There’s no doubt that wood structures around different spaces of your home only increase the elegance of your home. And you need to preserve that classic touch of wood, but what about the moisture, rain, heat, and evil humidity?
There’s nothing to worry about it if you have the best waterproof paint for wood finish at hand!
So, my friends, including me, started looking for some quality waterproof finish for our porches and decks that would-
- Resist the moisture from seeping into the wood and damaging it
- Protect from adverse weather that brings along molds, mildew, corrosion, and whatnot.
- Increases the healthy lifespan of the wood, protecting it from daily wear and tear.
And that’s why we have narrowed it down to these top choices among the most popular waterproof stains. So if you want to know what made us like these products and more about waterproofing wood, give this article a go, and you won’t regret it!
Table of Contents
List of The Best Waterproof Paint for Wood
1. Best Fast Drying Marine Paint: Rust-Oleum Marine Coatings Topside Paint
“Excellent coverage, anti-slip along with many other features in the can”
2. Best Waterproof Wood Sealer: Ready Seal Exterior Stain
“Gives a smooth coating with fast-drying action”
3. Best Waterproof Wood Finish: HOPE’S 100% Pure Tung Oil
“Fantastic permeability with no-hassle in application”
3 Best Waterproof Paint for Wood Reviews
1. Rust-Oleum Marine Coatings Topside Paint
So your bathroom tub isn’t really in its best condition, and the paint on it is wearing off. So, now all you want is a durable coating over it. It seems like the Rust-Oleum marine paint is the best deal here.
It’s always trouble leveling the paint on different surfaces. But with this, you won’t even need a professional hand for smooth leveling. Thanks to the flexible oil-based formula.
A little gloss has never hurt anyone; rather, it’s the best for marine use or the bassinets, tubs, and showers. The semi-gloss-rich paint allows an elegant sheen along with maximum protection. In addition, it saves the wood, metal, or fiberglass surfaces from fading, UV rays, weather damage, corrosion, moisture, etc.
Well, if you’re looking for a high coverage coating, this might not be for you. It requires at least 3-4 coatings to get your work done to perfection. But the best part is drying takes only a couple of hours.
Did I tell you about the anti-slip property of the paint? Well, now you know, but there’s a lot more to it. For that, you need to try it on your folks!
- Flexible yet allows rigid coats
- Suitable for use on multiple surface types
- Quick-drying with a smooth coating
- Provides a semi-gloss elegant appearance
- Resistant to adverse weather, heat, UV, abrasion, and untimely fading
- Anti-slip and anti-corrosion layer
- It comes with a slightly pungent smell. Hence, make sure to apply the paint in a well-ventilated area
2. Ready Seal Exterior Stain – Best Waterproof Wood Sealer
Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a sealant that you can even spray on your wooden surfaces, and it would still work like magic? Well, I got the Ready seal wood stain for you to have a look at.
What I love about it the most is how simple and easy it is to apply. Firstly, you can apply it using a roller, sprayer, or brush. And the no-mess application allows you zero need for back brushing. But, of course, the experts should know what this means; No streaks, no uneven brush strokes, lap marks, or runs! Besides, you don’t even need to follow the wet-line application process; the sealant is ready to use once you get it.
It’s flexible enough and works the same in different temperature zones. There’s no hassle of thinning the stain either, not even if you want to spray it. The two-in-one sealer and stain come with a high-quality, deep sealing quality, moisture blocking, saving efforts and time. Also, you don’t even need a primer usage beforehand, saving more bucks and time!
Although it might cost you more than you expect, we can agree that it is worth the bucks. I got it for my deck and porch, and I couldn’t stop applying it on my wood!
- Smooth enough to give you a leveled coat with no streaks
- It can be applied using any application method, even sprayed
- Blocks all leaks, penetrations, or pits
- It does not require a primer or thinning
- Usable at any temperature
- Protects from UV, weather damage, molds, and mildew
- Dries in no time
- Not the right product if you want a glossy coat on the wood; it’s more like a protective measure
3. HOPE’S 100% Pure Tung Oil – Best Waterproof Wood Finish
Tung oil has its perks in maximum water and moisture protection, but they even have drawbacks like wearing off soon. Hence, this durable Hope’s tung oil could be a great choice.
You might wonder where you can apply it? Well, my question would where can’t you? The concrete surfaces, brick, iron, masonry, weathered or unfinished wood, it’ll offer its max protection and gloss over anything!
The best thing about the oil that sets it apart from typical products is its high absorbent quality. Rather than just adding layer protection over the top, it seeps into the fibers and cures from inside. As a result, it ensures your wood is protected from rough wear and tear, abrasion, aggressive weather, moisture, even alcohol, and oil!
While it cures, it doesn’t leave an oily mess rather dries up to a stunning gloss. Although the application process can be a headache, I think it’s worth the pain if you’re left with durability and long-lasting protection. Unfortunately, the instructions don’t help you much, but on the bright side, all you need to do is wipe it on for a classic hand-rubbed finish. Yes, that’s all it takes to secure your wood surfaces, not even heavy expenses!
- Exceptional permeable technology that protects wood from inside
- No mess in the application; wipe and dry
- Allows protection from moisture, oil, water, molds, alcohol, etc.
- Durable and lasts more than typical wood waterproof finishes like a varnish
- Non-toxic and safe for use
- Versatile usage
- It offers an excellent natural shine
- The application instructions that come along might not be a big help
How to Waterproof Wood? – Different Methods
The rain, moisture, and different weather factors can damage your exterior wooden surfaces in no time. So, sealing and hence protecting them is a necessity. You’ve already checked out the best waterproof finishes for wood. Now, you need to know how you’ll apply the finish. And it depends mostly on wood surface quality, indoor or outdoor factors, and your purpose with it.
Using the sealant
When using a waterproof sealant, make sure to follow the instructions we are about to break down to you-
1. The first and foremost task is to prepare the surface well. It means sanding, cleaning off the dust, getting rid of any pre-existing finish, wiping off the mess, making it ready for the sealant.
2. Now, the sealant or varnish is a solvent-based product. So, what do we use to apply it? It’s best done with a brush, or maybe a sprayer could work for some.
3. Now, for the wood type, if it’s soft, you’ll probably need 3-4 coats for protection, and for harder ones, a single coat is all you need.
Professional tips:
- Before starting your DIY, make sure to check the instructions given along the sealant.
- You don’t have to worry if you drop some extra sealant on the wood; the wooden surface will absorb it.
- The sealant will only be effective if you apply it to bare wood. So don’t neglect the prep work.
Using wood oil
The procedure is somewhat the same. Let’s brief it down for you-
1. Before we get into the action, you need to make the mixture first. Although it’s not mandatory in the book, the mixture has always helped increase the durability content. Take your wood oil, then the same amount of Turpin, and half the amount of vinegar. Mix it well so that you don’t get bubbles on the surface.
2. Now, for the preparation, take your sanding paper. An 80-100 grit sandpaper will do. The sanding allows to remove any existing paint or finish.
3. Remove the surface dust and dirt well.
4. Next stop is the application. Take a clean and soft cloth. Pour the oil on it and wipe the wooden surfaces with the oil.
5. This time, don’t forget to clean or remove the extra oil.
6. Give it ample time for about a day to dry completely.
7. Once it has dried, finely sand the surface again. Voila! You have a smooth, glossy, and even wood surface allowing long-lasting protection.
Professional tips:
- Do not apply oil to sealed, stained, or wet wood.
- Don’t try applying the oil with brushes.
Waterproofing Wood – Different Purposes
Bathroom wood
Bathrooms are the ultimate wet zones with high moisture content. So, you need to be extra careful when waterproofing wood surfaces in the bathroom. The procedure will be the same as I dictated above, but some tips and tricks might help you out here-
- The wooden surfaces need to be 100% dry and clean before waterproofing. So, make sure to allow enough air circulation into the bathroom before you apply the sealant.
- Remember to dry up the surfaces totally before you get your hands in a mess.
- It would be best if you can bring out the wooden pieces outside, under the sun.
- Carrying out the procedure at room temperature is a good way to avoid any hassle so that the coating dries evenly.
- Even after the waterproofing process, allow maximum airflow in the bathroom.
- Don’t forget your masks and gloves.
- If necessary, you can cover other areas besides the intended one with paper or sheets.
Outdoor wood
I was more concerned about outdoor exterior wood surfaces than indoor ones. No doubt, the weather has a major contribution here. The sunlight, heat, rain, snow can cause the wooden surfaces to chip, peel, crack, and ultimately damage. To avoid such situations, here are a few tips:
- Firstly, make sure to make the outdoor structures with resilient and strong wood. I usually go for high-quality hardwoods. If you want a few names, I’d say go for western red cedar, teak—African mahogany, cypress, etc.
- When applying the the polyurethane finish, make sure you have a clean surrounding so that the dirt doesn’t come on the surface.
- It’s a wise idea to waterproof the outdoor wood before the rainy season.
FAQs:
Does paint make wood waterproof?
A high-quality paint does resist water on the wood surface. But the best option is to go for a waterproof paint that would seal the wood surface and prevent water into the cracks and wood fibers.
Does tung oil make wood waterproof?
The tung oil is permeable and penetrates deep into the wood fibers giving it a secured, rigid, and waterproof surface.
How long does the waterproof sealant last?
After coating the wooden surfaces with a nice waterproof sealant, it usually lasts for about 2-3 years. After that, however, it depends a lot on the prep work, environment, and maintenance.
Which one is better for waterproofing, sealant, or wood oil?
Although wood oil has great water-resistant properties, it doesn’t last as long as a sealant that offers a completely waterproof coating.
Final Verdict:
Taking safety measures beforehand for the wellness of your home is what I prefer rather than repairing the damage with double the investments. Of course, wooden material doesn’t go along with water, and we all know it, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop using wood, making your home classy, or spend a thousand bucks a year to maintain it.
All it takes are some good products, knowing the right way for maintenance, some guidelines, and a can of the top waterproof wood finish paint. Don’t let nature take control of the lifespan of your beautiful wooden structures and protect them yourself. What are you thinking? I hope I’ve answered all your questions. Now, pick paint and go for it!