How to Waterproof Outdoor Decorations
Lawn and deck accents are great conversation starters at outdoor gatherings and barbecues. Sometimes outside décor can wear, however. The best thing you can do is to water proof or weather proof your treasured outdoor décor. Here is a guide to water proofing the small decorations you keep in your yard.
- Pay a visit to a hardware or home improvement store. Look at a block and wall sealant or a wood sealant. You may even want an acrylic sealant, depending on what you are water proofing. Use your own judgment to decide which is best. Also consider the complexity of the process and how reliable the product is. Feel free to ask around for suggestions
- Clean the surface of your decorative item, scrub off any rust with a wire brush and smooth any wooden pieces by sanding them down.
- Patch holes with plaster or wooden plugs. This prevents any sealant from being absorbed rather than coating the surface and properly protecting your item.
- Rinse the decoration with bleach and water, or a less abrasive soap mixture if you prefer, use you judgment to determine what may cause damage.
- Make any other cosmetic alterations you would like to before you seal the surface. You can always repeat this process if you decide to change the decoration later, but it is best to get everything done at once.
- Apply a water proofing agent such as an acrylic sealant or a water proofing substance as sold in home improvement stores. You should follow the instructions given by the manufacturer to avoid damaging the object you are water proofing.