Wood is one of the oldest materials used for furniture and other home furnishings, giving homes a warm, traditional ambiance. However, sun exposure can damage wood over time, causing it to fade or discolor.
Thankfully, there are many ways how to protect wood from sun damage. Using these simple methods can help ensure that your wood furniture lasts for years to come.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Ultimately, the best way to protect your wood furniture from sun damage is by keeping it out of direct sunlight. While occasional exposure to UV rays may not harm wood, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light can cause the furniture to fade, darken, or develop a discoloration that is not reversible.
It is the same as how your skin reacts to the sun’s harmful rays: it can get darker or tanned, but eventually, the effects are irreversible. If you have wooden patio furniture, that is exposed to UV rays in a sunny room, it’s recommended that you try to move the furniture around to avoid the areas of the room with maximum exposure.
The best solution for avoiding fading in your wooden furniture is to use window treatments that will filter out or reflect the sun’s UV rays. Drapes, curtains, shutters, or blinds are great options for indoor furniture, as they can block the majority of UV rays while still allowing light to pass through.
This is a quick and easy option that can save your wood furniture from the harsh impact of the sun’s damaging UV rays. Varnishes are available in a variety of finishes ranging from matte to glossy, and they provide your furniture covers with a first-class protective layer that will prevent the sun’s UV rays from penetrating and causing damage.
Another way to avoid direct sunlight is by storing your wood furniture in a covered area when it’s not being used. Putting furniture covering your wood furniture in an alcove, in a shed, or an outdoor gazebo will give it the physical protection it needs to stay in good condition.
This is a great solution for protecting your outdoor furniture from rain as well. Rain can quickly cause damage to wooden furniture that is not protected, such as rotting, mildew, and fungi growth. There are several varnishes, oils, and stains that are specifically designed to protect wood from moisture and the resulting damage. Using one of these protection treatments will help to keep your wooden furniture looking good all year round!
Use Window Treatments
The sun’s rays are incredibly powerful and can damage both wood surfaces and the fabrics that cover them. To protect outdoor furniture and avoid this type of irreversible damage, it’s important to take a few precautions. Occasional exposure to sunlight won’t harm wood furniture but prolonged contact with UV rays can cause discoloration that’s sometimes irreversible.
If you’re in a situation where your wood furniture is exposed to sunlight for hours each day, you may want to consider investing in some special window treatments to prevent sun damage. For example, drapes or curtains that are drawn during the hottest part of the day will drastically cut down on any UV and infrared rays that can reach wood floors and furnishings. This is a simple, cost-effective way to protect your wood from the damaging effects of prolonged direct sunlight exposure.
Another great option is to install solar window film. This window treatment reflects up to 99% of the sun’s harmful rays, while still allowing natural light to pass through. The film is also designed to reduce heat, which can help keep your home cool without increasing your energy bill. Solar window films are quickly becoming a popular choice for homeowners looking to protect their furniture from the sun’s harsh UV rays while still preserving the beauty of natural wood.
If softwood on your furniture is already showing signs of sun damage, you can try using a sealant to keep the sun from hurting it any further. Some sealants are designed to work on wood that’s already faded or darkened, while others are formulated to enhance the beauty of the wood grain itself.
Varnish is one of the most common forms of wood sealant that can be used to protect against the sun’s UV rays. Varnish comes in a range of finishes from matte to high-gloss, and it offers first-class protection against UV rays, moisture, heat, and other everyday wear and tear. Another option for effective sun protection is to use polyurethane, which can be applied to both new and old wooden items and provides excellent UV protection. Both products can be found at your local hardware store, and they’re an easy way to keep your wood furniture protected from the damaging effects of daily sunshine.
Apply Linseed Oil
If you wish to protect your wood from sunburn, using linseed oil is one option. Linseed oil is made from the seeds of the flax plant. It can be sprayed, brushed, or sponged onto the surface of the wood and it will quickly penetrate the grain to protect the underlying material. When it dries, a protective barrier is formed that helps to block out UV rays. Linseed oil is available in many different finishes, from natural to glossy, depending on the desired appearance and level of sun protection used.
Before applying linseed oil, the wood must be completely dry and free of any waxes or varnishes. If the wood is already painted, it should be stripped to bare wood and then sanded before continuing. It is also a good idea to lightly sand between each application of the linseed oil to help it adhere better. Boiled linseed oil takes a while to dry, so you should plan on applying several coats over a week or so. Make sure to allow a full day for each coat to dry before proceeding with the next one.
While linseed oil is great for protecting outdoor wood against sunlight, it does not block out moisture. If your wood is exposed to a lot of moisture, you may want to use another sealant. Epoxy is a great choice because it can be used as a primer and has a high water-resistant capacity, although you should choose an epoxy that is rated for outdoor use since some will be yellow in direct sunlight.
There are also all-in-one wood oils available that can seal and stain your wood at the same time, leaving a beautiful finish that will protect it from UV rays and moisture damage. These products include Osmo Polyx Oils, which are simple to apply and do not require a primer or intermediate sanding, and Rubio Monocoat’s Oil Plus 2C, which can be used on pine surfaces and hardwood floors such as worktops and desks and requires less maintenance than raw linseed oil.
Apply a Finish
Wood furniture can be protected from sunlight damage by applying a finish that will block UV rays. There are many types of finishes available for wood, including varnish and paint. The best type of finish for outdoor wood furniture depends on how much exposure to the elements the piece has. If it will be outdoors, a polyurethane or oil-based wood finish is typically recommended. These are durable materials that offer first-class protection from sun damage.
Varnish is a tough, water-resistant coating that is typically used as a top coat. It is made from resins, oils, and solvents and offers first-class protection from wood damage. Varnish also blocks UV rays from penetrating the surface of the wood.
Before applying varnish, stir the product to mix it thoroughly. Stirring too vigorously can create air bubbles, which will make the varnish difficult to apply. Dip a brush halfway into the finish and begin to apply it as evenly as possible.
Oil-based finishes for wood are typically linseed or tung oil, which are combined with mineral spirits to make them waterproof. This type of finish will protect the wood from moisture, but will not prevent it from becoming sun-bleached or darkened. These oils must be applied to the furniture regularly, usually every three to five years.
Linseed and tung oil also provide a natural shine to wood, which can help it look attractive. If you choose to use this type of finish on your furniture, it is important to put your furniture clean any oily rags in a bucket of water after they are saturated. Oily rags can spontaneously combust in extreme temperatures.
Another option is to apply a clear, acrylic wood finish. This material is formulated to contain pigments that are designed to block UV rays without interfering with the clarity of the wood grain. Some products also incorporate a special iron oxide that helps prevent UV rays from damaging the wood.
The most effective way to protect wood from the sun is to move it periodically and cover it during the winter months. This will help ensure that it is protected from all of the different weather conditions throughout the year and can extend its lifespan.
