Wood tar is an excellent old classic trick to make wood more moisture resistant! 
The problem is that it smells. Outdoors it's not an issue, but indoors it might not be so pleasant... How long it takes for the tar to lose its smell I don't know, but I suspect it could take several years.
Since the tar does not prevent the wood from becoming moist, but like impregnation, reduces the risk of it starting to rot, tarred wood should also be protected if it is to be built in such a way that the moisture cannot evaporate relatively freely and quickly.
The problem is that it smells. Outdoors it's not an issue, but indoors it might not be so pleasant... How long it takes for the tar to lose its smell I don't know, but I suspect it could take several years.
Since the tar does not prevent the wood from becoming moist, but like impregnation, reduces the risk of it starting to rot, tarred wood should also be protected if it is to be built in such a way that the moisture cannot evaporate relatively freely and quickly.
No, that's the beauty of tar, it doesn't stop the wood from breathing.
Edit:
However, it's probably advantageous to apply the tar on somewhat dry wood (like paint-dry). Otherwise, it might not stick/soak in if the wood is already relatively saturated with water.
Edit:
However, it's probably advantageous to apply the tar on somewhat dry wood (like paint-dry). Otherwise, it might not stick/soak in if the wood is already relatively saturated with water.
Last edited:
what you might get is a possible smell. ,but tar smells goodRoyMunson said:
You'll probably never get rid of the smell. As long as there are active substances left (and that's what you want), it smells, and these are not pleasant substances. Aromatic hydrocarbons are known for their cancer-promoting effects. Sure, it smells nice if you walk into an old wooden boatyard - for the moment.
I don't understand the world. Some people worry about chemical substances in kitchen floors that might cause cancer without anyone having thought about it before, while others consider using old methods that are known to be hazardous to health. A method isn't better just because it's old.
I don't understand the world. Some people worry about chemical substances in kitchen floors that might cause cancer without anyone having thought about it before, while others consider using old methods that are known to be hazardous to health. A method isn't better just because it's old.
"A method is not better because it is old."
No, it doesn't have to be, but its function over time is well-known—its strong and weak points. It is therefore predictable, and it is possible to adapt execution & construction accordingly.
We know practically nothing about all new methods and materials, neither in the short nor long term, nor potential weaknesses and strengths. It is therefore trial and terror that applies as an exploration method, and it is the homeowners who are left with the short straw.
Just look at the Cuprinol-treated and/or pressure-impregnated sills from the 60s & 70s. Or the single-stage sealed facades.
Tar smells good, just like aromatic hydrocarbons often do. However, as I mentioned earlier, 24 hours a day for probably many years, extra concentrated as it becomes indoors, that's a different story. The difference is just like between hobby painters and professional painters, or social smokers and regular smokers. It's the time (and concentration) that determines how dangerous it is.
No, it doesn't have to be, but its function over time is well-known—its strong and weak points. It is therefore predictable, and it is possible to adapt execution & construction accordingly.
We know practically nothing about all new methods and materials, neither in the short nor long term, nor potential weaknesses and strengths. It is therefore trial and terror that applies as an exploration method, and it is the homeowners who are left with the short straw.
Just look at the Cuprinol-treated and/or pressure-impregnated sills from the 60s & 70s. Or the single-stage sealed facades.
Tar smells good, just like aromatic hydrocarbons often do. However, as I mentioned earlier, 24 hours a day for probably many years, extra concentrated as it becomes indoors, that's a different story. The difference is just like between hobby painters and professional painters, or social smokers and regular smokers. It's the time (and concentration) that determines how dangerous it is.
There also seems to be a difference between wood tar and petroleum-based tar?
The wood tar made from pine contains no harmful hydrocarbons?
The wood tar made from pine contains no harmful hydrocarbons?
Yes, it's like night and day. To protect timber, only genuine wood tar is suitable.
Petroleum-based tar is something entirely different. Asphalt?
Regarding the difference in toxicity, I'm not sure, but both are probably not entirely healthy.
Probably shouldn't be used indoors.
The effects diminish over time.
Find the products someone is selling. There should be accompanying safety data sheets available. Therein it states what they contain and any potential health effects.
Petroleum-based tar is something entirely different. Asphalt?
Regarding the difference in toxicity, I'm not sure, but both are probably not entirely healthy.
Probably shouldn't be used indoors.
The effects diminish over time.
Find the products someone is selling. There should be accompanying safety data sheets available. Therein it states what they contain and any potential health effects.
It smells good... what about wild boars, they also like the smell of tar. I'm just considering whether to apply wood tar to the sill of the shed in the countryside. But since it's secluded, maybe it's not such a good idea. Does anyone have a thought?
Yes, it smells good! Sun, summer, and swimming are the immediate associations I get. Fades and hardly smells after 2-3 years, at least not outdoors. If you stick your nose into a sun-warmed panel, you can detect a faint scent. About 5 years since painting.
I've never heard that wild boars like tar, but that doesn't necessarily mean much...
I have personally applied tar to the sill in our old barn and painted the panel with red tar. I haven't noticed any wild boars around the barn, but that could naturally also be because our horses are outside and also inside it year-round (outbox). We have plenty of wild boars, even in the horse pastures, but they seem to stay outside the property. I haven't seen any traces of them within a 50 m radius.
I've never heard that wild boars like tar, but that doesn't necessarily mean much...
I have personally applied tar to the sill in our old barn and painted the panel with red tar. I haven't noticed any wild boars around the barn, but that could naturally also be because our horses are outside and also inside it year-round (outbox). We have plenty of wild boars, even in the horse pastures, but they seem to stay outside the property. I haven't seen any traces of them within a 50 m radius.
Tar for wild boar is a common product widely used by hunters. Wild boars rub against the tar, which serves as an insect repellent. Hunters apply tar to trees to attract wild boars. The wild boars have an extremely good sense of smell. This is what they write for example at: https://www.jaktia.se/reportage/utfodring-av-vildsvin/
"Experience shows that a real tar made from beech has the best attraction effect on wild boars"
"Experience shows that a real tar made from beech has the best attraction effect on wild boars"
Aha, that seems logical. There are plenty of tar preparations for horses for the same purpose. Tar from beech, that was also new. I thought it was only pine and spruce used for making tar. Great start to the day. I've learned two new things!
Then perhaps it could be a problem if there are normally no people near the house. On the other hand, what can the wild boars do? Root up the garden if it is rich in nuts and acorns, worms, roots, or maybe fallen fruit. Rub against the sill if it is accessible? I suppose the need for insect repellent mainly applies during the summer when the insects are active?
Then perhaps it could be a problem if there are normally no people near the house. On the other hand, what can the wild boars do? Root up the garden if it is rich in nuts and acorns, worms, roots, or maybe fallen fruit. Rub against the sill if it is accessible? I suppose the need for insect repellent mainly applies during the summer when the insects are active?