How to Seal Tree Stumps

How to Seal Tree Stumps
Written By
Kaye Wagner
Kaye Wagner
Published: Nov 6, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Purchase wood sealant at hardware or home improvement stores.

Things You Will Need

  • Medium-grit sandpaper
  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • Paintbrush
  • Wood sealant
  1. Place the tree stump over several sheets of newspaper or a drop cloth.

  2. Sand the top of the tree stump with medium-grit sandpaper until you’ve smoothed the surface. Brush away the sawdust.

  3. Sand the top of the tree stump with fine-grit sandpaper until the stump is completely smooth and soft. Brush away as much of the sawdust as possible.

  4. Paint the entire stump with a thin coat of wood sealant. Do not apply a thick coat as it will take a longer time to dry and may form air bubbles.

  5. Let the wood sealant dry completely.

  6. Paint another thin coat of wood sealant and let it dry completely.

The Drip Cap

  • There are a variety of decor items you can make from sawed-off tree stumps, including bookends, candlesticks or picture display pieces.
  • Sand the top of the tree stump with medium-grit sandpaper until you’ve smoothed the surface.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Kaye Wagner

Kaye Wagner has been working in the fields of journalism and public relations since 2006 and is a recipient of a National Hearst Award. She is particularly interested in home-and-garden projects, as well as beauty and fashion writing. An…

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