Preserving wood is an essential step in crafting to ensure durability and maintain the natural beauty of the material. Whether you’re working on small decorative items or larger functional pieces, proper wood preservation can protect against moisture, pests, and decay. This guide will provide an overview of how to preserve wood for crafts.

Why Preserving Wood is Important

Preserving wood plays a crucial role in enhancing the longevity and quality of your crafts. Untreated wood is susceptible to rotting, warping, and pest infestations, all of which can compromise the integrity of your projects over time. Proper preservation methods, such as sealing or treating the wood, protect it from moisture and temperature fluctuations that can lead to cracking or splitting. Additionally, preserving wood helps maintain its aesthetic appeal by preventing discoloration and damage, ensuring that your finished pieces remain beautiful and functional for years to come. This process not only safeguards your work but also maximizes the value and satisfaction of your crafting efforts.

Best Types of Wood for Small Projects

Choosing the right type of wood is essential for the success of small-scale woodworking projects. Certain types of wood are better suited for smaller pieces due to their durability, workability, and aesthetic qualities. Here are some of the best options:

1. Pine – Affordable and easy to work with, pine is a softwood that is ideal for beginners. It’s lightweight and readily available, making it a popular choice for small projects like decorative items or simple furniture.
2. Maple – Known for its strength and smooth grain, maple is excellent for detailed work. It’s particularly suited for projects that require intricate designs, such as jewelry boxes and carved decorative accents.
3. Cherry – Valued for its rich color and fine grain, cherry wood is a go-to option for projects that emphasize aesthetics. It’s easy to shape and provides a polished finish, perfect for small furniture or artistic creations.
4. Walnut – A hardwood with a deep, dark tone, walnut is ideal for high-end, elegant items. Its durability and luxurious appearance make it a favorite for small crafts, such as picture frames or wooden bowls.
5. Basswood – Extremely soft and lightweight, basswood is preferred for carving projects. Its uniform texture and ease of use make it perfect for intricate designs or small figurines.

Selecting the right wood not only simplifies the crafting process but also enhances the quality and beauty of your final piece. Consider your project’s requirements and desired aesthetic to choose the best type of wood for your creation.

10 Methods How to Preserve Wood for Crafts

1. Thoroughly Drying the Wood Before Use

One of the most fundamental methods for preserving wood intended for crafts is ensuring that it is completely dry before any work begins. Freshly cut or “green” wood often contains a high level of moisture that can lead to warping, splitting, or even mold growth once used in craft projects. To dry wood properly, it is best to allow it to air-dry naturally in a sheltered, well-ventilated area for several weeks or months, depending on its thickness.

Stacking the wood with spacers in between encourages airflow and prevents uneven drying. For smaller craft pieces, oven-drying or using a food dehydrator at low heat can accelerate the process. By removing excess moisture, you provide a stable foundation that will last much longer and resist deterioration.

2. Sanding to Smooth and Seal the Surface

Another critical method for preserving craft wood is thorough sanding, which serves multiple purposes. Sanding removes splinters, rough patches, and imperfections, but more importantly, it opens the pores of the wood so that protective finishes can be absorbed more evenly.

Begin with coarse sandpaper to shape and refine the surface, then gradually move to finer grits to achieve a smooth, polished finish. The smoother the wood, the less likely it is to absorb unwanted moisture, which makes it more durable over time. This step also enhances the natural beauty of the grain, preparing the piece for sealing, staining, or painting in your craft projects.

3. Applying Natural Oils for Preservation

Natural oils such as linseed oil, tung oil, or mineral oil have been used for centuries to preserve wood and enhance its appearance. These oils penetrate deep into the fibers, providing nourishment while forming a protective barrier against drying and cracking. To apply, simply brush or rub the oil generously across the surface and allow it to soak in before wiping off any excess. Several coats may be needed for optimal results, with drying time in between each application. Oiled wood retains a warm, natural sheen and remains flexible enough to resist splitting. This method is especially ideal for craft pieces where maintaining an organic, rustic look is desired.

4. Sealing with Polyurethane or Varnish

For craft projects that require long-lasting durability, sealing the wood with polyurethane or varnish is a highly effective method. These finishes create a hard, protective layer over the wood, shielding it from scratches, stains, and moisture damage. Polyurethane is available in glossy, satin, and matte finishes, allowing for different aesthetic effects. Varnish provides a slightly softer finish but is equally effective for protection.

Applying thin coats with a brush, sanding lightly between coats, and allowing sufficient drying time ensures a smooth, even finish. This method is particularly useful for crafts that will be handled frequently, such as decorative boxes, wooden toys, or carved figures.

5. Using Shellac for a Traditional Finish

Shellac is another classic wood preservative that not only protects but also adds a beautiful amber tone to wood. Derived from natural resin, shellac provides a glossy, smooth coating that enhances the grain while preventing moisture penetration. It is applied with a brush or cloth in multiple thin coats, each one drying quickly and building a durable surface. Shellac is especially favored in traditional woodworking and craft projects because it creates a warm, vintage look. While it is not as resistant to water as polyurethane, it is perfectly suitable for indoor crafts and offers an elegant, old-world finish.

6. Preserving with Epoxy Resin Coating

For a modern and durable preservation technique, epoxy resin coating is an excellent choice. Epoxy forms a clear, rock-hard surface that fully encases the wood, making it resistant to moisture, scratches, and wear. This method is often used for decorative crafts such as jewelry, coasters, or wood art panels. To apply, mix the resin according to instructions, pour it over the wood, and spread it evenly to cover the surface. Once cured, epoxy not only protects the wood but also enhances its natural patterns with a glossy, glass-like finish. This is a particularly good option for crafts that require both strength and aesthetic appeal.

7. Treating with Wood Stain and Sealant

Staining is both a preservative and decorative method, as it darkens and enriches the wood’s appearance while providing a degree of protection. Wood stains penetrate into the fibers, highlighting the grain and giving depth to the surface. Once staining is complete, sealing with a clear finish such as polyurethane or lacquer is necessary to lock in the color and add additional protection. This method is especially suitable for crafts where the natural look of wood needs enhancement while ensuring longevity. Staining also offers versatility, allowing crafters to match wood tones to existing décor or create specific artistic effects.

8. Preserving with Beeswax or Wax Polish

For small craft items, beeswax or wax polish is a simple yet highly effective way to preserve wood. Wax creates a soft, protective coating that repels dust and moisture while imparting a subtle shine. To apply, rub the wax onto the surface with a cloth, allow it to penetrate, and then buff to a smooth finish. Unlike some harsher chemical finishes, beeswax is non-toxic and safe for crafts that may be handled frequently or even used in contact with food, such as cutting boards or utensil handles. While wax requires reapplication over time, it is an easy and natural method for preserving smaller wooden crafts.

9. Stabilizing Wood with Hardener Solutions

For certain types of craft wood that are soft or porous, using a wood hardener can be an effective preservation method. Commercial wood hardeners are liquid solutions that penetrate deeply into weak wood fibers, reinforcing them and making the wood stronger. This is particularly useful for branches, driftwood, or reclaimed wood pieces that might otherwise be too fragile for crafting. Once hardened, the wood becomes more resistant to breaking, cracking, and insect damage. This method is practical when working with unique pieces of natural wood that may not have the durability required for long-term crafts.

10. Regular Maintenance for Longevity

Even after applying oils, sealants, or finishes, wood crafts require regular care to remain preserved. Dust can accumulate on the surface, oils may wear down, and finishes can become dull over time. Regular maintenance involves simple steps such as dusting with a soft cloth, reapplying oil or wax as needed, and avoiding exposure to direct sunlight or excessive humidity. For heavily used crafts, occasional re-sanding and refinishing may be necessary to restore their protective layer. By treating preservation as an ongoing process rather than a one-time task, crafters can ensure that their wooden creations remain beautiful and durable for years to come.

Conclusion

Preserving wood for crafts is not only about protecting it from decay but also about enhancing its natural beauty and ensuring it remains functional for many years. From the foundational step of drying and sanding, to applying oils, waxes, sealants, and even modern epoxy coatings, each method has unique benefits depending on the type of project. Some approaches focus on natural finishes that emphasize authenticity, while others rely on modern products for maximum durability. Thanks for reading this blog post on how to preserve wood for crafts! We hope you found it helpful and informative.