Sealingpainted woodis simple and quick, and it can help preserve the wood’s appearance and prolong its lifespan.
Photodegradation breaks apart the molecules that form paint’s tight, protective bond.
Painted woodsurfaces located outdoors must either be taken indoorsoften, not an optionor protected.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Protection is the work of wood sealers, which slow down paint decay.
Two or more coats of exterior paint are already sufficient outdoor protection.
As long as the paint and underlying wood are in good condition, the paint can remain as-is.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
The best sealer forwood paintedin exterior-grade paint is another layer or two of exterior-grade paint.
No clear coatings are necessary.
First, test the sealer on an inconspicuous section of the painted surface to see if the color changes.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Work in well-ventilated areas when sealing the wood, especially with oil-based coatings.
Brushes used with oil-based sealers must be cleaned withpaint thinner or mineral spirits.
Wearing latex or rubber gloves, soak the sponge or rag in the TSP solution.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Squeeze out the sponge or rag until no more water comes out.
Lightly wipe down the painted wood to remove oils, dirt, and other heavy residues.
Be careful not to soak the surface.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Tip
Many communities have banned phosphate-based detergentsa class that includes TSP.
Usually found in liquid form, TSP substitute mixes easily with water and is safe for the environment.
Latex paint does not sand well.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
If you press too hard, you risk pilling up and sloughing off the paint.
So, go easy.
Remove Dust
What Is Tack Cloth?
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Tack cloth is cheesecloth impregnated with wax.
It’s used like a damp cloth for cleaning.
But because it’s dry, it doesn’t leave water behind to damage the surface.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Sand Cured Polyurethane
Water-based polyurethane dries to a hard coat in about two hours.
Oil-based polyurethane will take at least 24 hours to dry per coat.
Remove Polyurethane Dust
Use the vacuum andtack clothto remove the polyurethane dust from the surface.
The Spruce / Sanja Kostic
Between each coating, sand and clean the surface.
Trisodium Phosphate Safety Data Sheet.
Perdue University Department of Physics.
Chemicals and Other Hazards in Painting.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
