Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Oct 23, 2003 04:34am | #1

   The reason sinkers don't rot (or rot only very slowly) is that there's no oxygen in the water for the microbes. So the fact that a log lasted a long time on the bottom of the river doesn't necessarily mean it'll last a long time exposed to the weather.

   I'd say leave it for a year. If you don't like the way it's weathering, you can sand or scrape it down to fresh wood again and finish it.

1. 
   GACCDallas | Oct 31, 2003 06:39am | #2

   Hey Unc,

   How stupid I feel.  I never thought about the oxyen factor and the microbes.  That makes enough sense to make me feel foolish.

   I'll leave the top unfinished as suggested and see what happens.

   Thanks,

   Ed. Williams

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Oct 31, 2003 06:21pm | #3

   There is no finish that last very well in outdoor conditions. If there was, us boaters would be all over it.

   You need to make a choice. A penetrating finish will be easy to apply, easy to repair and re-apply from time to time. But, it may need to be maintained a couple of times a year. A film finish will initially last longer but still needs maintenence and is much more difficult to repair.

   The better outdoor film finishes are the exterior marine varnishes made available at marine suppliers. Pettit, Woolsey, Interlux, Epifanes are some good ones. Follow the directions. Do not use a spar varnish. It is too soft to be durable. Use an exterior varnish.

   Stay away from Big Box brands of "spar" varnish. Most are not very good. Also, an exterior vanish will be longer lasting that an exterior poly varnish. Poly does not take well to high levels of UV.

   The best way to maintain outdoor furniture is to get some sun covers and then take it in during the winter.