How To Protect Your Outdoor Woodworking Projects

When you build items made of wood for your front or backyard, one thing you have to ask yourself is if it can withstand the elements. If it doesn't, you will soon realize that you wasted time and energy making it, so you should know how to protect your outdoor woodworking projects.

The first option will be to use weather resistant wood like cypress or teak. Unfortunately, these are more expensive than the wood you normally buy from the hardware store, so this may not be a good idea if money is tight.

The next option will be to apply a finish that is oil-based like spar urethane, when the woodworking project is complete. This is a protective clear coat finish designed to protect the interior and exterior wood surface from sunlight, water and changes in temperature.

The difference between this product and other varnishes on the market is that the oil to resin ratio is much higher, giving it a more flexible finish and more resistance to cracking and chipping even under dramatic temperature changes.

It is available in gloss, semi-gloss and satin. If you plan to add another coat, make sure this is applied 4 hours after the first coat, then let it completely dry for the next 24 hours.

You can also use porch paint for your outdoor woodworking project. The nice thing about porch paint is that this is available in different colors. The difference between spar urethane and porch paint is the drying time, which takes about 48 hours.

If your woodworking project for the outdoors is not a piece of furniture but rather flooring, make sure you ask for a non-skid floor finish additive.

Both of these products, namely spar urethane and porch paint, can be purchased at the hardware store, so you should not have any problems finding it on the shelf. These can be purchased in quart, gallon and five-gallon containers, and while you are there, get a natural bristle brush, which is the best thing to use to finish your woodworking project.

When you are finishing your woodworking project, be sure to do this in a well ventilated area, as the fumes of both may cause you to feel dizzy or nauseous. Don't shake the can but rather stir it once you open the lid, as this will prevent air bubbles from forming, which will become visible on the wood surface. When the finish is complete, clean using mineral spirits.