Why might wood be painted?

Painting wood serves multiple purposes, two of which are decoration and sealing. Decoration involves enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the wood, allowing it to match design themes or improve its visual attractiveness in various settings. This can include a variety of colors and finishes that can be used to highlight the natural grain or provide a completely different look.

Sealing is equally important as it protects the wood from moisture penetration, environmental factors, and potential damage from pests. A proper sealant helps to preserve the integrity and longevity of the wood by preventing a number of issues, such as rot and warping.

While fatigue resistance pertains more to materials under stress and is typically associated with the structural performance rather than the visual or protective aspects of coatings, the combination of decoration and sealing provides a comprehensive rationale for painting wood. This is why the selected option encompasses both important functions that painting serves in relation to wood.