Imagine building a beautiful wooden deck, only to watch it slowly decay because of rot and insects. Doesn’t that sound frustrating? Wood is a wonderful, natural material, but without the right protection, nature starts to take it back surprisingly fast. Dealing with pests like termites or the constant threat of moisture damage can turn any dream project into a costly headache.
Choosing the correct wood preservative feels like navigating a maze. Should you use an oil-based treatment or something water-based? What chemicals actually work best against fungus? These questions often leave homeowners and builders confused and worried about wasting time and money on the wrong product. Getting this decision wrong means your beautiful wood might fail sooner than expected.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will clearly explain what different wood preservatives do, how they protect your investment, and which type is perfect for your specific project. By the end, you will confidently know how to choose a treatment that makes your wood last for years to come. Let’s dive into the secrets of keeping your wood strong and safe from the elements!
Top Wood Preservative Recommendations
- Seals The Wood
- Protects Against Mold And Mildew
- Kills Off Harmful Insects
- Dip soaking or pressure impregnation of COPPER-GREEN will result in deeper penetration resulting in longer preservation of treatable species
- The copper in COPPER-GREEN reacts with the cellulose of wood. As a result it is not easily lost from the wood by leaching
- EPA-registered, insecticidal exterior wood preservative prevents attacks from termites and other wood boring insects while protecting against rot and decay
- Transparent, natural green color
- Designed to protect exterior untreated or pressure-treated wood in below ground, ground contact, fresh water contact, or above ground installations
- Ideal for docks and piers, fence posts, landscape timbers, other exterior wood exposed to moisture, weather, or wood destroying insects
- Highly recommended for pressure treated wood end cut protection
- Certified USDA Bio-Preferred: Trust in a product recognized for its sustainable and eco-friendly ingredients
- Backed by Patented and University Testing: Experience cutting-edge technology that's been rigorously tested for unmatched performance
- Unmatched Durability: Resistant to moisture, UV light, and environmental wear, ensuring long-lasting quality and reliability
- Effortless Cleanup: Simply use soap and water for a hassle-free cleaning experience
- Eco-Friendly and Safe: Completely safe for people, pets, and the planet—no need for masks or gloves
- READY-TO-USE FORMULA: It is easy to apply by spraying or brushing directly onto untreated wood surfaces. It is perfect for decks, attics, and woodworking projects. The dimensions are for a 1-gallon container.
- PENETRATES DEEPLY FOR LONG-LASTING PROTECTION: A special borate-based solution penetrates deep into wood for protection against termites, carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and decay fungi. It protects wood for years indoors.
- NO DISCOLORATION OR STAINS: Once dry, treated wood can be painted, sealed, or stained without discoloration; it leaves the wood looking natural.
- FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE: Effective on both indoor and outdoor wood surfaces, it lasts a lifetime indoors and requires reapplication every 1-5 years outdoors, depending on water repellency maintenance.
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: It emits no harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) during or after application and is safe for both professional use and DIY woodworking projects.
- It is easy to use
- It is highly durable
- Manufactured in United States
- Model number: 902
- WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoors with Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Multi-Purpose Waterproof Stain. Proven to waterproof concrete, brick, exterior wood and other exterior surfaces.
- CLEAR STAIN – This outdoor wood stain and sealer provides a clear finish. It will hide the grain, but still allow the texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding enhancing the natural color.
- FADE RESISTANT FINISH – The advanced polymers in this outdoor wood and deck stain deliver fade-resistant color so it stays looking great year-round. The coating resists UV damage, so you can apply with confidence.
- EASY TO USE – Whether you’re refinishing an existing fence or putting the finishing touches on a new patio, this concrete, brick, wood sealer is easy to apply. Clean the surface thoroughly prior to use for best results.
- THOMPSON’S – Protecting & maintaining all your exterior surfaces, can easily be simplified if you know where to start. Thompson’s WaterSeal is here to take the edge off, thanks to our one-coat products, informative how-to guides & decades of expertise.
- Prevents attack from termites, powder post beetles and other wood boring insects
- Protects against rot and decay by inhibiting mold, mildew, and staining fungus growth on the wood surface
- Controls moisture damage, including swelling, shrinking, warping, splitting and end‐checking
- Water‐based formula allows for fast; easy clean up with soap and water
- Transparent, natural green color can be over‐coated with oil‐base primer, paint or stain
- Ready-to-Use Copper Naphthenate 17% (contains 2% copper as metal), meets the AWPA M4 Standard
- Required by building codes (IBC 2303.1.9 & IRC R317.1.1) on end-cuts of all pressure treated lumber
- Low VOC (<350g/L) and 100% domestically sourced from recycled copper and reclaimed by-products.
- Labeled for General Use, and wood treated with Tenino maybe discarded in local landfill
- Water repellant and both toxic and repellant to termites and other wood destroying insect
Your Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Wood Preservative
Wood is great, but it needs help to last a long time. Rain, bugs, and sun can damage it quickly. A wood preservative acts like sunscreen and bug spray for your wood! This guide helps you pick the right one for your project.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at the label. Certain features make a preservative much better.
Protection Type
- Fungicide/Mildewcide: This stops mold and rot from growing on the wood, especially in damp areas.
- Insecticide: This keeps termites and wood-boring beetles away. This is vital for outdoor structures.
- UV Resistance: Sunlight breaks down wood fibers. Good preservatives include UV blockers to prevent graying and cracking.
Application Method
Some preservatives you brush on like paint. Others come in pressurized cans for spraying. Think about what is easiest for your job.
Drying Time
If you need to use the wood quickly, choose a product that dries fast. Slow-drying formulas can trap moisture underneath, causing problems later.
2. Important Materials in Preservatives
Wood preservatives use different chemicals to do their job. Knowing these helps you choose safer or stronger options.
Water-Based vs. Oil-Based
- Water-Based: These are usually easier to clean up (just soap and water!). They often have lower odors. They are good for decks and fences.
- Oil-Based: These penetrate deep into the wood fibers, offering very strong protection against water. They smell stronger and take longer to dry. They are often used for wood in direct contact with the ground.
Active Ingredients
Modern, safer preservatives often use copper compounds (like micronized copper) or borates. Older types sometimes used harsher chemicals. Always check if the preservative is safe for where you plan to use it (like near vegetable gardens).
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all preservatives work the same way. Quality depends on how deep the protection goes and how long it lasts.
Penetration Depth
The best preservatives soak deep into the wood. If the preservative only stays on the surface, rain will wash it away quickly. Deep penetration means longer-lasting protection.
Compatibility with Finish
Will you paint or stain the wood later? Some preservatives change the wood color or prevent paint from sticking. Choose a clear preservative if you want the natural wood look, or ensure the product is labeled “paintable.”
VOC Content (Volatile Organic Compounds)
VOCs are chemicals that evaporate into the air. High VOCs mean stronger smells and potentially more pollution. Low-VOC options are generally considered higher quality for user health and the environment.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Where you use the wood matters most.
Above Ground Use (Fences, Siding)
For wood that stays dry most of the time, a standard water-based preservative is usually enough. Focus on mildew and UV protection.
Ground Contact (Deck Posts, Garden Beds)
This wood gets wet often. You need heavy-duty, deep-penetrating preservatives, often oil-based, that resist constant moisture and rot. These are sometimes called “pressure-treated” alternatives.
Indoor Use (Basement Beams)
If you treat wood indoors, odor and VOCs are major concerns. Look for low-odor, borate-based treatments that target pests but dry clear and odorless.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Preservatives
Q: How long does wood preservative usually last?
A: A good quality preservative can protect wood for 5 to 15 years, depending on the weather and how much water the wood sees.
Q: Can I use wood preservative on wood that is already painted?
A: No. Preservatives must soak directly into the bare wood to work correctly. You must strip old paint or stain off first.
Q: Is it safe to use wood preservative near my vegetable garden?
A: Some chemicals are not safe near food. Always choose products specifically labeled as safe for garden use, like borate treatments.
Q: What is the difference between a stain and a preservative?
A: A stain mostly colors the wood. A preservative adds chemicals to stop bugs and rot. Many products do both jobs!
Q: Do I need to wear gloves when applying wood preservative?
A: Yes, always wear gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves. The chemicals can irritate your skin and eyes.
Q: How long must I wait before staining wood after applying preservative?
A: Check the product directions. Usually, you wait until the wood feels completely dry, often 24 to 48 hours.
Q: What happens if I skip treating the end-grain of the wood?
A: The end-grain (where the wood was cut) soaks up water like a sponge. If you skip treating the ends, rot starts there first.
Q: Can I use a brush to apply an oil-based preservative?
A: Yes, brushing works well for oil-based products. It helps push the oil deep into the wood fibers.
Q: Does sunlight break down wood preservative chemicals?
A: Yes, UV rays break down the protection. That is why high-quality preservatives include UV absorbers.
Q: What should I do with leftover preservative?
A: Do not pour it down the drain. Contact your local trash or recycling center for instructions on disposing of hazardous household chemicals safely.