Frequently Asked Questions - Finish & Care:
Q: What do you mean by "weatherproofed"?
A: The sealant I use is Preserva's "Preserva Wood" finish. This clear, oil-based sealant penetrates
deep and contains transparent iron oxides that effectively absorb and block harmful UV rays. And,
depending on the wood type, desired finish (sheen v. matte) and future setting/environment, I'll also
add thin coat of polyurethane.
Q: What types of paint do you use?
A: With planters, I use exterior paints exclusively. Though many would likely fare better inside,
I plan for their use outdoors -- exterior paint is more durable, mildew-resistant, and retains superior
UV protection versus interior paint. When it comes to wall hangings and furniture, I use interior
flat enamels.
Q: I want to grow veggies -- can you leave the inside untreated?
A: Yes. What I normally do for food growers is to seal the planter box on the outside only and leave
the inside untreated. Just write me a note as you’re checking out.
Q: Do your planters require use of a liner?
A: No, just add soil and flowers. Though a liner IS NOT required for any model, soil and water will
wear them faster so I think it's a good idea for many. (fyi - ALL Box Planters are purposefully built
for heavy-duty, outdoor use.)
Q: How do I keep my planters looking new?
A: All wood left outdoors will eventually gray, it’s a factor of UV exposure, pollution and oxidation.
The wood’s surface slowly oxidizes and absorbs pollution and moisture, resulting in the surface
color changing towards a silver patina over time. This color change is cosmetic only and is not
indicative of decay. Your planters will last for years and are not compromised by this change.
To help keep your planters looking new, after the winter season, take a few minutes to spruce them
up by hosing them down and brushing them off (no soap or chemicals needed). The premium
sealant I use will last 4 years. Once it has faded, you can refinish it without much effort by carefully
power washing then resealing. This will remove all the built-up oxidation, pollution and UV burning
on the surface. It will also strip away the old sealant layers and allow you to start fresh. Stripping
the sealant lets the wood absorb the new coat deeper into the wood, otherwise, the old sealant
"seals" the surface making new coats superficial. Do it on a dry, sunny day and repeat this process
every few years until you’re too old to bother. ;-)
A: The sealant I use is Preserva's "Preserva Wood" finish. This clear, oil-based sealant penetrates
deep and contains transparent iron oxides that effectively absorb and block harmful UV rays. And,
depending on the wood type, desired finish (sheen v. matte) and future setting/environment, I'll also
add thin coat of polyurethane.
Q: What types of paint do you use?
A: With planters, I use exterior paints exclusively. Though many would likely fare better inside,
I plan for their use outdoors -- exterior paint is more durable, mildew-resistant, and retains superior
UV protection versus interior paint. When it comes to wall hangings and furniture, I use interior
flat enamels.
Q: I want to grow veggies -- can you leave the inside untreated?
A: Yes. What I normally do for food growers is to seal the planter box on the outside only and leave
the inside untreated. Just write me a note as you’re checking out.
Q: Do your planters require use of a liner?
A: No, just add soil and flowers. Though a liner IS NOT required for any model, soil and water will
wear them faster so I think it's a good idea for many. (fyi - ALL Box Planters are purposefully built
for heavy-duty, outdoor use.)
Q: How do I keep my planters looking new?
A: All wood left outdoors will eventually gray, it’s a factor of UV exposure, pollution and oxidation.
The wood’s surface slowly oxidizes and absorbs pollution and moisture, resulting in the surface
color changing towards a silver patina over time. This color change is cosmetic only and is not
indicative of decay. Your planters will last for years and are not compromised by this change.
To help keep your planters looking new, after the winter season, take a few minutes to spruce them
up by hosing them down and brushing them off (no soap or chemicals needed). The premium
sealant I use will last 4 years. Once it has faded, you can refinish it without much effort by carefully
power washing then resealing. This will remove all the built-up oxidation, pollution and UV burning
on the surface. It will also strip away the old sealant layers and allow you to start fresh. Stripping
the sealant lets the wood absorb the new coat deeper into the wood, otherwise, the old sealant
"seals" the surface making new coats superficial. Do it on a dry, sunny day and repeat this process
every few years until you’re too old to bother. ;-)
© 2013 E.M. Woodworking & Design. All rights reserved.
