Wood Preservatives

• Wood preservatives have different degrees of protection; therefore, it is important that you select a preservative that will provide your deck or lawn furniture or any woodwork with good penetration and chemical retention. Note that some wood preservatives are more effective than others.
  
  

Oil-Soluble Preservatives

• Oil-soluble preservatives can effectively act against a number of organisms and insects because of their high toxicity. In addition, you can use heavy oil-soluble preservatives in wet wood because the oil holds back water permeation. Furthermore, the preservative may be cost effective, but the disadvantage of the oil-soluble preservative is that it leaves the surface of the wood oily and as a result hinders application of paints. It is also corrosive, has strong odor and is harmful to plants.
  
  

Waterborne Preservatives

• According to Dennis J. Hall and Nina M. in their book, "Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction," waterborne preservatives are made by dissolving chemicals like chromium and copper salts into water. If you use waterborne preservatives, the water will evaporate, but the preservative will remain in the wood. The advantage of this class of preservatives is that it is odorless. Water preservative can be used to treat wet timber, which will also protect your wood against fungal and insect attacks; furthermore, you can decorate over the applied preservative.
  
  

Organic Solvent Preservatives

• This class of preservative is made by dissolving chemical preservatives in solvents like naphtha or white spirit. Chemicals used in manufacturing organic solvent wood preservatives include propiconazole, permethrin, zinc or copper metal carboxylates, according to Alf Fulcher in the book, "Painting and Decorating: an Information Manual." After treating your wood with organic solvent preservatives, the solvent will evaporate, thus leaving the preservative in the wood. This wood preservative has the ability to penetrate the wood easily in addition to providing good protection against insect and fungal attack. Furthermore, it is not corrosive; after the solvent has evaporated, you can paint your wood immediately.