Wood Treatment

When it comes to outdoor projects, it's not finished until it's been stained, sealed or painted. You probably know that wood swells when it gets wet and shrinks when it dries. The susceptibility to weather cycles is hard on wood and can lead to splits, cracks, checks and other appearance issues.

Sealing

- For a natural pine appearance, apply a transparent or semi-transparent water repellent
- Apply within 6 weeks of completion and reapply annually
- Pick a sealant with UV stabilizers to help ease the impact of the sun
- Follow manufacturer's recommendations for application

Staining

- Apply when surface is dry and reapply as needed
- Perform a "sprinkle test" to check for dryness (see below)
- Look for a stain that has the longest manufacturer's warranty, has a water repellent and a UV stabilizer
- Follow manufacturer's recommendations for application

Painting

- Apply when surface is dry and reapply as needed
- Perform a "sprinkle test" to check for dryness (see below)
- Start with an alkyd oil-based primer
- Finish with 2 coats of high quality acrylic latex top coat paint
- Be sure to prime any cut ends
- Follow manufacturer's recommendations for application