If your library is made of wood, then think of it like an exterior deck. Raw wood needs to be painted or stained to protect it from water and sun damage. Look for a standard exterior house paint with the following qualities:
- Water-based exterior paint
- 100% acrylic latex formula
- Semi-gloss finish
- Designed for siding, trim, doors, shutters, masonry, and wood
We recommend applying a coat of primer (such as Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3) before painting or staining your library. The primer is designed to bond well with wood, and will help your paint or stain adhere better. Apply more than one coat of paint or stain for extra weather protection, and reapply every 1 – 2 years, or as needed.
Some people choose to add a few coats of polyurethane varnish on top of the paint or stain, but varnish is rarely necessary. The only time we recommend using varnish is if you painted your library with acrylic paints that aren’t designed for outdoor use. Applying a new coat of paint every few years will protect your library better than varnish will.
If you suspect your library may be leaking or letting in water, remove all the books from inside the library. Then spray it with a hose from the outside to expose any interior leaks. Once you have found the leaks, caulk them with a silicone caulk.
If you want to deal with as little maintenance as possible, consider buying a composite Little Free Library and from our online store! Composite libraries are made from recycled plastic lumber and will last for years outdoors with no repainting or additional maintenance needed.