How do you treat wood for outside fence use?

by Shayne

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I know that fence posts etc used to be treated for long term use and protection by using motor oil and something else but they are banning that because they are finding that it affects the underground water systems. What is another DIY way to treat this kind of lumber for long term but safe effectiveness?

3 answers

Kathy on Apr 03, 2019

Minwax makes a SPAR URETHANE (I imagine other brands do as well) I was looking for a marine type finish coat and they suggested this.

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- Wes on Apr 03, 2019
  
  This. And if you want to speed up the process, cut it with mineral spirits and put it in a stain sprayer and spray it on. It may take a couple of coats since you are cutting it but spar urethane is thick, it can take a while to brush it on, and can leave a thick luster. Cutting it helps the wood adsorb it better with a finer coat. I wouldn’t put more than two coats of it on at a time unless you plan to lightly sand it first to give a rough surface to adhere to. This is the same stuff used to protect wood boats and other marine wood furniture/fixtures. If you don’t want to hastel with a sprayer, I would still recommend cutting it (diluting it) with mineral spirit since it does take so long to brush on. This way it goes on faster, dries faster, and doesn’t produce the same drip issues you get with full strength spar urethane running and dripping down vertical surfaces.
  
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- Shayne on Apr 04, 2019
  
  Thank you Kathy! I will check into this!
  
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- Shayne on Apr 04, 2019
  
  Wess, that's a great suggestion for application! I like that idea!
  
  1 marked as helpful
Linda Sikut on Apr 03, 2019

Hi Shayne,
Here's an article that should help you as your research for the best ways for you to accomplish your project. I hope this will help you. Wishing you the best.
https://www.doityourself.com/stry/protecting-wood-fence

Helpful Reply
- Shayne on Apr 04, 2019
  
  Thank you Linda! I probably should have been more specific. I need to use something for the actual fence posts that sink into the ground to protect it from the water and long term underground elements. Thoughts on that?
  
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Betty Albright-Bistrow on Apr 04, 2019

Hi Shayne!
Here you go! These videos have great information for you.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=How+do+you+treat+wood+for+outside+fence+use%3f&qpvt=How+do+you+treat+wood+for+outside+fence+use%3f&FORM=VDRE

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- Shayne on Apr 04, 2019
  
  Thank you Betty! There are a lot of videos here and I will go through them. Specifically I am looking for treatment for the fence posts that you sink into the ground. I need protection for the ones that are underground and need protection from water and termites etc. Thought on this specifically?
  
  Helpful

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