What Can I Use for Weather Resistance on My Unfinished Wood Plaque?

Boiled Linseed Oil

• Boiled linseed oil, made from flax seed, has been used for many years to protect wood from water and damage. It is inexpensive, widely available at hardware stores and simple to apply. It does however, take several weeks to cure and does not provide total protection from the elements. It must be re-applied yearly and turns black if exposed to direct sunlight. Brush or wipe it on the unfinished plaque and allow it to soak for 10 minutes. Wipe any excess and allow it to dry overnight. Sand the raised grain, and apply 2 more coats, allowing each to dry for 24 hours.

Tung OIl

• Another oil that has been around for many years is tung oil, which is pressed from tung trees found in China. It offers good protection from water and wear, but is more difficult to use. Apply tung oil as you would boiled linseed oil, but sand it after each coating. For adequate protection, apply five coats of tung oil, allowing two to three days for the finish to dry between each coat.

Oil-Varnish Mixes

• Oil finishes are a mixture of drying oil, such as tung oil or boiled linseed oil, varnish and paint thinner. They are easier to apply than plain oils and provide more protection, as well. Buy a commercial product, or make your own by mixing varnish, linseed oil and paint thinner in equal amounts. Re-apply the finish yearly.

Stains

• Semi-transparent stains are inexpensive and provide protection from light and water for up to five years. Opaque stains may last as many as seven years. Choose a stain in a color that closely matches your plaque. Select oil-based stains for maximum water resistance and brush them on, following package directions.