Q: Can you recommend a nontoxic waterproof wood sealer for my outdoor window boxes? I'm building and planting my own outdoor window boxes this year, and I'm having a hard time finding a nontoxic waterproof wood sealer that won't poison my plants or the environment, and that doesn't need to be reapplied every year. Any advice?
Sent by Sam
Editor: Here's what our friends at Green Home Guide say:
Answered by Answered by Matthew Bremer, Architecture in Formation
While you're right that you still have to search hard among conventional wood sealers to find a non toxic finish that's a healthy alternative, that is changing.
There’s no need to subject yourself and others to toxic chemicals, or to poison your plants as they begin to grow.
- Eco Safety Products offers a series of LEED-compatible nontoxic, low-odor, low- to zero-VOC sealers, made mostly from soy.
- AFM Naturals offers other products; and
- SoyClean has waterproof wood sealers too.
Reviews often point out that these products are not as durable and long-lasting as traditional sealers, and that they are hard to apply and costly, but with only planter boxes to cover, rather than a deck or fence, any of these products should serve you well.
Read the rest of A Nontoxic Waterproof Wood Sealer for My Outdoor Windowbox? at Green Home Guide!
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how about the 2 part epoxy from famo-wood. This is the stuff folks use to pour over penny countertops. Totally waterproof. Once cleaned with rubbing alcohol it doesn't leach anything, and it should last a long time (best part of all).
I agree with Matthew on the use of Ecoprocote products. Their soy-urethane is bio-based, made from recycled content and has ultra-low VOCs. Great stuff!
I use boiled linseed oil or no-voc paint in this type of application
I have used AFM Safecoat for many projects and it works great and is either low or no VOC. It's been very durable and water resistant thus far. Or, Rubio Monocoat is another awesome product. This product only takes one coat and has NO VOC's therefore no off gassing. Another great product. One I wish Re-Nest would post about!!
Would it be possible to find a plastic liner or line them with tin instead of coating them (although you might want to coat the bottom in any case where drainage occurs)?