Talking About Green

There is a variety of different types of wood and ways to in which to protect them, but so many of the wood protectorates out there are full of environmentally as well as health harmful chemicals and may be sprayed from just as harmful aerosol cans. But as wood ages or wears it can become dry and start to crack, and if not with chemical treatments, how are you supposed to protect your wood while still adhearing to your environmental responsibility? Here are a few ideas on how to better protect your wood, yet still stay green.

Cleaning and Preparation
Depending upon the type or wood or item you are looking to protect, there could be numerous green ways in which to prepare the surface that can avoid environmentally harmful chemicals or cleaners. A light dusting with a clean rag may be all it takes for more delicate furniture or wood items. For more durable wood, a good wipe down with a lightly water-dampened rag could do the trick. For wood products that are exposed to the elements or that you aren’t as concerned about exposing to harsher abrasives, a sanding with a fine-grain sandpaper and then a wipe down with a water-dampened rag to remove any dust or debris can help prepare it for an all natural and green preservative.

Application
It’s important to bear in mind that no matter what type of wood you’re treating or what green material you’re treating it with, that before you start, you do a small test spot in a low visibility spot to make sure you won’t damage the wood and that you get the look you’re going for. For many wood products and furniture, you might consider using an all natural wood wax, or possibly olive oil, or a vinegar and water mix for an eco-freindly alternative. It can also be important to remember that as you apply such natural preservatives, that you do so in light layers, especially when using slow-drying preservatives so as not to create an overly oily surface that could become slick or sticky.

Re-applications

How often you must re-treat a piece of wood with a green preservative may be dictated by your usage or particular location. Heavy use of the item will likely require you to treat the wood more often, but the frequency of your applications might also depend on the humidity or dryness of your geographic location as well as whether the wooden item or piece of furniture is exposed to sunlight, dampness, or other harsh weather conditions.

Eric Munoz owns a wood furniture design company in Houston that can custom build pieces from scratch or duplicate existing pieces. He has over 10 years of experience working with his hands. Visit his site at http://www.cambiumworks.com.

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