Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | May 28, 2007 02:44pm | #1

   Best finish is a solid color stain.  Alternatively, leaving it bare to weather naturally is also a sensible thing to do. 

   Knowing what weather it will face and, in particular, how much sun it will get is important. Rain is pretty much a trivial factor as long as it can dry out between damp spells. 

   Any clear finish calls for regular and frequent maintenance.  Spar varnish isn't appropriate on decks that will be walked on--it's too soft.  On furniture and things like railings it can look very nice if you are willing to commit to annual recoating with periodic complete refinishing.  Given the labor involved, only the best varnish makes sense.  This means one of three marine spar varnishes, Epifanes High Gloss Clear, Interlux Schooner, or Pettit Captain's.  (There are probably some two part products that work OK but these are hard to apply, even harder to repair, and cost over $60 per quart.)  No spar varnish, what ever it says on the label that is sold in the big box stores is acceptable. 

   Coating the wood with a penetrating coat or two of epoxy may add longevity to the finish, but is not a panacea, nor does it eliminate or reduce the need to coat with a high quality spar varnish. 

2. 
   terrylee86 | May 28, 2007 03:34pm | #2

   A lot of the cedar in Michigan that is is left natural is coated with Azko Siekkens for exterior exposure, but it is an every three year proposition unless you want it to weather grey. I agree with Steve if you want to change the color use a solid color stain. The Behr stains form HD are rated the highest right now.