If you want to get the strongest protection for your outdoor table, a wood sealer will need to be applied. The whole purpose of a wood sealer is to penetrate the wood and provide deep protection. This will turn the first inch or so of your wood into a moisture-resistant layer. As good luck would have it, these products are very easy to use.
The first step is to clean the surface of the table. Any little bit of dirt could prevent proper adhesion, so be meticulous here. If the table has any traces of a previous finish, those will also have to go. Depending on the condition of the surface, light sanding might also be in order. In short, you need a smooth, clean surface. If you are going to use a stain, you should use it before applying the sealer.
The next step is to get out your sealer. There are all kinds of wood sealer products on the market, but they all do more or less the same thing. Using a paintbrush, transfer the sealer to the cleaned surface with nice, long strokes. Make sure that you don’t leave any drip marks or streaks as you go, as you don’t want those mistakes to harden in place.
From there, you just have to wait until the sealer dries. Drying time will vary by brand, so consult the label. Sealers do not usually require a second coat, but you can go ahead and do one if you want to be extra thorough.
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