Particle board has become a rather popular building material due to its low cost and decent look. However, it’s unfortunately not the most durable or waterproof of materials. Therefore, if you want to use it outdoors or for purposes that involve moisture exposure, you are going to need to waterproof it.
Today we will discuss how to waterproof particle board. Thankfully, this is very easy to do.
Can Particle Board Be Used Outside?
Particle board is a material that is often used indoors in a variety of jobs, such as for cabinets and shelves. However, it’s not something that most people would usually choose to use outdoors. In fact, particle board, especially if it has not been sealed, is something that is relatively rarely used outdoors.
The reason for this is because particle board isn’t the most durable, it’s not the most impact resistant, and it’s certainly not weatherproof. Particle board just doesn’t do all that well against the elements.
With that being said, if the proper sealant is used, and your particle board is properly sealed, it may be used outdoors. As sealants become better and better, and sealing particle board becomes easier, using particle board outdoors is becoming more common. One of the main reasons for this is, of course, because particle board is quite affordable.
Is Particle Board Waterproof by Default?
Seeing as we are talking about how to waterproof particle board today, it is relatively safe for you to assume that particle board is not waterproof by default. In fact, not being waterproof is one of the biggest drawbacks that particleboard has.
Due to its composition, it does absorb water quite easily, as it is made out of small wooden fibers, and is quite porous.
With this moisture, there is then the potential for the particle board to warp and change shape. There is also the potential that it’s just going to become much weaker because it is waterlogged.
If this material loses its structural integrity, chances are that it’s going to start to crumble and break into pieces. Simply put, particleboard is not waterproof in the least, and if you want to use it outdoors, you absolutely need to seal it first.
How to Waterproof Particle Board
Right now we want to take a closer look at exactly how to waterproof particle board in a step-by-step manner.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
There are materials that you will need to gather to complete this task. This includes, but may not be limited to, a circular saw, a small paintbrush, a large paintbrush, a measuring tape, your sealant of choice, a marker or pencil, a mask, gloves, and safety goggles.
Now one of the most important things here is choosing the right kind of sealant. Right off the bat, we’re going to recommend that you do not use any kind of water-based sealant. Water-based sealant isn’t nearly as waterproof as an oil-based sealant, and it won’t last really as long.
Therefore, the official recommendation here is that you go for a clear, oil-based polyurethane sealant. You may also go for a clear acrylic sealant, as acrylic dries into what is more or less plastic, and is waterproof. If you aren’t quite sure, we recommend doing some additional research on the specific type of sealant that will work best for the job at hand.
Step 2: Take Safety Precautions
Before you start sealing your particle board, you will probably need to cut it down to size. Particle board does create a lot of dust when being cut, so it’s a good idea for you to wear both breathing and eye protection. Before you start applying the sealant to the particle board, wearing breathing protection and gloves is also a good idea. It’s always better to be safe than to be sorry.
Step 3: Measure and Cut the Particle Board
Of course, if your particle board is already cut down to size, then you can skip this step. That said, chances are that you bought a new piece of particle board and still need to cut it.
The reason we mention this is because it’s not recommended that you seal your particle board before cutting. This is because you do want to be able to seal the edges of the particle board, but you obviously can’t if you cut it afterwards.
Therefore, use your measuring tape and marker or pencil to mark the particle board where you need to cut it, and then use your jigsaw, circular saw, or table saw to make the cut. Once all of your particle board pieces are at the desired size, move on to the next step.
Step 4: Apply Your Sealant of Choice
Before you apply any sealant, always make sure to shake the can first, and then to give it a good stir. You always want all of the ingredients to be mixed together well. Also, before applying your sealant, just give the particle board a quick wipe down. Use a dry rag to make sure that it’s perfectly clean. You don’t want to apply the sealant over any dust or debris.
With that done, lay down your particle board somewhere, get your large paint brush, and apply a thin, consistent layer of sealant to one side. You will then have to let it dry, which could take a few hours. Next, you want to turn the board around and apply a layer of sealant to the other side. At this time you also want to apply the sealant to all four of the edges. This is very important, as you do not want to forget to seal those edges.
Step 5: Let It Dry and Repeat If Necessary
Once you have allowed the particle board to fully dry on all sides, you want to inspect it to see if there are any spots that you still need to seal. If necessary, you can apply a second layer of sealant just like you applied the first layer, and then let it dry.
Can Particle Board Be Made Perfectly Waterproof?
Whether or not your particle board is going to be 100% waterproof after this process is somewhat questionable. However, if you apply a double layer of an oil-based polyurethane sealant, it’s going to be about as waterproof as humanly possible. It should be more than good enough to be used for outdoor applications and last for quite a few years.
Mistakes to Avoid, Tips and Tricks
Lastly, here are some tips to keep in mind when going through the process:
- Some sources might tell you to use a water-based sealant, we really don’t recommend this. In terms of being waterproof, oil-based is always better.
- If you don’t want to really change the appearance of the particle board, make sure that you get a clear sealant that does not have any color.
- When using any kind of sealant, always work in a well-ventilated area, as these products can release fairly noxious fumes.
Summary
As you can see, waterproofing particle board is very easily done, and it allows you to use it outdoors in spite of high levels of moisture.