Replies

1. 
   Danford_C_ | Jul 29, 2002 05:03am | #1

   My recommendation would be to use a high quality marine grade spar varnish such as Epifanes or Interlux; they'll contain UV inhibitors and blockers.  Both companies also make outstanding polyurethane varnishes as well.  FWIW.

   Dano

   "Form and Function are One" - Frank L. Wright
2. 
   dhpascoe | Jul 29, 2002 04:32pm | #2

   Urethane varnish is the way to go, but because it is water proof, if any uncoated part of the wood absorbs water, it will cause the varnish to lift off, so be sure to thoroughy coat all sides, and any fastener holes. Otherwise, water doesn't hurt much, but sun surely does so keep them out of the sun if at all possible.

   Dave

3. 
   Paul_Snyder | Jul 29, 2002 11:06pm | #3

   If it's outside you need an exterior finish. Exterior finishes have more flexibility and UV inhibitors. Standard polyurethane will not last very long even in the shade. I'd recommend epifanes.com or penofin.com.

   Paul

   F'burg, VA

1. 
   RealAdam | Aug 01, 2002 03:31am | #5

   Thanks, Paul.  The Penofin (Exotic hardwood) looks exactly like what I'm looking for.  I appreciate the help!

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Aug 02, 2002 06:06pm | #8

   I went to google.com and did a search for - consumer reports sikkens - there's some good info on the exterior products that have held up the longest as TJM pointed out. Penofin wasn't on the list. The info at this link - http://www.9news.com/consumer/deckstsains.htm - includes a mention that Consumer Reports is repeating the test with some new brands and some are doing better than the previous test.

   Paul

   F'burg, VA

1. 
   marktrav | Aug 04, 2002 03:00am | #9

   How does the MinWax Clear Polyurethane Spar Varnish hold up long term? I recently made a tiller, centerboard plate, and winch base plates with mahogany for my small sailboat. I used the MinWax varnish and used three coats. So far so good, but it's only been a month. It definitely brought the subtle and beautiful grain patterns out in the wood, and didn't darken it one bit.

   Mark

1. 
   RdrgzDesign | Aug 04, 2003 12:21am | #10

   Hi -

   I think one thing that needs to be said is that the Sikkens product is a film-forming finish as is the spar varnish and urethanes. The penofin product is an oil, non-film forming. This is important, aesthetically speaking. I've used both, and the Sikkens is great and long lasting, but definitely imparts a strong amber color to your wood. The Penofin also imparts a color - burgundy - though not as strong as the Sikkens, and it compliments mahogany nicely.

   FWIW, I did some samples for a client of three finishes - Sikkens Cetol, Penofin Exotic Hrdwd, and Man o War Spar varnish. The samples were of both face and end grain (we used big finger joints for the table so both were exposed). The sample were about 5/8" thick. The penofin penetrated clear through to the other side of the end grain in about an hour! The sikkens did show some good penetration as well, but it is not as important to the success of that product since it relies on it's film for that.

   -R.

4. 
   tjmwood | Jul 30, 2002 01:08am | #4

        I used Sikkens on a nice picinic table 4 years ago. It sits under a tree mostly all summer and is stored in the garage in the winter.

       It still looks like the day I finished it.

1. 
   RealAdam | Aug 01, 2002 03:33am | #6

   Tim-

   It sounds like Sikkens gave you really good results.  I had never heard of their products before and it seems like they make quite a variety of finishes.  Do you recall which specific Sikkens product(s) you used?

   Honestly, I am leaning towards Penofin, but I'd like to investigate Sikkens some more as well.  I appreciate your help - thanks!

1. 
   tjmwood | Aug 01, 2002 06:45am | #7

   I used Sikkens Cetol SRD. I think its made for decks. Its a 1 coat system that requires what they call visual maintainence, if it looks at all deteriorated just throw another coat on.

   My house has rough sawn cedar siding. I used thier 3 coat system of cetol 1 and cetol 2 3 plus. On the south side I have to re-do every 5-7 years. North side 10-12 years. I used the same thing on my barn/work shop 15 years ago and the bottom 4 or 5 boards on the south side are in desperate need but above that its fine.

   Ive seen houses done with penofin that need re-done every year.

   I read in consumer reports on deck coatings Sikkens #1 cabbots a very close #2. I've never used cabbots but at almost 1/2 the price I think its worth a try. Sikkens is $45/gal.

   I agree with everyone else that direct sunlight is your worst enemy, water is #2.