Replies

1. 
   BenM | Mar 25, 2002 07:52pm | #1

   Cedar doesn't require a finish.  It will turn a silvery gray in the first year.  If you want to retain the original color you will need to apply a varnish with UV protectants and you will have to reapply it every year.

2. 
   oxmach | Mar 25, 2002 08:17pm | #2

   I've tried quite a few different finish types.  Outdoor waterbased poly, oil based poly and even deck stain.  The chairs which sit on the deck out of the rain and sun have held up exceptionally well with the Waterbased (outdoor variety), and do not yellow.   The ones which sat out in the elements, peeled, got mold marks etc.  The deckstain has performed OK, and will be easily restored.   Some of the Pros will tell you nothing short of paint is the only film coating to use. 

   For my money, I'd either stain them every year or so, or leave them natural.  To get the UV inhibitors to work in most Poly, you have to apply 3 to 5 coats, and reapply annually, as it is the finish that breaks down rather than the lignin.

   Greg

3. 
   user-394086 | Mar 25, 2002 08:42pm | #3

   I'd have to vote for Spar Urethane. It's a lot like polyurethane, but UV resistant.

   I wonder what they use on wooden boats...

   I think that even though cedar, teak, and cypress are mold and mildew resistant, they have to mold sometime. Therefore, it's not overkill to finish them with something really tough, IMO.