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I am using recently cut (not kiln or air dried) red oak timbers as structural posts holding up a porch roof. My question is whether any finish could be applied now to preserve the appearance of the wood and minimize graying (weathering) of the wood, or must I let the wood dry before applying any finish? I was considering some type of penetrating finish like an oil, which might still allow some drying of the wood over time. The timbers range from 4×4″ to 6×6″ in cross section. They will be covered by a roof, but still exposed to weathering. I know that dried wood would be better to use, but this is what I have to work with.
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Jim, I dont know of any finish that will prevent the timber going grey. Short of painting it, I think you may just have to accept that. Oil will retard the process a little and add a measure of water resistance as well as giving the posts a nice colour.
If it goes grey and later you decide to paint them, make sure you sand back first as the timber will be sort of 'case hardened' and any paint wont adhere too well.
all the best.
*I just built some radio-kiln dried timber trusses, and used Sam Maloof's formula of 1/3 tung oil,1/3 linseed oil, and Varnish( but substituted urethane), with very good results ;part of the collar ties extend through the exterior walls and they seem to be okay.( both the tung oil, and the urethane had u.v. inhibitors in them), and I would like to hear from "them who know" whether this was a good idea ,and would it work for green timbers as well?
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