This guide is aimed at anyone who wants to waterproof a wooden surface or is wondering how to waterproof one. It is divided into two main parts: we'll explain the benefits of waterproofing your outdoor wooden surfaces, and we'll go into more detail on how to apply the product correctly to your wood.
The principle of wood waterproofing
Waterproofing is a process used to protect wood from stagnant water, humidity and any other liquid that may impregnate the wood.
The aim of this process is to prevent and act against mould and blackening linked to the impregnation of wood by moisture. Leaving wood damp causes pronounced deterioration, with symptoms such as splitting, cracking, rotting and dimensional distortion.
Products for waterproofing wood
To properly waterproof exterior wood, such as decking and cladding, you need to use special products called water repellents.
There are several types of water repellent for waterproofing wood: film-forming water repellents and wood-impregnating water repellents. In our professional opinion, we strongly recommend the use of impregnating products. As their name suggests, film-forming products leave a protective film on the wood, but this film can crack and water can then penetrate the wood, whereas impregnating products penetrate the wood to protect it.
We recommend HB600 Wood Water Repellent, because its special water-based formula provides perfect waterproofing, allowing water to bead up once applied while letting the wood breathe. Respectful of the environment and the user, this product has been specially designed for terraces, cladding and other outdoor wooden surfaces. Water Repellent Wood also has anti-UV, anti-slip and anti-yellowing properties, and can be used on all types of wood, whether autoclave, exotic or softwood. The product does not stain the wood, so it retains its original natural appearance. Once the wood water repellent has been applied, the waterproofed surface can be left as is or can be covered with a saturator or paint.
Use of a waterproofing product
Useful products for waterproofing a wooden surface
To waterproof a wooden surface, we recommend you use an impregnating water repellent such as HB600 Wood Water Repellent, a product for cleaning or stripping the wood before applying the water repellent, protective equipment, masking tape to cover the edges of the surface and application equipment such as a spalter, brush or sprayer.
Precautions before applying the product
Before applying a water repellent to waterproof wood, avoid applying the product in rainy weather, in strong winds or on greyed, blackened or mouldy wood. Ideally, apply when the temperature is between 10 and 35°C. Avoid all contact with the skin when applying the product, and wear protective goggles, gloves and helmet.
Preparing wood for waterproofing
Before applying the waterproofing product, the wood must be clean, dry, free of dust and traces of old finishes. Otherwise, if your surface is dirty or clogged, apply a cleaner, such as N100 Cleaner, to the marks and stains. For old finishes, we recommend stripping, cleaning or sanding down to the bare wood. Then remove the dust carefully. Your wood will then be perfectly ready for waterproofing.
Applying waterproofing repellent
Water repellent is a ready-to-use product, no dilution is necessary. Apply a single coat of waterproofing in the direction of the wood grain, using a spalter, brush or sprayer for large terraces. A second coat may be necessary if the wood is very absorbent, and should be applied after a minimum of 2 hours drying time once the first coat has been applied. Do not exceed 24 hours between the two coats.
Drying and precautions after application
Once it has been applied, wait 24 hours before putting it back on the road, and take a few precautions for the first few days. As far as terraces are concerned, avoid moving garden furniture or covering them with tarpaulins.
Wood maintenance after waterproofing
Don't forget that wood is a living surface that is constantly exposed to external aggression and the elements. Once protected, the job isn't finished, and the terrace or wooden surface will need regular maintenance to ensure that the waterproofing remains effective and efficient, at a rate of x times a year.
You can find all our other guides here. If you would like more information or have any questions or queries about waterproofing your wood, you can contact us by e-mail by clicking here or by telephone and we will answer your query as soon as possible.
Below is a list of the products we have used to waterproof wood.