How to waterproof a wooden table against humidity?

Wood is a natural material that needs to be pampered. This material is strong but still sensitive to moisture. A spilled glass, the mark of a cup, a splash of liquid… and your table can quickly be covered with unsightly stains… Once the stain is encrusted, it is difficult to remove it! That’s why we give you in this article all our tips for waterproofing your wooden surface and preventing accidents! What are the steps to follow to protect your wooden furniture against humidity and above all what products to use? We tell you everything.

WHY WATERPROOF YOUR WOODEN TABLE?

Before giving you all our tips for protecting your wooden furniture, it may be good to understand why this material must be protected against humidity at all costs.

WOOD: A PERMEABLE MATERIAL, SENSITIVE TO HUMIDITY

Wood generally evokes a material that withstands all tests. Although it is a very resistant material, it remains a natural material that should be properly protected to keep its furniture intact over the years. Composed of plant fibers, wood is naturally a permeable material that will be very sensitive to water splashes and other liquids in general. It is also a material that is called hygroscopic, that is to say that it will naturally absorb and release water to be permanently balanced in its ambient environment.

THE EFFECTS OF HUMIDITY ON WOOD

Variations in humidity act on the wood, which will deform and swell. You have most certainly heard that wood works, in other words it will experience dimensional variations and shrink in a dry environment then swell in a humid environment. Beyond these variations, the wood will also absorb liquids, which will cause the formation of stains or annoying runs. Simply leave a damp mug on the table to impregnate the surface of the wood and irreparably change its appearance if it is not protected.

BEWARE OF RAW WOOD FURNITURE!

As you will have understood, wood is sensitive to water and liquids which can cause unpleasant stains and halos. While many pieces of furniture already have protective finishes, raw wood furniture will absolutely need to be treated and protected to prevent it from being damaged over time. This is all the more true for your tables and worktops which are potentially subject to water and liquid splashes on a daily basis.

PROTECTING YOUR WOOD AGAINST HUMIDITY: WHICH PRODUCT TO USE?

We too often forget to protect our wooden furniture, generally not knowing how to do it. Today there are several products to waterproof your wooden surface and prevent unfortunate stains. Varnishes, oils, waxes… each product has advantages and disadvantages. We will explain everything to you.

PROTECT YOUR WOODEN FURNITURE WITH A VARNISH

Varnish is a very effective product when trying to protect wooden furniture from water and stains. This product will come to cover the surface of the wood by forming a thin and transparent protective film, which will prevent stains from becoming embedded. Its appearance can be matte, shiny or satin. The advantage is that it requires little maintenance. A wipe with a sponge is enough to remove traces of liquids!

If you want a discreet finish that highlights the authenticity of your wood, then you can opt for a matte varnish. On the other hand, for bright furniture, glossy varnish will be more suitable. You can also find colored varnishes that not only protect your furniture but also decorate it nicely.

ITS ADVANTAGES

Water and stain resistant, it is also useful for nourishing your wood and protecting it from bumps and scratches. One of its main advantages is that it is suitable for all types of species and helps preserve their natural appearance, unlike oils which can darken the wood and give it a wet look.

ITS DISADVANTAGES

You should know that the varnish is not suitable for localized recovery. In other words, if your wooden furniture is stained in one place, you will have to refinish all your furniture by sanding and ironing varnish everywhere.

WATERPROOFING WOODEN FURNITURE WITH OIL

Oil is one of the best solutions for waterproofing wooden furniture. This wet-look satin or matte finish will bring out the grain of the wood and warm up its finish. It is also particularly appreciated for its natural touch and has been used for centuries for its protective qualities. Among the most used, we find the famous linseed oil, known for its miracle effects on wood!

It is a transparent, non-film-forming product, which will coat the fibers of the wood and penetrate it deeply. The advantage is that the oil is suitable for all species. On the other hand, it is a final finish, that is to say that once you have applied the product, it will be difficult to sand your furniture to regain its raw appearance.

ITS ADVANTAGES

Unlike wax or varnish, oil will not add a superficial layer to the wood but will help keep its matt and natural feel. It will therefore sublimate your wood while keeping its texture, its grain and its nuances. It is also a natural, ecological and economical product! Oil is generally inexpensive and therefore stands out as a major ally for protecting wooden furniture.

ITS DISADVANTAGES

You should know that oil is a delicate product that can be difficult to apply. If linseed oil is the most common, it should be noted that this product tends to darken the wood. Being yellow in color, this oil can indeed slightly darken your wood as it dries but also as it ages over time. You should also know that linseed oil takes a long time to dry. Be sure to protect your furniture well during this phase to prevent dirt from becoming encrusted on the surface of the wood.

WAX: ANOTHER WATERPROOFING AGENT FOR WOOD

Wax is a product often cited to protect wooden furniture. The advantage with this type of finish is that it will respect the natural appearance of the wood while giving it a slight shine. The wax will harden on the surface of the wood and fill its pores to protect it, but remains much less protective than the previous products. It is used in addition to an oil to reinforce the resistance of the furniture and thus prolong its longevity. But wax alone remains limited to properly waterproof your furniture. It is used more for the maintenance of your furniture.

Several types of wax are possible depending on your preferences for use: liquid to be applied with a brush, paste to be used with a cloth, tinted, etc. You can even make your own homemade wax with 200ml turpentine and 100g beeswax mixed in a bowl of hot water to form a paste.

ITS ADVANTAGES

Wax is generally appreciated for its particular scent. Waxing a wooden dining table can enhance its colors and give it a new shine. Can also be colored, it can revive the shine of your wooden furniture and give them a new lease of life.

ITS DISADVANTAGES

This finish remains however the least resistant to wear as a general rule. It will be essential to apply a hard background beforehand or apply it after an oil.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO WATERPROOF WOODEN FURNITURE? 

The waterproofing of wooden furniture is done in different stages. From the cleaning phase, to the application of a hard coat, to the application of your protective product… there is a whole procedure to properly protect your wooden furniture and keep it looking like new.

PREPARING THE WOOD SURFACE

The first step in waterproofing wooden furniture is to clean it thoroughly, so that the product adheres well to the wood surface. To clean wooden furniture, be careful not to use abrasive products and to respect the direction of the wood. In any case, your furniture must be clean and dry before you start. If your furniture has some irregularities, you can smooth the surface with a light sanding. Indeed, if you want to protect a piece of furniture with an old finish, you will have to remove it first. The surface should be smooth and cleaned to start from scratch. Depending on the finish that was applied, you will need to strip or even sand the surface to remove traces of the finish. After this step, remember to dust off your furniture.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A HARD BOTTOM TO PROPERLY PROTECT YOUR WOOD

The hard bottom is a step strongly recommended when looking to properly waterproof wooden furniture. It is actually an undercoat that will prepare the wood to receive a finish (varnish, wax or oil). The hard base is a transparent product, made up of a vegetable or synthetic resin, which will deeply penetrate the wood to guarantee good stability and resistance as well as good grip for the next product. Note that it is generally used in woods dedicated to the interior. This type of undercoat is recommended for softwood furniture, since its action will allow it to harden. In general, it is advisable to apply a hard bottom for furniture that will be used on a daily basis, such as tables that are subject to water and liquids.

PRODUCT APPLICATION

HOW TO USE A VARNISH ON WOOD?

To apply a varnish to a piece of furniture that has already been varnished or stained, remember to first carry out a dewaxing or stripping process to return the wood to its raw state. Then move on to the preparation of the surface mentioned just before.

Regardless of the piece of furniture you want to varnish, whether it is a wooden stool, a table or an armchair, the application of the product must be done in the direction of the wood fibers. Be sure to spread the product over the entire surface so as not to create irregularities or burrs. Leave to dry then lightly buff the surface before adding a second coat. This is useful for removing small defects that may remain. Repeat the previous operations until the result is satisfactory.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR WOODEN FURNITURE WITH OIL?

It is recommended not to use pure oil, but to dilute it halfway with a solvent, such as turpentine for example. This will notably improve its adhesion to the surface of your furniture.

Pour a little oil directly onto a cloth to avoid marks on the wood, then rub in the direction of the wood. You can also apply your oil with a brush, but we advise you to avoid stopping to avoid the traces it could leave.

The drying step is important. Allow at least 30 minutes for the product to penetrate well into the wood. Then, remove the excess with a clean cloth. You should know that one layer is rarely enough. It will indeed take at least two other applications so that your furniture can be protected in a durable way. In any case, you will have to wait between 12 and 24 hours between the different coats. And yes, the use of an oil requires more time than for other products!

Once the drying stage is complete, rub your furniture lightly with very fine sandpaper. This phase can be done between each new layer. Then let your furniture rest for a few days.

WAX: HOW TO APPLY IT ON YOUR FURNITURE?

Waxing wooden furniture is an easy operation to perform. First, it is important to ensure that the wood is cleaned of all traces of old finishes, otherwise the wax will not adhere to the surface of the wood.

The wax can be applied using a brush or a soft cloth in the direction of the wood. Leave to dry for at least one hour, then iron a second, slightly thinner coat. A third application is possible if you want a very shiny finish. Once the wax is completely dry, comes the polishing stage! Use a nylon or bristle brush, then scrub your furniture for a shiny finish.

TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR WOOD AFTER WATERPROOFING IT

Whichever product you have chosen to apply, it is necessary to properly maintain your furniture afterwards. The maintenance of a varnished piece of furniture is very simple: a damp cloth is generally sufficient to clean any traces. The varnish lasts indeed a long time if it has been applied correctly!

Oiled furniture must also be maintained regularly. Dust and clean your furniture daily with suitable products, without using water. If your furniture has been a little damaged over time, you will need to re-oil. It may even be good to think ahead and apply a new coat before it’s too late to keep your furniture protection intact.

To maintain waxed wood furniture, you must first dust it and then dry clean it. If the surface of your furniture is damaged, remove the wax with a suitable product and then reapply your finish.

FAQ: ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT WOOD WATERPROOFING

IS IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REMOVE A WATER STAIN FROM A WOODEN TABLE?

You haven’t waterproofed your wooden table and it’s already stained? Don’t panic, if the stain is white, it has only penetrated the finish of the wood but not the wood itself… so there is still hope! Either way, the sooner you act, the more likely you are to get your piece of furniture back. There are several furniture care products that can help you catch up on the surface of your wooden furniture. We invite you to read their terms of use carefully.

WHEN TO REUSE YOUR TABLE AFTER APPLYING A PRODUCT?

The drying time is often indicated directly on the maintenance product you have chosen. So be sure to follow the instructions when buying it. As a general rule, you can expect around 48 hours of drying before using your dining table again. However, freshly varnished furniture will be completely dry after ten days.

HOW TO WATERPROOF OUTDOOR FURNITURE?

If the steps presented in this article can also be applied to outdoor furniture, there are also very specific products dedicated to the protection of garden furniture, in particular exotic woods such as teak. This wood is one of the most used in outdoor furniture.