How to Preserve & Insulate Historic Interior Wood Paneling
- 1). Stir a can of sanding sealer with a natural-bristle brush, thoroughly mixing the contents at the bottom of the container. Saturate the wooden panels with an even coat using long strokes along the wood grain.
- 2). Allow the sealer to dry for the time frame indicated on the product label. Lightly sand the paneling with a 280-grit sanding sponge until the wood finish appears uniformly dulled.
- 3). Apply a polyurethane wood varnish to insulate and protect the wooden surface. This finish prevents the wood from cracking, warping and drying, which preserves the current state of the paneling.
- 4). Use a foam applicator brush or painter's rag to evenly varnish the wood. Follow the grain of the wood to ensure complete coverage, then allow the varnish to cure overnight.
- 5). Smooth the dry varnish with the 280-grit sanding sponge, then apply a second coat in the same method. Repeat the process with one more coat if desired. Do not sand the top coat.