Replies

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Aug 23, 2001 05:17pm | #1

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   Rob,

   I really don't think that the natural oil from kids hands will have any significant impact, unless they are dipping their hands in used motor oil.

   If this is a real big issue with you, then apply a thin coat of boiled linseed oil and forget it. Over time the Cypress will age to a beautiful grey.

   My main concern would be if I were located in the Portland or Seattle (or similar) area where there is high humidity, lots of rain, and very little sunshine. Even woods, like Cyprus, that are highly resistant to moisture decay will begin to grow mould and start to turn black. This can be deaccelerated by making sure that the table is in the open (out from the shade) when the sun does shine and storing the table in a dry space indoors over the winter.

   Dano

1. 
   Rob_Farrell | Aug 23, 2001 08:19pm | #2

   *Dano,Thanks for the response. The table is in Pennsylvania and getting its first rain in three weeks today. No excess moisture problem at this time. It will remain outside in the winter because it's too big to get in any door (four ft. sq.). I have considered the linseed oil idea. The wood looks great under oil. Is is your experience that the graying will occur even with the oil treatment? If so, then I'll oil it.Rob

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Aug 23, 2001 08:55pm | #3

   *Rob,Having come from Michigan and familiar with Pennsylvania, mould should not be much of a problem. Yes, the table will still weather to grey providing that the application of the linseed oil is not a regular maintenance routine. My suggestion for it's use was to get you through this first season of the kids finger prints. I do suggest covering it, though, during the winter months.FWIW, all the Teak on my dad's sailboat is "dressed" biannually in the spring, by early fall it is almost grey, it's re-dressed when it is hauled out to get it through 'til the following spring. At that time it is more white than grey. Dano

1. 
   AJinNZ_ | Sep 11, 2001 06:53am | #4

   *I made some outdoor furniture from Macrocarpa which as far as I know is Monterey Cypress. The people I gave it to leave it outside and oiled it with "Teak Oil". this added to the colour etc in the short term, but it is now going a nice silver/grey on all the surfaces that get lots of UV. other areas just darkened and have added to the overall look.