Replies

1. 
   Jed_C. | Mar 14, 2000 04:32pm | #1

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   Yes, the varnish will crack and peel off as it ages. Why not just be straight with the client and educate him about the beautiful gray patina to come? (You did use a rot-resistant wood, yes?)

1. 
   from_the_Philly_Suburbs_Ted_Zogr | Mar 17, 2000 06:47pm | #2

   *Jed:I keep hearing about this beautiful silver finish that supposedly develops on outdoor furniture. Last year I purchased a quality set of teak outdoor furniture - but they didn't turn beautiful silver, just ugly, dirty black gray! The problem seems to be airborne pollutants combined with fungus in my neck of the woods.So, right now I am stripping off all the "beautiful" finish and applying a coat of Waterlox. I know I will need to maintain that finish (a lot easier than removing cracked varnish), but the looks are worth it.

1. 
   Jed_C. | Mar 17, 2000 07:52pm | #3

   *Ahhh, you mean that rare Urban-Ebonized Patina that can only be found in humid, traffic-congested zones of development. Sorry to hear that car exhaust and mildew prevailed in your case.Hey, to each his own--as long as you're willing to put in the time and effort regular maintenance will require, I'm not here to argue that decision. But I've sworn off that routine. Any unfinished outdoor furniture I build is bound to outlive me. After it's made, I'd rather sit in it than work on it.

1. 
   Roz_Potter | Aug 24, 2000 05:51pm | #4

   *What happened to Michael Dresdner's help site? My message to him bounced back. I need advice on a finish to use on a teak table and chairs that will live on a shady, partially enclosed porch in NW Indiana (won't get wet or exposed to much sun). I very much like the look of the unfinished teak but can see it is going to become grease stained from food if it is not sealed in some way (already has a small grease spot). I want to alter the color and texture as little as possible. What finish to use? Will I need a primer because of the oiliness of the wood?

1. 
   Jamie_S. | Aug 27, 2000 08:25am | #5

   *I don't think teak will turn silver upon weathering. Cedar will (at least the cedar around here in the Northwest).Regards,JS

2. 
   Ruud_Joling | Aug 31, 2000 10:46pm | #6

   *A good help getting a nice grey outdoor patina on wood like oak, teak, robinia acacia, is soft soap. Perhaps because its light caustic Ph. Scrub the wood with a hard brush, then flush with the garden hose and see....Ruud Joling The Netherlands.

3. 
   Doug_Nelson | Jan 30, 2001 04:56pm | #7

   *I am building a workshop for my artist son who lives in a rainy mountain town. We will be framing windows with cherry and siding the building with mahogoney because we have a large stock on hand. I really do not want to paint the building but I know of no clear finish besides spar varnish, which I does not seem to hold up. Is there a way to finish the building naturally that will show off the wood that will not deteriorate within a year or two?