No matter the project at hand – from building a shed to renovating antique furniture – selecting an appropriate wood preserver can make a world of difference. Luckily, there are many low-odour and water-based products to choose from that won’t harm the environment.
Barrettine Premier is an advanced oil that offers comprehensive protection from wood rot and fungal infection for exterior timber structures like garden sheds.
1. Tung Oil
Pure tung oil (Vernicia fordii) is an organic natural finish which does not darken with age and works exceptionally well as food-grade preservation for surfaces such as wooden cutting boards, salad bowls and salt and pepper mills.
Sealant is also ideal for protecting unfinished and bare wood surfaces from moisture damage and drying out, and sealing painted pieces. Easy to apply using either foam brush or cloth application techniques, it can even be thinned down with eco-friendly solvents such as citrus-scented mineral spirits for quicker application and drying times.
When applying a tung oil finish, look for one labeled as pure or 100% to avoid synthetic variations. Always read and follow product instructions regarding application of thinner or application; more than three coats could leave the surface glossy so it is recommended to start with matte.
2. Eco Wood Treatment
Eco Wood Treatment is an all-natural, non-toxic formula designed to penetrate deep into wood fibers for long-term protection against moisture, fungal decay and harsh weather conditions. Safe for use on garden structures like raised beds, chicken coops and cedar greenhouses.
It contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it better for both people and the environment. Furthermore, it can also be used on exterior wood that comes into direct contact with soil.
This solvent-based wood preservative can easily be applied with brushes, rollers, sprayers or dippers and offers protection from wood rot, fungus and mildew as well as water repellence and natural wood color enhancement. Ideal for sheds and fences containing oil-rich shed boards; designed to resist oil salts pool chemicals plus any potential fungus and insect damage and can even be applied on redwood and cypress wood surfaces!
3. Polyurethane
Polyurethane varnish has become the go-to option for many woodworkers due to its adaptability. Available both oil-based and water-based formulas.
When working with oil-based polyurethanes, it’s wise to wear a respirator mask and work in a well-ventilated area to reduce inhaling fumes. Furthermore, brushes and equipment should be cleansed with mineral spirits or turpentine before reuse to ensure optimal safety.
Water-based polyurethanes offer lower odor levels, faster drying times and can be cleaned up using soap and water – not to mention less toxic and VOC content! For optimal results with this finish, lightly sand between coats with finer grit sandpaper until three coats have been applied to create a durable coating; perfect for floors, furniture and outdoor projects alike – including protecting against moisture which prevents warping and rot.
4. Water-Based Preservatives
Water-based wood preservatives that are low in VOC emissions and odour can provide safer environments for homes with children or pets as they contain fewer harsh chemicals.
These treatments penetrate deeply into wood to offer full protection against pests, decay and moisture damage, while being less likely to cracking and peeling for extended use.
Lifetime Wood Treatment is a top pick among gardeners looking for protection against wood rot and insects with one application. Containing no toxic residue, it makes an eco-friendly option suitable for raised beds, chicken coops and sheds alike. Brush, dip or spray this product directly on garden sheds as well as fence posts, railroad ties, utility poles or decking to safeguard it against damage from bugs and decay.
5. Borate Preservatives
Borates are highly effective wood preservatives that penetrate deep into wood cell walls to provide lasting protection. Borates can be applied to both softwood and hardwood species; their effectiveness being most apparent when treated dry and kiln dried lumber is used as the source. Disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) is among the most frequently employed borate treatments.
Borate reacts with polyols present in wood to form a boron-based compound, killing off any potential fungi and insects that might exist while simultaneously slowing rotting processes.
Traditional wood preservatives contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact both your garden and health, including seeping into soil and seeping into water sources and harming plants, grasses, animals and wildlife. Natural alternatives contain far fewer or no chemicals and are safer options that won’t pose health hazards in either situation if accidentally consumed or inhaled.
6. Natural Oils
Natural oils offer a safe and healthy alternative to traditional wood preservative treatments. Made of plant extracts, they penetrate deep into wood fibers to protect against insects, fungus and moisture damage.
Wood preservative made from Linum usitatissimum seed is an eco-friendly and non-toxic solution, protecting timber against pests, rot, and moisture damage. It penetrates deeply into its fibers for maximum protection against moisture issues as well as pest infestation.
Disodium octaborate tetrahydrate is an EPA approved water-based wood preservative with integrated fungicide and insecticide properties that is designed to combat fungal rot, wood destroying insects, sapstain and fungal decay. Used extensively over six decades to preserve railroad ties, utility poles and other heavy duty wood products; its low toxicity to people, animals and plants means it poses less of an environmental impact than three similar heavy-duty preservatives that contain chromated arsenicals which are currently under registration review review processes.
7. Water-Based Preservatives With UV Protection
Wood preservatives are essential in protecting raised garden beds from the elements. From exquisite cedar beds to more cost-effective pine garden beds, adding wood preservatives will extend their lifespan while lowering risk from insects and weather damage.
ACQ is an ideal wood preservative for gardens as it features water-based fungicide and insecticide, free of heavy metals like CCA. Fumigants that utilize methylisothiocyanate (mitc) fumigant can also help disinfect internal structures of wood while also protecting against the formation of new decay fungi.
Natural treatments are much safer than their chemical counterparts, as they do not contain harmful toxins and require less protective equipment for application. Furthermore, natural preservatives are better for the environment and more compatible with various wood species – making them an excellent option for families with children and pets.
8. Biodegradable Preservatives
Wood preservatives can help protect wooden structures in your garden that could become compromised due to fungi or insects, with popular preservation methods including pressure treatment, dip-treated wood, paints and stains being the most popular methods. Pressure treated wood has proven particularly durable due to being impregnated with chemicals which penetrate deep into its fibers to protect it against fungal decay and insect infestation; however, as these chemicals may pose health risks or harm the environment it’s wiser to explore other options when considering your garden structures as potential preservative solutions.
One way to extend the life of garden structures is with natural, non-toxic wood preservatives like linseed oil. Linseed oil penetrates deep into wood fibers to protect it against moisture and rot while adding a beautiful shine that children and pets are safe around!
9. Organic Preservatives
This non-toxic wood preservative features a blend of plant oils, natural waxes and resins which offer protection from water, fungus, bugs and UV rays. Penetrate deep into wood fibers for improved water resistance and dimension stability while remaining low VOC emissions for gardens with children or pets nearby.
Chemical wood preservatives contain chemicals that leach into soil and water sources, creating potential health risks to plants, animals and humans alike. Furthermore, these toxic preservatives may cause skin irritation or respiratory issues; to make the best choice possible it’s important to select natural alternatives.
Water-based wood preservative is a safe and straightforward way to safeguard garden structures. Combining mineral powder with water creates a deep-penetrating treatment that won’t wear off, peel, fade or mold over time; furthermore it won’t succumb to harsh weather conditions either!
10. Eco-Friendly Preservatives
There are various natural wood preservatives that provide deep-penetrating protection against rot, decay and harsh weather conditions – perfect for garden sheds as they maintain the original aesthetic without using chemical compounds.
Natural oils in these preservatives are also safer than their traditional counterparts, making them the ideal choice for homes with children and animals residing together or wildlife regularly visiting your garden. Traditional treatments contain chemicals which could be toxic for both people and wildlife to ingest while natural oils found within these preservatives do not contain any potentially hazardous components.
Barrettine Premier Wood Preservative is an eco-friendly, solvent-based wood treatment that offers effective protection from fungi, mildew, rot and other external factors. Ideal for garden sheds and other timber structures alike; available in multiple wood tone colors to match existing paint schemes for easy application over most existing paint jobs. Low VOC content means this product requires minimal preparation time before application.