Replies

1. 
   Gretchen | Sep 13, 2003 10:33pm | #1

   On WoodMagazine there is a recommendation to use the exterior  tint base to which color is added to make exterior oil base paint. The tint base itself is clear and apparently an excellent clear outdoor finish.  Get the base that is used to mix the darkest color of paint.

   Gretchen
1. 
   manchuian | Sep 14, 2003 10:12pm | #2

   Gretchen

      Thanks very much ,that's an excellent idea.

                                      chris

1. 
   Gretchen | Sep 14, 2003 10:41pm | #3

   Please report if you do buy it--or can get the clerk to sell it to you. All I got was an argument!  As our friend for whom I was trying to get it said, it is amazing when you have money you want to spend that they won't sell it to you. In truth, all they had was gallon buckets of the oil base--didn't want to invest that much.  Good luck.Gretchen

2. 
   PaulReuter | Sep 14, 2003 10:42pm | #4

   Our weather here in Manitoba is probably a bit more extreme.  We rely on Sikkens Cetol finishes.  Three coats in three days on dry cedar will give you excellant protection.

   Paul

1. 
   manchuian | Sep 15, 2003 12:46am | #5

   Paul I just looked on line @ the Sikkens site . From what I can determine ,the Cetol1 seems to be the best application although it is translucent , will the cedar still stand out? and is Cetol 1 the right choice? 

                                                 Thanks much , Chris

1. 
   PaulReuter | Sep 17, 2003 02:56am | #6

   Chris,  Cetol 1 is as clear as any other stained, clear penetrating oil finish I have seen.  I suppose you could call it a 'thinned' varnish because by the time you get to the third coat, it does build up on the surface.  The grain shows through & it looks good.  It's not cheap, but you could get a quart & try it.

   There is no such thing as a maintainence-free exterior clear finish.  Even the best ones have to be redone from time to time, including Sikkens.  With some finishes, this means sanding & refinishing every year.  The better finishes stretch this out to every 3-4 years.  If you do this routine maintainence before the finish degrades too badly, it only requires a light sanding & recoating.  If left too long, even Sikkens will require a complete sanding & refinishing.  Under-cover storage over the winter months will greatly prolong the life of any clear finish.

   I've been told that Consumer Reports magazine has been doing an annual article on outdoor clear finishes with updates on how various types stand up to time.  Haven't seen it myself, but was told there is some good info there.

   Paul

1. 
   manchuian | Sep 18, 2003 05:10pm | #7

   HI Paul

      Just ordered a case of Sikkens  "not cheap " . We have fall setting in , it should be nice weather for treating this project. I plan on putting 3 coats on each. Thanks for your detailed help.

   Gretchen

     Thanks for your input  incidentally paint stores are reluctant to sell just the base , ? couldn't get a straight answer.

                  Thanks much Chris

1. 
   NormInFujino | Sep 19, 2003 06:44am | #9

   The German Xyledecor is another excellent finish, if available in your area. Unfortunately, the clear coat is an undercoat only. For real UV protection, you have to put on one of the tinted coats next.

   ". . .and only the stump or fishy part of him remained."

   Green Gables: A Contemplative Companion to Fujino Township

3. 
   Kevin | Sep 19, 2003 06:36am | #8

   I dunno if this is the kind of product you are looking for... but, check these folks out: http://www.superdeck.com/

   Regards,

   Kevin