Replies

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Apr 04, 2001 06:50am | #1

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   HVbuilds,

   I would suggest using a high quality marine varnish such as Interlux or Epifines. Since Epifines is not available in my neck of the woods, I use Interlux. Their "Schooner" is a high gloss UV protected "traditional" varnish and their "Clipper" is a high gloss UV protected poly varnish. You will not find either at your local paint and hardware store. You will need to get it from a chandelry or marina. Minwax makes an outdoor poly varnish called "Helmsman" my better half used it on the exterior of a bird feeder last spring and it needs to be refinished. I would not recommend it for outdoor use.

   I am just finishing a screen door that I made out of Western Red Cedar and will be using the "Schooner", no sealer required. I did do a sunburst pattern on the kick panel with a very interesting chunk of WRC with a knot in it (intentional) as the "sun". I epoxied the knot and will use a coat of clear shellac as further protection to seal the knot.

   Our picnic table is also made out of WRC and I built it about 25 - 30 years ago, I used about 6 coats of Epifines varnish back then. This spring I will have to refinish it for the first time.

   Dano