How Do You Preserve Driftwood?
Preserve driftwood by washing it with water to remove soil and algae, soaking it in a tub filled with water and bleach, drying it in natural sunlight and applying a coat of turpentine and natural beeswax. Cured driftwood can be used to make unique pieces of furniture, fashioned into a key rack for the entryway or used to create wind chimes,
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Wash the driftwood
Wash driftwood with water to remove dust, soil, mold and algae. Scrub it with a brush to remove debris from the nooks. Use a chisel or a brush to remove the decaying parts of wood. Sand the driftwood with sandpaper to polish its surface.
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Soak driftwood in bleach
Fill a large tub with water. Add a teaspoon of bleach for every gallon of water in the tub. Allow the driftwood to soak in this mixture for a couple of days.
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Dry the driftwood
Remove the driftwood from the bleach mixture. Cover it with a towel or newspapers. Place it in natural sunlight. Allow it to dry in the sunlight for a few days.
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Coat with beeswax and turpentine
Mix beeswax and turpentine together in a container. Finish by applying a coat of this mixture to the driftwood.
