I am looking for a solution to a problem but not getting anywhere by searching online.
I purchased a memorial cross in mahogany thinking it would look good and hold up for its purpose. The company stated with all of their outdoor options, that a coat of Thompson’s Water Seal was applied and the only maintenance required was to reapply a coat yearly.
I am including a picture of what look we wanted (vendor pic,) how the purchase looked on arrival and pictures showing the cross at 30 days, 60, 90 and 6 months. I didn’t expect the color change after 30 days and pictures from family as weeks went on, were more shocking. The owner of the company advised me to use mineral oil which I immediately thought made no sense for an outdoor item. When I contacted again, was advised to just apply a new coat of Thompson’s. I have seen nothing but bad reviews with Thompson’s.
I have done so much research but so many options for mahogany and only in the context of decks or front doors. Most brands are sold in large quantities which becomes costly plus no other use – the cross if 7 inches. My goal is to try and get the cross back to a reddish-brown shade, have protection from the elements for as long as possible until maintenance is needed. I am limited to the few brands in big box stores and the only brand available in half pint is Cabot. For cost and portability (the cross is in a cemetery, I am tempted to purchase but don’t know if staining is okay.
Any advice?
Replies
I take it that you are looking for a traditional mahogany finish that will hold up outdoor for as long as possible. This is achieved by using a gel stain first to fill the pores and give the color desired, usually a choice between red or brown mahogany. Once the gel stain has dried overnight, a minimum of 6 heavy coats of spar varnish with a light sanding between coats will provide years of service .
Gulfstar is on the mark. I suggest you take the cross home instead of trying to handle it in place, finishing the whole thing will make it last longer. Buy your spar varnish from a marine dealer, not an orange box, and buy the sealer/ pre-treatment product also if recc'd by the manufacturer. I've had great results with Epifanes products.
Epihanes is really good stuff and I really like the results I get from Tonkinois. I'm a ten coat guy and that's a coat a day - takes 10 days. Tonk builds faster so maybe 6 or 7 coats will get the desired result. Helmsman and probably most other hardware store vanishes are pretty much bunk like has been said. I wouldnt use them.
If you want to go simple you could consider an exterior oil. Clean and sand your thing and I would use a product called TWP because ive had such good results using it,tinted or clear next choice would be penofin. The more pigment the longer it will last. In any case do not use an exterior oil using linseed oil as a base. The oil will need to be reapplied from time to time, more often if it gets a great deal of direct sun. You'll get an acceptable natural look. With TWP it won't go dark but will fade after time.Thompsons was a really bad choice.
I agree with _mj_. To restore the color though you are going to have to sand to remove wood that has been bleached by the sun. TSP or an alkaline product will help darken the wood if needed and an acidic product like oxalic acid will lighten if you end up too dark. Make sure you put on enough spar that water cannot soak into cracks on the details as standing water will eventually lift the film from the wood. I advise bringing into a shop and allowing the finish to cure a week or two before putting back into service and adding some Johnson’s Paste Wax for additional protection throughout its lifetime.
*Try a mixture of 1 part Spar Varnish, 1 part Tung Oil, 1 Part mineral spirits, and a splash of Japan Drier. Mix in single use batches. It is a joy to apply using either a rag or brush and resists drips and bubbles.
Epifanes has been mentioned and I personally like McCloskey’s Marine Man O War.
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