What Is Wood Preserver—and Why Your Home Needs It

Wooden fences, decks, and trim add timeless charm to any home. But without protection, that beautiful wood is vulnerable to moisture, insects, and the sun. While paints and stains add color, they don't always protect the wood from within. That's where Lovitt's wood preserver comes in—it's your first line of defense against the elements.

This guide will explain what wood preserver is, how it works, and why it's a crucial step in protecting your home's exterior wood.

What Exactly Is Wood Preserver?

Think of wood preserver as a powerful shield that soaks deep into wood fibers. Unlike stains or sealers that mostly sit on the surface, a preserver penetrates the wood to protect it from the inside out. It contains a blend of active ingredients designed to combat specific threats:

• Fungicides: These prevent the growth of fungi that cause wet and dry rot, which can make wood soft, spongy, and structurally unsound.
• Insecticides: These target and deter wood-boring insects like termites, woodworms, and carpenter bees from nesting in and eating your wood.
• Water Repellents: Special waxes and resins stop water from soaking into the wood, which is the main cause of swelling, warping, and cracking.
• UV Blockers: Some preservers include filters that protect the wood from sun damage, which can cause it to turn gray and brittle over time.

While stains add color and sealers create a top-coat barrier, a preserver is the fundamental treatment that makes those finishes last longer and work better.

Key Benefits of Using Wood Preserver

Applying a wood preserver isn't just another chore—it's an investment that pays off by saving you time and money on future repairs.

• Prevents Rot and Decay: It stops fungal growth before it can compromise the strength of your wood.
• Resists Mold and Mildew: It keeps ugly and unhealthy surface mold from taking hold, especially in damp, shady areas.
• Deters Wood-Boring Insects: It makes your wood an unappealing meal for destructive pests.
• Reduces Warping and Cracking: By blocking moisture, it helps wood maintain its shape and structural integrity.
• Extends Paint and Stain Life: It provides a stable, protected base, preventing moisture from getting underneath your topcoat and causing it to peel or flake.
• Enhances Appearance: Tinted preservers can add rich color while clear versions highlight the wood's natural grain.

Where to Use Wood Preserver Around Your Home

Any bare or exposed exterior wood can benefit from a preserver. Common areas include:

• Fences and Gates: Your property's first defense against the weather.
• Decks and Railings: High-traffic, high-exposure surfaces that need maximum protection.
• Sheds and Pergolas: Structures that are constantly exposed to rain and sun.
• Exterior Trim, Siding, and Fascia: Protects the wood elements of your home's structure.
• Window and Door Frames: Prevents moisture from seeping in around seals.
• Planters and Garden Structures: Creates a barrier against soil moisture. For vegetable gardens, be sure to choose a product specifically labeled as safe for soil contact.

Choosing the Right Type

Wood preservers generally come in two main formulas:

• Oil-Based: Offers deep penetration and excellent durability. It takes longer to dry but provides robust, long-lasting protection. Best for dense hardwoods or high-exposure areas like decks.
• Water-Based: Low-odor, quick-drying, and easy to clean up with soap and water. It's great for vertical surfaces like fences and sheds where you need to apply a topcoat quickly.

You can also choose between clear and tinted options. A clear preserver protects the wood while letting its natural color and grain show through. A tinted preserver adds color and UV protection, acting as a "stain and preserver in one" for a faster finish.

Simple Steps for Application

Applying wood preserver is a straightforward DIY project. Always follow the manufacturer's directions, but here is a general process:

1. Inspect and Dry: Ensure the wood is completely dry. Applying preserver to damp wood traps moisture, which leads to rot.
2. Clean and Degrease: Remove all dirt, algae, and previous coatings. Use a specialized wood cleaner for best results.
3. Sand Lightly: A quick scuff with medium-grit sandpaper opens up the wood's pores to help the preserver soak in.
4. Mask and Protect: Use painter's tape to protect any adjacent surfaces like siding, concrete, or glass.
5. Apply Evenly: Use a brush, roller, or garden sprayer to apply a consistent coat. Work it into all cracks and end grains, as these are the most vulnerable spots.
6. Follow Recoat Times: Most products recommend two coats. Pay close attention to the specified drying time between coats and before applying a topcoat of paint or sealer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Trapping Moisture: Never apply a preserver to wet wood.
• Skipping Prep: Dirty or greasy wood will prevent the preserver from penetrating properly.
• Applying in Extreme Weather: Avoid applying in direct, hot sun or when temperatures are below 50°F (10°C), as it can affect drying and absorption.
• Mixing Incompatible Products: Don't apply an oil-based preserver under a water-based paint unless the label explicitly says it's okay.

Maintenance and Safety

Check your wood annually. It’s time to reapply a preserver when water no longer beads on the surface, the wood starts looking gray or dry, or you see small hairline cracks appearing.

For safety, always work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves and eye protection. Keep pets and children away during application and drying. Properly dispose of used rags and materials according to local regulations, as oil-soaked rags can be a fire hazard.

Protecting your home's wood is simple. Before the next season of rain or sun arrives, take the time to treat your fences, deck, and other exterior wood with a quality preserver. It's a small weekend project that delivers years of protection and peace of mind.

Order your wood preserver today from Lovitt's Professional Coatings!