7 Types of Wood Preservatives
1 / 7
Copper Naphthenate-Based Wood Preservatives
Perhaps the most common wood preservative available to DIYers, oil-based copper naphthenates are classified for general use by the EPA. It’s commonly used as a brush-on preservative for end cuts on pressure-treated lumber.
Per the EPA, copper naphthenates also protect above-ground and ground-contact wood against insect damage, with low toxicity for humans.
Copper-Green Brown Wood Preservative is a great example. Like oil-based paints, it goes on easy, cleans up with mineral spirits and doesn’t smell great when first applied. That lingering odor makes it a poor choice for interior projects, but it’s a good option for exterior projects like treating deck posts. The brown color looks good on more visible items like fence posts or landscaping timbers.
2 / 7
Borate-Based Wood Preservatives
On the other hand, borate-based wood preservatives are water-based with a significantly less offensive odor. These are often used on wood for interior framing, like sill plates, sheathing and furring strips.
PenaShield Clear Wood Preservative is a notable example. It goes on clear and absorbs deep into the wood, protecting it from the inside. Once dry and cured, wood treated with this can be painted or sealed.
As the manufacturer notes, “indoors PenaShield will last for the lifetime of the wood, and outdoors it will last for the length of the applied water repellent.”
If you’re interested in borate wood preservatives, look for the active ingredient disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT).
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7p63MoqOyoJGjsbq5wKdlnKedZLmqv9NorqinlGK9s7HSnqmvmaSew6Z7