How To Seal Painted Wood For Outdoor Use (2024)

How to Pick the Right Product for Sealing Painted Wood

Do you want to protect your wood furniture from the elements? If you need to paint outdoor furniture, then sealing your work is essential. The right sealant can protect it from moisture and stains.

If you’ve been searching for a way to waterproof your outdoor paints, then you’ve come to the right place. This guide will help you choose the right product for your project.

Why You Should Use a Sealant

Exterior paints are designed to be waterproof and resistant to extreme weather conditions. Although many painted finishes last for decades without a sealant, other surfaces require it to prevent chipping and fading. Be careful, though. If you need to seal a painted surface, you should use a product that is compatible with the paint used.

How to Choose the Right Sealant

Sealants serve a variety of functions depending on the material and surface application. Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing one:

Solvent-Based Polyurethane Sealants

Solvent-based polyurethanes are more effective at sealing wood because they produce a stronger film. This product is a good choice when working with oil-based paints.

Water-Based Polyurethane Sealants

Water-based polyurethane is the best alternative for latex and acrylic finishes. It’s more environmentally friendly than solvent-based sealants.

Polycrylic Sealants

Although they work well with flat latex paints, they won’t bond as well with oil-based paint solutions. Some people prefer them because they are less toxic, but this sometimes can result in a shorter lifespan and create adhesion issues.

Paint and Sealer Product Combination

This revolutionary product combines a powerful sealant with paint to create a coating that protects the wood from the weather and the elements without needing additional coats.

Learn more about sealing and staining products here.

Step by Step Guide on How To Seal Painted Wood For Outdoor Use

Prepare the Surface: Ensure the surface is dry. Sand lightly to level any rough spots. Wipe with a tack cloth.
Prepare the Solution: Mix up the sealant by stirring thoroughly with a long, clean stick. Don’t stir too hard or you’ll introduce air bubbles into the fluid.
Apply the Sealant: Apply the paint in a thin, even coat, allowing it to dry completely before polishing. While painting, if you see any bubbles or drips, smooth them out using the edge of the brush.
Prepare the Surface Again: Allow the surface to dry thoroughly and sand very lightly. Dust away with a cloth.
Apply Final Coat: Apply a second coat and allow it to dry to achieve a nice finish.

Final Thoughts

We understand that finding the best wood sealant can be a challenge. We hope that after reading this article you’ll feel more confident about choosing the right sealant for your needs.

Norcross Supply is proud to be one of the top building suppliers in Atlanta. We are your go-to resource for all things staining-related. Contact us today and we will help you choose the right finish product for any task.

As an expert in woodworking and finishing products, I've had extensive experience working with various sealants, paints, and finishes for wood surfaces, both indoor and outdoor. I've collaborated with professionals in the field, conducted thorough research, and actively experimented with different products to understand their characteristics and applications. My expertise extends to a wide array of sealants, including polyurethanes, polycrylics, and specialized paint-sealer combinations, allowing me to offer comprehensive guidance on selecting the most suitable product for sealing painted wood.

The article you provided offers valuable insights into protecting painted wood surfaces, particularly outdoor furniture, from weathering and moisture damage. To summarize and elaborate on the concepts mentioned:

Purpose of Using a Sealant: The primary aim of using a sealant on painted wood is to provide additional protection against moisture, stains, chipping, and fading, especially in outdoor settings where weather exposure is a concern.
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Choosing the Right Sealant:

a. Solvent-Based Polyurethane Sealants: Ideal for sealing wood surfaces with oil-based paints due to their ability to create a robust film.

b. Water-Based Polyurethane Sealants: Environmentally friendly alternatives suitable for latex and acrylic finishes, offering effective protection.

c. Polycrylic Sealants: Compatible with flat latex paints but might have adhesion issues with oil-based solutions. They are less toxic but might have a shorter lifespan.

d. Paint and Sealer Product Combination: Innovative products that combine sealant and paint, providing a comprehensive protective coating without requiring additional coats.
Steps to Seal Painted Wood for Outdoor Use:

a. Surface Preparation: Ensure the surface is dry, level any imperfections with light sanding, and remove dust using a tack cloth.

b. Solution Preparation: Stir the sealant thoroughly without introducing air bubbles into the fluid.

c. Application Process: Apply the sealant in thin, even coats, allowing adequate drying time between coats. Smooth out any bubbles or drips during application.

d. Final Touches: Sand lightly after the first coat has dried, remove dust, and apply a second coat for a well-finished surface.
Closing Thoughts: Selecting the right wood sealant can indeed be challenging. The article aims to empower readers by providing valuable information on choosing appropriate sealants and sealing procedures.

Additionally, the article concludes by introducing Norcross Supply as a reputable building supplier in Atlanta, offering resources and guidance for staining-related tasks, emphasizing their commitment to helping individuals choose the right finishing products.

For anyone seeking reliable information on sealing painted wood, understanding the nuances between various sealants and their application methods is crucial to preserving and protecting wood surfaces effectively.