Asked on Oct 28, 2017

What do I use to seal old barn type wood without darkening orchanging

Paula Lawrason
by Paula Lawrason
What do I use to seal old type barn wood without changing and darkening the color?

  10 answers
  • Ann Cherkas Halstead Ann Cherkas Halstead on Oct 29, 2017

    minwax has a can of wax. Wipe on then buff.

  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Oct 29, 2017

    Not knowing the size or purpose of your barn wood, I'd suggest mineral oil (as used for butcher block). Minwax does have a wipe on polyurethane in a satin finish that will protect the barn wood. (I'm jealous you have barn wood.) Best of luck.

  • Holly Kinchlea-Brown Holly Kinchlea-Brown on Oct 29, 2017

    A clear polycrylic or varathane in a matte finish should work

  • Paula Lawrason Paula Lawrason on Oct 29, 2017

    Thanks everyone! Many options to pick from! Time to experiment on these answers!

  • Fawn Fawn on Nov 01, 2017

    I build old barn wood furniture and prefer the natural wood look, I use a product called Danish Oil and get it at Lowes or Home Depot. It comes in different colors but I just use the natural, it seals the wood without changing it at all.

  • Fawn Fawn on Jan 21, 2019

    Sorry Gary, just found your question. Yes, it really works and is easy to apply. It seals the wood very well. I made my coffee table and end tables out of old barn wood and rubbed them down with Danish Oil, no need for coasters at all! It is my preferred treatment for old barn wood, but is my personal preference. You can give it a try and see if it is yours!

    • Bodel Johnston Bodel Johnston on Feb 20, 2019

      When you are talking barn wood are you talking brown toned barn wood? I have made a counter top of grey wind break/ barn board and looking for something to seal it so water won’t stain it and that won’t change the grey color of the wood. Would this danish oil work??

  • Ingrid La Gringa Buxbaum Ingrid La Gringa Buxbaum on Feb 05, 2021

    Does anyone know what I could use for my actual barn? Is huge and has weathered for years. I want to protect it but the sun sets on it so beautifully i really don't want to change the silver color. Did i mention is really big?

  • Karen Karen on Apr 20, 2022

    Can you tell me what I should use to seal old barn siding when using it for my new raised garden beds that would be safe for edibles? Of course we are only sealing the exterior but still:)

  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Apr 21, 2022

    Shellac.