Wooden furniture never goes out of fashion.
Whether you use them indoors or outdoors, wood is the go-to furnishing option at our home. For those of you who don't know, my husband loves carpentry. Recently, he completed a marathon building project, making various items for the house. I'll admit that most of the furniture didn't need replacing, but I appreciate his efforts anyway.
Once the building part was over, I thought I'd help him out by applying the finishings and coatings. But there wasn't any sealing paint in the closet, so I went on a wood finish shopping spree online. I carefully researched each brand and ended up buying 5 different wood finishes.
Hi! I'm Stacy Smith, and today, I've decided to share my findings with all my lovely readers. So, read on to find out the best waterproof finishes for wooden surfaces.
Without further ado, let's begin.
Top 5 Waterproof Wood Finishes
1. Hope's 692-32TO12
One of the products I’d heard about often from friends and neighbors was Hope's Tung oil. This is a waterproof wood sealer and happens to be made from all natural ingredients. Read on to find out more about it.
Product Highlights
Upon popular recommendation, I decided to try out the Tung Oil option for my projects. It was only later that I found out that my husband had already used this brand in the past for woodworking projects.
Firstly, I feel the need to stress how easy it was to use. I simply needed to wipe the finish on the wood and sit back while it cured at room temperature. Other finishes form a layer on the surface, creating a film, but this option permeated the wood fibers and gave a non-oily solid finish.
Apart from looking beautiful, it is also resistant to moisture, alcohol, and oil. So, there's no need to fret if you accidentally drop any of these on the table. This 100% pure finish lasts much longer than mineral oil and wax. Additionally, it has the ability to seep into almost any type of surface - new wood, weathered wood, and even concrete floors.
What's There To Like About It?
The most important aspect I liked was how easy this was to apply. I thought I had lost practice, but this product made the entire process effortless. It permeated my furniture quickly, and I loved how beautifully it turned out after drying.
Furthermore, the oil is chemical-free, VOC, and solvent-free. This makes it the perfect finish to add to wooden chopping boards, butcher blocks, bowls, and wooden utensils.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Overall, I was pretty impressed with this wood finish because it wiped onto the surface easily and dried sooner than expected. But there was one unusual thing I noticed while I read the packaging and online reviews. The back packaging and reviews say that care must be taken or mold may form on the surface, which threw me off a little.
Pros and Cons of Hope's 692-32TO12
Pros
Cons
- Easy to Use - Tung oil is a natural oil recognized by craftsmen to offer the ultimate hand-rubbed finish for all fine woods; just wipe on and allow the oil to cure at room temperature
- Permeates - Unlike other finishes that form a film on the wood’s surface, tung oil penetrates deep into the wood fibers, cures to a flexible non-oily solid, and becomes part of the wood itself
- Protects - Resistant to moisture, alcohol, oil, and everyday wear for lasting beauty and protection; lasts many times longer than mineral oil and wax based products
2. Waterlox ‎5284qt
The next option that I came across was the 5284qt by the brand Waterlox. This premium wood finish comes in packaging that is handmade in the USA. Created using Tung oil, it can permeate wooden surfaces and provide medium sheen.
Product Highlights
I had heard about this brand and its variety of wood finish products, but I didn't get the opportunity to use it until recently. In my experience, the Waterlox original worked well, and I had no problem applying it.
Interestingly, the packaging has mentioned the specific range of sheen the product provides. Immediately after application, the gloss level is around 75 degrees, which lasts for a short time.
After 3 to 6 months, you can observe that the gloss level reduces drastically. After fading, it settles to 50-55 degrees of sheen. So, I would agree with their claim of calling it a medium sheen wooden finish.
Now, this product has been around for over a 100 years, since 1910 to be exact. So you have the assurance that the product is a time-tested one and is often recommended for all types of applications.
What's There To Like About It?
Firstly, this finish is durable and sturdy once it dries up. It forms a protective layer and prevents the wood from coming into contact with household spills, moisture, and foot traffic.
To add to that, the beautiful sheen it leaves behind looks great on all types of wooden surfaces. I'd definitely say that it blends the best with untreated wood, but you can also apply this over an existing layer of sealer.
What's There Not To Like About It?
All in all, I enjoyed using this finish on my cabinets. My husband helped me apply this one, and both of us were of the opinion that it turned out pretty well. The only letdown was that the packaging was damaged when it came to us. The can was crushed from one side, so it couldn’t stand on its own on the shelf.
Pros and Cons of Waterlox ‎5284qt
Pros
Cons
- Penetrates and waterproofs when used as a finishing system in multiple coats on it’s own or in conjunction with Waterlox Original Satin Finish or Waterlox Original High Gloss Finish.
- Produces a medium sheen appearance (75° gloss level when finished; fades to a 50-55° gloss level in 3-6 months)
- Forms a protective yet elastic finish against common household spills, moisture and foot traffic
3. Minwax 233334444
The Minwax wood finish is a protective coating that is available in a variety of finishes. Apart from the most popular clear finish, it is also available in satin, matte, semi-matte, gloss, and ultra-flat. Out of these options, I decided to try out the clear option.
Product Highlights
While searching for the best option for waterproof wood finishes, I came across this water-based Polycrylic protective finish by Minwax. The one I selected acted as the perfect top coat over my furniture, but you can also use it to prevent scratches and spills.
What's different about this product is the variety the brand offers. It sells protective coatings in oil and water-based finishes, along with stain and color options to choose from. According to the description on the website, these products work well on all species of wood, performing especially well on light woods, like maple and birch.
Apart from that, I'd like to highlight two more features that impressed me. Firstly, the clear coat dried super fast. I merely had to wait for half a day before applying the second coat. Secondly, the surface cleans exceptionally well without leaving any stains.
What's There To Like About It?
Personally, this protective coat saved a lot of my time because it dries sooner than expected. With this option, I completed two coats within one day, which would not be possible with a regular finish.
Also, it gives wooden furniture a beautiful appearance that you can select based on your preference. The option I selected in this range protected the natural beauty of the wood and gave a bright modern look to the surface. It also did not leave any yellowish tinge or odor.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Although there are many positive aspects of this product, such as quickly-drying and a clear finish, there was a letdown as well. The thing is, it needs to be applied using a soft cloth in very thin coats. If not, the application will not be as smooth and even as you’d expect.
Pros and Cons of Minwax 233334444
Pros
Cons
- PROTECT WOOD SURFACES – Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish protects and adds beauty to your interior wood projects, including woodwork, furniture, doors and cabinets. The clear top coat protects against scratches, spills, dirt and more.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR FINISH THAT LASTS – The crystal clear finished offered in this protective coating is ideal for use over all Minwax Oil-Based and Water-Based Stains and colors, as well as all wood species including light woods like maple, ash and birch.
- SATIN SHEEN – Give your wood projects a sleek finish with this satin clear varnish. It not only protects the natural beauty of the wood, but offers an attractive, classic sheen for a modern and subtle look. It’s non-yellowing, non-ambering and low odor.
4. SEAL-ONCE 7614
Up next, I've included the Marine premium wood sealer by the brand Seal-Once. While browsing through the options available online, this option caught my eye because it claimed to be specifically designed for use around water.
Product Highlights
First of all, I really needed a waterproof sealer for the cabinets beneath my sink. This was one of the main motivations behind my search for the best wood finishes. When I came across this product, the first thing I noticed was the option of selecting between 11 stain tints.
Apart from that, this top-coat sealer does not trap moisture below the surface. Instead, it creates a flexible, breathable barrier that allows water vapor to escape. This key feature prevents wood damage by water intrusion that is responsible for wood rot, decay, and mold growth.
Also, this brand is pretty cautious about the products and chemicals that go into making the finished product. So, all of their finishes are non-toxic, ultra-low in VOCs, non-flammable, and non-ozone depleting. They are plant and animal-friendly since they do not contain nitrates, phosphorus compounds, or heavy metals that are commonly found in oil-based finishes.
What's There To Like About It?
To begin with, the application is easy, and so is the clean-up. I applied a total of two coats on the wooden kitchen cabinets using a spray can, and the results were impeccable. The first coat didn't take long to dry, so I applied the next coat after 2 hours of waiting.
After the coat dried, I used warm soapy water for the clean-up, and it worked pretty well. And, if the wood porosity is average, this product provides decent surface coverage.
What's There Not To Like About It?
At first, I tested the product on a spare piece of wood using a regular roller, but it was nearly impossible to form even layers. The finish dried much faster than I could keep up, so I had to bottle the product to spray it over the surface. So, you'll have to work quickly since it doesn't give much working time.
Pros and Cons of SEAL-ONCE 7614
Pros
Cons
- MARINE SEALANT: Our liquid formula creates a UV-stable coating for protection against the elements, saltwater spray, and water damage. Marine is a great protector for outdoor furniture, thermally modified wood, and boat docks. Marine is safe for use over open water and is non-hazardous to aquatic life.
- DECK STAIN: It's water-based, ultra-low VOC, great for enhancing the extended life of your flooring, siding, and porch. The paint forms a water-resistant shield around wood fibers at the cellular level to help preserve the natural color.
- WATERPROOF WOOD SEALER: The wood used on boat docks, decks, and retaining walls near rivers, lakes, oceans, and ponds is subjected to constant moisture. We crafted a sealer, remove stain, and finish all in one, specifically for these installations.
5. Centaurus AZ Klean Strip
Finally, I ordered the Boiled Linseed Oil product, Klean Strip, by the brand Centaurus AZ. This product is specifically designed to improve the flow and gloss of oil-based paints. You can use it to seal and protect unfinished wooden surfaces.
Product Highlights
Let's begin with the feature that impressed me the most. Even before I purchased this product, I knew that it would be a wonderful add-on for oil paints. The prominent ingredient, linseed oil, is known to slow down the drying time of oil-based paints. This results in a beautiful and even finish that I like to achieve in wood.
Apart from this, this is a great option for protecting wood indoors as well as outdoors. It can withstand harsh sunny days and pouring rain, keeping the wood underneath dry and safe from moisture and rot. What's interesting is that it can also be used on metal surfaces; however, I haven't tried that yet.
Essentially, the Klean Strip seals the surface, making it waterproof and resistant to water, scratches, and stains. It also assists in preserving the original wood color. Add it to any oil paint to improve the consistency and flow.
What's There To Like About It?
Personally, I prefer to use water-based products because they dry faster and are easy to apply and clean. But I can see why people swear by this product. I liked that it mixed effortlessly with the oil paint and improved the consistency instantly.
Also, it leaves a warm hand-rubbed finish that brings out the natural color of the wood. Another thing I enjoyed was the addition of a free paintbrush to their kit.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The option worked well for me, and I could notice the improvement in my application, so I have no complaints there. Although there aren't any significant downsides to this product, it is on the pricey side. If you compare the price with other products, you get way more for the same price. So, you might want to skip it if you are on a budget.
Pros and Cons of Centaurus AZ Klean Strip
Pros
Cons
Buyers Guide
Now that I've briefed you about the pros and cons of each item, it's time for you to narrow it down to one. So, how do you decide if the options given here (or anywhere) would be perfect for your needs? This is where the buyer's guide comes in.
Here, I've listed the essential factors that you should consider before purchasing a finish or sealer. Keeping these aspects in mind will help you find the best waterproof wood finish for your project.
1. Project Requirement
Before you do anything else, lay out a plan for the project. Are you planning to cover a couple of chairs or an entire dining table? Will the furniture be placed chiefly outdoors or in the living room or kitchen?
Getting a clear idea about your project will help determine the following steps, like selecting the kind of finish. The brand and type of sealer will also depend on the final appearance. If you are looking for a super glossy look, you may need to select one that specifies the same on the can.
2. Drying time
Sealers and finishes usually dry sooner and take longer to cure. Some projects need quick-drying and multiple reapplications. If your project requires many coats, it would be better to opt for a quick-drying option; otherwise, it might take up a lot of time.
After the final coat, the surface needs to be placed in a well-ventilated room for at least 24 hours. If not, the drying time will shoot up significantly.
3. Durability
If you are taking the effort of applying 3 or 4 coats of a sealer, you'd obviously expect it to last for a while. But, it's equally crucial for the sealer to show resistance against several external factors; otherwise, it will wear away soon.
Ideally, a wood finish should be waterproof and resistant to sunlight and harsh chemicals. It's an added plus if it prevents stains, abrasions, and scratches.
4. Ease Of Application
One thing is for sure; some finishes are certainly easier to use than others. Most brands give detailed instructions on the back of the packaging so that customers like you and I can get the best of the product.
While some sealers can be hand-rubbed into the wood, others can be rolled on like paint. I like to spray the finish into the wood because it's a hassle-free way to get the job done quickly. But spraying does require appropriate tools like face masks and hand gloves.
5. Safety
Most products, primarily oil-based ones, contain harmful chemicals and VOCs that aren't good for health. It's best to limit your exposure to these harmful substances. Fortunately, many companies have taken the initiative to develop non-toxic, low VOC, and odor-free finishes that are much safer to use.
Before you start the application, go through the health and safety guidelines in the instruction manual. Some of the products can be flammable, ensuring your working environment is away from fire to prevent any hazards. These precautions are important during the application, but you can rest assured that there is no need to worry about chemicals once the coat has dried.
6. Sustainability
We know that toxic fumes are harmful to human and animal health. But remember that release of VOCs and similar toxic chemicals are also bringing down the quality of the air we breathe. At large, it affects the environment and causes major issues, like ozone depletion.
Companies have considered these issues and revised their product designs to help reverse the threat to the environment. I highly encourage you to check if the finish is sustainable in its approach before purchasing.
7. Color
I prefer to use clear coatings on my wooden furniture, but you do not have to limit yourself. You'd be surprised to find the range of beautiful and warm shades that are available in sealers. Then lend a sun-kissed appearance if you select just the right shade to match the wood.
Often, the water-based options highlight the natural color of the wood, which I love. But if you wish for deeper, darker, and richer colors, those are available too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Several factors determine the life of the sealer. Type of sealer, oil-based or water-based, environment, number of coats, application method, and condition of the surface matter when it comes to sealer longevity. If your wooden surface faces constant and harsh sunlight or is located in a damp area, then it’s life reduces significantly.
Yes, sealers definitely make the wooden surface or furniture waterproof, which is why they are so widely used. However, you need to take into account the number of coats applied. If you apply merely one or two coats of thin water-based finish, the wood most likely won't be completely waterproof.
Technically, you could use an indoor sealer on any kind of wood, whether it is indoors or outdoors. The problem is, indoor finishes do not have UV protection features that help in preventing sun damage and color change. So, there are chances of the finish wearing out sooner than you might expect.
Don't go out of the way to buy a new sealer if you already have some lying around. But, keep in mind that there is a reason why companies create different sealers/finishes for indoor and outdoor projects.
My Final Recommendation
Since I was lucky enough to try the best brands trending on the market, I could formulate a fair decision after comparing them all. In my opinion, the best waterproof wood finish was the 692-32TO12 model by Hope’s, which delivers on multiple levels. I would definitely recommend this one if you are unsure about which brand to go with.
I also had a second favorite. The 233334444 model by Minwax is another option that I enjoyed working with. It saved a lot of my time because of its ultra quick-drying abilities.Â
I hope this review-based guide gave you a fairly good idea about the selection available to choose from. Do let me know your choice in the comments.
Until next time, bye!