source

Polyurethane

Although it produces toxic fumes, polyurethane topcoats can protect exterior paints on wood to help prolong the life of the finish. Additionally, cleaning does require mineral spirits or paint thinner.

Polycrylic

Polycrylic sealants include polyurethane resin but are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When wet, they seem white or milky but dry clear. Although they are resistant to flat latex paint and simple to clean with water, they will not bond to an oil-based solution.

Combination of paint and sealant

You could clearly see that it is a mix of paint and sealant – all in one gallon. Because the sealer is included inside the paint mixture, you do not need extra topcoats when using this sort of product.

Because they are less prone to discoloration, these materials are at their best when painting furniture with a light color or white.

Along with the type of coating or sealant, you will also need:

• A cloth or towel
• A brush
• Sandpaper
• A stick

8 Steps To Seal Painted Wood For Outdoor Use

After having everything prepared, these are 8 steps for you to follow:

1. Determine the suitable wood sealant to use

You must first determine if the wood finish is oil-based or water-based. Water-based wood sealants are suitable for acrylic or flat latex treatments, while oil-based wood sealants are suitable for gloss surfaces or finishes.

2. Clean the surface area before applying sealant

For the clear topcoat to bond with the paint, make sure the surface is clean and dirt-free. A poorly cleaned surface will cause the oil to prevent the sealant from effectively sealing the surface.

Source

Before applying the sealant, eliminate any rough areas by using 220-grit sandpaper. In addition, to ensure that your work area is clean and ready, use a tack cloth to remove oil and dust from the wooden surface.

3. Incorporate the Wood Sealant

If you wish to mix the sealant before using it carefully, be sure it is stirred gently. Gently stirring is necessary to avoid bubbles from developing inside the fluid, which might influence the final outcome after applying the sealant on the wood.

4. Use Wood Sealant

When it comes to applying wood sealant, there are two things you should keep in mind. They are the brush and the procedure for applying the sealant.

Selecting the appropriate sealant brush is just as essential as finding the perfect clear coat brush since a fine brush equals a good finish. When natural bristle brushes come into contact with water, they expand and lose their form.

Source

Using a lousy brush may detract from the beauty of your painted wood, which is why people are recommended to use a synthetic brush when applying a sealant to the wood. Furthermore, synthetic brushes will not swell when exposed to water, and natural brushes should be used for oil-based polyurethane.

5. Sanding

The surface should then be gently sanded with 220-grit sandpaper as the next step. Finally, after sanding, use a tack cloth to remove the sawdust from the surface.

Source

6. Reapply Wood Sealant

Reapplying the wood sealant is the next step to take, and you should allow it to dry completely to provide optimal protection and longevity of the wood.

7. Sand Again

You must sand again while applying the sealant, just like you did previously. For example, you can apply three additional coats of polyurethane or polyacrylic, but if you apply too many or a very thick layer, the coat will become sticky. Sanding and drying between coatings can help prevent a sticky finish, but sanding after the final coat is not recommended.

8. Drying

It is the final and final step, which includes letting everything dry up. It may take a few hours or leave it to dry all night to achieve the desired outcome.

Conclusion

You have made it to the final words of our article.

All in all, to conclude our guide on how to seal painted wood for outdoor use, we recommend that you spend extra time thinking about the sort of sealer you will use for the task.

It is critical because if you use a sealant that is incompatible with the paint finish, the result might be disastrous. Therefore, be sure that you select the appropriate sealant. Then, following the proper procedure will assist you in achieving your goals.

We hope you’ve discovered the answers to your questions by this point, and remember that every approach step or action we’ve mentioned in this article is still the best way to protect your wooden furniture outdoors.

Please let us know if you have any further concerns regarding the topic by leaving your comment. And remember to visit our website every day for more updates on woodworking projects.