How to Seal Unfinished Wood Furniture

Sealing unfinished wood furniture is the best way to keep a natural look while preserving and protecting the wood. Simple to do, sealing wood furniture guards from a variety of wood-damaging scenarios, but the sealer you choose will ultimately determine which danger you are protecting against. The sealer also enhances the grain of the wood, bringing richness to the beauty of the piece. With three simple steps, you will soon have a beautiful item of wood furniture, shielded from many common mishaps.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton gloves
• Sander or sandpaper
• Clean cloth
• Paintbrush or air sprayer
• Sealer --- lacquer, polyurethane or tung oil

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Prepare the surface of the wood to accept the sealer. Carefully sand the wood in the same direction as the grain. Use an orbital sander, or if your piece has many details, sand by hand with sandpaper, avoiding the risk of smoothing pointed corners or other decorative accents.

   • 2

     Wipe down the wood with a soft, clean cloth to remove the sawdust and create a clean work surface. Check for imperfections in the wood, which will be highlighted with the sealer. Fix any imperfections before moving to the next step.

   • 3

     Seal the wood with your choice of sealer.