Replies

1. 
   Howard_Acheson | Sep 14, 2001 09:05pm | #1

   *
   First, let me say as a longtime boat owner and maker of wood products for boats, that polyurethane varnish is a poor choice for exterior applications. UV rapidly attacks polyurethane and causes it to fail.

   That said, a good quality marine spar varnish will work as well as anything. Be sure to get it from a marine supplier, not your local "big box". Brands like Pettit, Woolsey, Epifanes are what you should look for. To build a sufficient film thickness for the UV additive to work requires 5-6 coats. Be sure to refinish the inside of the door also and seal it top and bottom with whatever finish you use on the outside.

   Finally, you will need ot some cleanup of the current surface. At minimum, I would recommend cleaning with a marine deck cleaner. Most finish manufacturers will recommend that their products be put on to a freshly sanded surface.

   You can apply your varnish over an oil finish as long as the oil has completely cured. If it still has an odor, it is not fully cured.

1. 
   tamarack_ | Sep 15, 2001 02:10am | #2

   *Thanks Howard -- I live near Lake Michigan so sources of marine varnish are plentiful.

1. 
   David_Heinlein | Sep 15, 2001 03:01pm | #3

   *The UV protectants in spar varnish are meant only to help protect the *varnish* from breaking down, not to help the wood from being bleached out by the sun. Brightwork(woodwork) on boats are rejuvenated yearly to keep them looking new.

1. 
   Howard_Acheson | Sep 17, 2001 08:59pm | #4

   *Good point David. UV additives are intended to protect the finish, not the color of the wood and generally, annual maintenence is required.I always say, nothing is forever outdoors.

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Sep 26, 2001 10:43pm | #5

   *Tamarack,Being a native Michigander, I am familiar with the climate. Having a fair amount of experience in the restorations of Chris-Crafts, I respectfully disagree, in part, with David and Howie.The UV blockers used by Interlux and Epifanes (can't speak for the other brands)i are formulated to prevent bleaching and discoloration of the wood in addition to the prevention of the finish breaking down. I suggest that you go to the provided links for more information:http://www.interlux.comhttp://www.epifanes.comIn answer to your questions; no you are not crazy in your approach. Though, IMHO, the use of oil is not necessary. If you do go that route, give it at least a couple of weeks to fully cure, depending on number of coats and humidities.I use both Interlux and Epifanes and have had excellent results over the years. They both have polyurethane formulations in high gloss for exterior use. If you don't like the high gloss look, use 600 grit silicon (wet) on the final coat for satin, 1200 or 1500 grit silicon (wet) for semi-gloss. You might also want to check the discussion that I started below on outdoor finishes that I started awhile back. Hope this helps.Dano

2. 
   scott_murray | Sep 27, 2001 01:46am | #6

   *Dano,Welcome back. Or were you never away? :)the rev

3. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Sep 27, 2001 02:02am | #7

   *Rev,Thank you, yes I was "away".Dano

4. 
   tamarack_ | Oct 02, 2001 04:06pm | #8

   *Thanks everyone. The door is about ready for the oil finish. The oil finish is intended to add color and depth more than a protective finish.