The Best Products to Prevent Weathering of Wood Window Sills

Preparation

• Before treating any wood window sill with a protective product, you should first prepare the wood with some simple sanding and cleaning. Older window sills that have begun to show signs of wood rot or other forms of weathering should be sanded smooth so that they can be treated and preserved. Cleaning the window sill with a damp cloth and some mildew remover can help remove all contaminants.

Epoxy

• An epoxy sealant is one of the more effective types of products to prevent the weathering of wood window sills. These sealants are generally clear in color, which allows for the preservation of the wood's original look. They also penetrate into the wood fibers and create a protective seal against moisture. The seal is created by forming a chemical bond with the existing wood, making the wood itself virtually waterproof.

Water-Repellant Preservatives

• Water-repellant preservatives are among the most effective barriers against wood rot, mold, mildew and the other deterioration effects of weather erosion. These repellants generally contain some type of wax or another water-repellant material. They typically include fungicides or mildew-fighting agents that are designed to keep moisture from building up and creating an environment where fungus or mildew can grow. InspectAPedia notes that these repellants can be used as a primer and often work better than other acrylic primers in helping to fight off the effects of wood rot.

Semitransparent Stains

• Although painting the wood is one option for preserving it against the effects of the weather, a more practical approach is to use a semitransparent stain. Semitransparent stains are similar to other wood stains in that they penetrate the wood and change its outer appearance. However, the semitransparent stain often has a reflective quality which will help stave off the effects of constantly bombardment with ultraviolet radiation.