Introduction
When it comes to selecting your outdoor wood furniture, wood fence and wood deck materials and the appropriate
wood protector there is a lot to consider! Based on personal preference, the type of wood you choose and the look of the wood you desire can vary drastically. Some prefer a silvery, weathered looking wood while others prefer a cleaner,
raw or stained look. It is best to consider all options before starting any outdoor wood projects and deciding what wood sealers and wood protectors are best for your wood care needs.
What is Wood Silvering?
Wood silvering is a natural process of the oxidization of wood. During the process, sunlight produces a chemical reaction within the wood’s cellulose, creating a silver-grey patina.
Will Wood Silvering happen to any type of wood?
Yes, any untreated wood left exposed to sunlight without a wood sealer will undergo this silvering process to some degree.
Are certain types of wood less prone to silvering than others?
Yes. Hardwoods, such as Maple, Oak and Walnut are less prone to silvering than softer woods. Additionally, these woods are best to use when building or purchasing outdoor furniture.
Is Wood silvering bad?
Not necessarily. Wood silvering is coveted by some, as they prefer a warm aged look to their wood surfaces. Others do not care for the look, and believe it makes their wood look dull.
If I like the look of silvered wood, do I still need to seal my outdoor wood furniture, garden bed, wood deck and wood fence?
Yes! Regardless of your preference of silvered vs. non-silvered wood, all wood that is exposed to UV rays and other natural elements should be sealed with a wood sealer, Marine Armor, Bamboo Armor or Fence Armor to avoid waterlogging, mold damage, rotting, cracking and breakage.
Which wood sealant is right for me?
If you prefer the look of silvered wood, Garden Box Armor is the perfect wood sealer for your outdoor wood preservation project! It provides all of the protection of a long-lasting wood sealer without the UV inhibitors that prevent wood silvering.
For a non-silvered look,
Total Wood Armor
will protect your wood for up to 10 years, including protection from
mold and mildew growth, cracking, splitting, water damage, rotting AND silvering!
Silvered Cedar Fencing 
Non-Silvered Cedar Fencing 
Tips for Achieving the Silver Look
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Choose the Right Timber: Hardwoods like Rosewood, Spotted Gum, and Silvertop Ash are excellent choices for achieving a silver-grey finish
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Natural Weathering: Allow the wood to weather naturally by exposing it to the elements. Avoid staining the wood, as it won't achieve the same natural look
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Use a Wood Sealer without a UV Inhibitor: Apply a protective wood sealer during the weathering process to prevent the wood from drying, splintering, or rotting while still allowing it to silver over time. Garden Box Armor FDA food safe wood sealer is a perfect choice for sealing wood with the intention of allowing your wood to silver with time.
Tips for Protecting your Wood from Wood Silvering
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Use a UV-Resistant Wood Sealer: Using a UV-resistant wood sealer like Total Wood Armor will protect your wood from silvering for up to 10 years.
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Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use mild, wood-friendly cleaners to avoid stripping away protective finishes. Harsh chemicals can damage the wood and accelerate the silvering process.
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Consider Staining: Apply a protective wood sealer with a stain that contains a UV-inhibitor. Garden Box Armor, Fence Armor fence sealant and Total Wood Armor are all available in stain colors such as Cedar, Redwood, Black Lava and Walnut.
Conclusion
Whether you love the natural silver-grey patina of weathered wood or prefer to
maintain its original
color, understanding how to use the right
wood protectant is key to achieving your desired look.
If you appreciate the beauty of silvered wood, allowing it to weather naturally can create a stunning, rustic appearance. Simply choose the right type of wood and let nature take its course. Be sure to apply a
natural wood protectant without UV-blockers during the weathering process can help prevent the wood from drying, splintering, or rotting while still allowing it to silver over time.
On the other hand, if you want to preserve the wood's natural
color, using a UV-resistant high-quality sealant is essential. Additionally, placing your outdoor wood in shaded areas, using covers, and avoiding harsh chemicals can further protect your wood from silvering.
By following these tips, you can achieve the look you
desire, whether
it's the charming silver-grey of weathered wood or the vibrant, natural
color of well-protected wood.
We hope you found this guide helpful and informative! If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences with wood protection, please leave a comment below.
We'd love to hear from you!
Thank you for reading, and happy wood preserving!
The Seal It Green Team
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FAQ's
1. What is wood silvering?
Wood silvering is the natural process where untreated wood develops a silver-grey patina due to sunlight exposure and oxidation.
2. Can I prevent wood from silvering?
Yes, applying a
UV-resistant wood sealer like
Total Wood Armor can prevent silvering while protecting against
mold, mildew, and water damage.
3. How can I achieve the silvered wood look while still protecting it?
Use a
wood sealer without UV inhibitors, such as
Garden Box Armor, to allow the wood to silver naturally while still preventing moisture damage, rot, and cracking.
4. Can silvered wood be restored to its original color?
Yes! Sanding the surface, applying a wood brightener, and sealing it with
Total Wood Armor can restore and
maintain its original appearance.
5. What is the best wood sealer for garden beds and food-safe applications?
Garden Box Armor is an FDA food-safe wood sealer that protects outdoor wood surfaces without preventing silvering, making it ideal for garden beds.