Recommend a Nontoxic Waterproof Wood Sealer For Outdoor Windowboxes?

updated May 7, 2019
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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.
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