How to Treat Outdoor Cypress Wood

Applying the Wood Stain

• 1

  Apply the wood stain evenly across all surface of the cypress with a brush. Apply the finish in even strokes following the direction of the wood grain. Painting against the wood grain will cause lap marks. Stir the stain frequently to keep the pigment homogeneous. Leave the finished wood in an open-air environment to dry for one hour.

• 2

  Apply a second coat of oil-based, mildew-resistant wood stain to the cypress. Let dry for another hour.

• 3

  Wipe off any excess stain. Make sure to get every bit of stain that has not dried or penetrated the surface an hour after application. This will prevent the formation of glossy spots on the wood.

• 4

  Let the wood treatment dry overnight.

Applying the Wood Finish

• 5

  Mix 1 part spar urethane with 1 part paint thinner. Stir vigorously to ensure consistency in the mixture.

• 6

  Dip a clean cotton rag into pure paint thinner.

• 7

  Dip the cotton rag into your mix of paint thinner and spar urethane.

• 8

  Apply the finish with smooth, even circular strokes. Buff the entire surface, overlapping previous strokes. This method provides an even coat with no lingering brush marks. Because the technique uses less wood sealer than a brush would, drying time is also reduced. Let the cypress dry overnight.

• 9

  Apply an optional second coat of wood sealer if you desire. If your cypress is somewhat protected from the elements this will not be necessary. If you plan to leave the wood in an area with lots of heat and moisture, a second coat will help defend the cypress from cracking, rotting or warping.