How To Clean Tree Branches For Indoor Use

If y'all have the right kind of wood laying around, yous can utilize it for all sorts of domicile decorating ideas – curtain rods, baby mobiles, wall decor, and many other things.

The play tricks is to correctly prep and treat the wood to avoid rotting, bugs, peeling, and staining.

For this project you volition need the post-obit:

Tree branch(es) and a dry space

Handheld saw or jigsaw

Paint scraper

120 grit sandpaper

Minwax Polycrylic Protective Spray, Clear Semi-Gloss, polyurethane or other protective finish

Directions For Treating Wooden Branches

1. It's best to find a branch already on the basis (as opposed to cutting a branch from a tree) because information technology volition exist dry and set for handling. A living branch cut from a tree needs time to dry out out. Information technology'south besides a petty more than eco-friendly. Look for a branch fitting for your project! Exercise you need something straight, light weight, or knobby?

2. Trim whatsoever unnecessary branches, twigs, and leaves from your piece of forest. Get out anything you think adds graphic symbol to the wood like knots or short stubby branches. Cut the wood to your desired length.

three. Let the wood dry out. If you've cut something straight from a tree, it tin can take half dozen months to a year to fully dry. Branches establish on the ground can exist difficult to determine how much drying time they need. If yous're stumped, try leaving it in the garage for a month and checking dorsum periodically to see if fourth dimension is making any difference.

four. One time your branch is fully dry, remove all bawl using your paint scraper. This will eliminate any bug problems. If you're partial to the look of the bark, yous can utilize chemicals to get rid of any bugs hiding below the bark.

5. Sand over rough or uneven spots with sandpaper. Sandpapering the entire piece will give information technology a nice even finish.

6. Clean the branch with a dry towel to remove any sanding grit. Coat the branch in your chosen finish – Minwax Polycrylic Protective Spray, Clear Semi-Gloss, polyurethane, etc.