Picking out wood for your outdoor furniture, fence, or deck - and figuring out the right wood protector to go with it - is one of those decisions that looks simple until you actually start comparing options. A lot comes down to personal taste. Some people love that silvery, weathered look wood gets over time. Others want it looking clean, raw, or freshly stained for years to come. Either way, it's worth thinking through your options before you start a project, so you know exactly which wood sealers and wood protectors fit what you're actually going for. 

What Is Wood Silvering? 

Wood silvering is what happens naturally when wood oxidizes over time. Sunlight sets off a chemical reaction inside the wood's cellulose, and slowly that reaction turns the surface into a soft, silver-grey patina. 

Will Wood Silvering Happen to Any Type of Wood? 

Pretty much, yes. Any untreated wood left out in the sun without a wood sealer is going to silver eventually, at least to some degree. It's just a matter of time. 

Are Certain Types of Wood Less Prone to Silvering Than Others? 

They are. Hardwoods like maple, oak, and walnut hold their color longer and resist silvering better than softer wood species. That's actually one reason they're such a popular pick for outdoor furniture in the first place. 

Is Wood Silvering Bad? 

Not really - it comes down to what you're after. Plenty of people love the aged, warm character that silvered wood develops over the years. Others aren't fans and think it just makes the wood look tired or dull. Neither opinion is wrong. It's really just about what look you want in your yard. 

If I Like the Look of Silvered Wood, Do I Still Need to Seal My Outdoor Furniture, Garden Bed, Deck, and Fence? 

Yes, absolutely. Whether you're going for the silvered look or not, any wood exposed to UV rays and the outdoors needs a wood sealer. Without one, you're looking at waterlogging, mold, rot, cracking, and general breakdown over time - silvered or not, unsealed wood just doesn't hold up. 

Which Wood Sealant Is Right for Me? 

If you're drawn to the silvered look, Garden Box Armor is a great fit. It gives you all the protection of a solid, long-lasting wood sealer, just without the UV inhibitors that would otherwise stop the silvering process from happening. 

If you'd rather keep your wood looking non-silvered, Total Wood Armor is the better call. It protects for up to 10 years, guarding against mold, mildew, cracking, splitting, water damage, rot, and yes - silvering too. 

Silvered Cedar Fencing silvered cedar fencing 

Non-Silvered Cedar Fencing Non-Silvered Cedar Fencing 

Tips for Achieving the Silver Look 

• Choose the right timber. Hardwoods like rosewood, spotted gum, and silvertop ash tend to develop that silver-grey finish beautifully over time. 
• Let it weather naturally. Just let the wood sit out and take on the elements. Staining will get in the way of that natural transformation, so skip it if silvering is the goal. 
• Use a wood sealer without a UV inhibitor. A protective sealer applied during the weathering process keeps the wood from drying out, splintering, or rotting while it still silvers the way you want. Garden Box Armor, which is also FDA food safe wood sealer, works really well here. 

Tips for Protecting Your Wood From Silvering 

• Use a UV-resistant wood sealer. Something like Total Wood Armor will keep your wood protected from silvering for up to a decade. 
• Skip the harsh chemicals. Stick with mild, wood-friendly cleaners. Harsh cleaning products can strip away protective finishes and actually speed up the silvering process instead of preventing it. 
• Consider staining. A protective wood sealer with a UV-inhibiting stain is another solid option. Garden Box Armor, Fence Armor, and Total Wood Armor all come in stain colors like cedar, redwood, black lava, and walnut. 

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Conclusion 

Whether you love that natural silver-grey patina or you'd rather keep your wood looking like the day it went up, the key really comes down to using the right protectant for what you're trying to achieve. 

If the silvered look appeals to you, letting the wood weather naturally can give you a genuinely beautiful, rustic finish. Just pick the right species and let time do its thing. It still helps to apply a wood protectant without UV blockers during that process, though, so the wood doesn't dry out, splinter, or rot along the way. 

If you'd rather hold onto the wood's original color, a good UV-resistant sealant becomes essential. Keeping the wood in shaded spots when possible, using covers, and steering clear of harsh chemicals all help too. 

Either way, with the right approach, you can get exactly the look you're after - whether that's the charm of weathered silver-grey wood or the vibrant color of well-protected, non-silvered wood. 

We hope this guide was helpful! If you've got questions, or want to share how your own wood protection projects have gone, drop a comment below - we'd genuinely love to hear from you. 

Thanks for reading, and happy wood preserving! 

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FAQ's 

1. What is wood silvering?  

Wood silvering is the natural process where untreated wood develops a silver-grey patina from sunlight exposure and oxidation over time. 

2. Can I prevent wood from silvering?  

Yes - applying a UV-resistant wood sealer like Total Wood Armor prevents silvering while also protecting against mold, mildew, and water damage. 

3. How can I achieve the silvered wood look while still protecting it?  

Use a wood sealer without UV inhibitors, like Garden Box Armor, so the wood can silver naturally while you still get protection from moisture, rot, and cracking. 

4. Can silvered wood be restored to its original color?  

It can. Sanding the surface, applying a wood brightener, and then sealing it with Total Wood Armor will restore and help maintain the wood's original look. 

5. What's the best wood sealer for garden beds and food-safe applications?  

Garden Box Armor is an FDA food-safe wood sealer that protects outdoor surfaces without blocking silvering, which makes it a great pick for garden beds.