Tree stumps can add an antique touch to your home, especially if the wood grain is good. Maybe you found it in the woods or had a stump that was just cut at the sawmill, and wondered how to preserve it. Start by cleaning and sanding the stump to give it a smooth surface. After that, you can install wood stabilizers and seals to prevent the stump from cracking, warping, or rotting. Now you will have a beautiful and natural stump at home.
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Part 1 of 4: Cleaning the Tree Stump
Step 1. Wipe the top and bottom of the stump with a damp cloth
Start by cleaning the dirt and dust on the surface of the stump with a cloth. Rub the wood grain in a gentle circular motion over the top and bottom of the wood, the cut marks.
Do not rub the bark with a cloth as the bark may peel or fall off
Step 2. Remove any peeling wood or bark
Gently, use your hands to pull the peeling wood off the stump, especially where the bark is. Also clean all twigs, insects, or leaves.
Step 3. Remove the bark when it looks dead or dry
This decision is up to you. You can leave it alone if there are no black rings (circular black lines) between the bark and wood and if the bark doesn't look too dry. Use a rotary hammer to peel away the skin, pushing it up and down the stump. The skin will peel off easily, leaving only the wood part.
Leaving the skin as it is will make the stump look more vintage. If the bark is removed, you will need to sand the edges
Part 2 of 4: Sanding and Filling the Wood Stump
Step 1. Smooth the surface of the stump with an electric planer
A crab is a flat-headed tool for leveling surfaces. Plane the top and bottom of the stump to even out any rough areas. Do the pruning until the stump feels smooth to the touch.
Use a broom or cloth to wipe down the wood chips after they have been planed
Step 2. Use 80 grit sandpaper to smooth the top and bottom of the stump
Rub the sandpaper over the top of the stump in a circular motion to scrape off the top layer of wood. Sanding is a great way to even out the top of the stump so that the fibers are smooth. After that, rub sandpaper on the bottom to scrape off the outer layer.
- If the bark is removed, the edges of the stump will also need to be sanded. Rub the wood from top to bottom with sandpaper to smooth out the edges of the stump.
- Wear gloves when sanding for protection.
Step 3. Use an electric sanding machine if the stump is very dirty or rough
An electric sander is a great tool for quickly smoothing the top and bottom of the stump. Move back and forth over and under the stump to expose the fresh wood underneath.
As you sand the stump, you will see the tree growth rings on the top and bottom of the wood. This means, fresh wood begins to be exposed
Step 4. Wipe the stump with a damp, lint-free cloth
After you finish sanding, wipe off the sawdust with a cloth. Wipe the top and bottom of the stump until the wood looks clean and fresh.
If you are sanding the edges of the stump, wipe this area as well
Step 5. Fill in the gaps in the wood with putty
If there are large or deep cracks in the stump that you want to seal, fill it with wood putty such as clear epoxy. Apply tape to the sides and bottom of the crack to prevent the epoxy from spilling out of the crack. After that, pour the epoxy into the cracks to fill them.
- Apply a coat of epoxy to fill in the gaps and leave it overnight to dry.
- Wear gloves when using epoxy as this chemical is harsh.
Part 3 of 4: Applying the Wood Stabilizer
Step 1. Purchase a wood stabilizer at your local hardware or materials store
Wood stabilizer is a liquid that is rubbed into wood. It contains ingredients that will prevent the wood from warping, cracking, or shriveling.
Step 2. Rub cup or 120 ml of wood stabilizer onto the top of the stump
Pour a little at a time, then add as needed. Use a clean dry cloth to rub the stabilizer against the wood surface in a circular motion. Cover the entire top of the wood with stabilizer, rubbing it against the grain.
The wood will absorb the stabilizer when rubbed. So you'll need to pour in more liquid to make sure the entire surface is covered
Step 3. Cover the top of the stump with plastic and let it dry for 2-4 hours
Tie a plastic wrap or tarpaulin to let the stump dry well.
Step 4. Rub cup or 120 ml of wood stabilizer on the bottom of the stump with a cloth
Once the top is dry, turn the stump over and repeat the same steps for the bottom. Coat the bottom with stabilizer, right on the grain of the wood.
After the stabilizer is applied, cover it with plastic and let it dry for 2-4 hours
Step 5. Apply at least two coats of stabilizer
For maximum sealing of the stump, apply a minimum of two coats of stabilizer. The trick, let the top and bottom dry first for 2-4 hours before the second layer is applied.
Part 4 of 4: Completing the Stump Pickling Process
Step 1. Apply the sealer to the skin
To prevent the bark and wood on the edges of the stump from falling off, seal it by spraying a clear, glossy finish. Apply a topcoat all around the stump, from top to bottom.
Step 2. Let the seal dry overnight
Place the stump in a dry place outside, such as in the garage or work shed and leave it overnight. The seal will dry and the stump is ready to use.
Step 3. Attach metal legs to the bottom of the stump, if desired
If you want to heighten the stump and use it as a side table, attach the legs to the bottom using screws and a power drill. Get three slender metal legs-for example, hairpin legs-and drill them into the base of the stump for a more stylish table look.
