Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Apr 24, 2005 05:44am | #1

   Paint stores carry a mildewicide that can be added but I haven't found that it does much for long. If the conditions are right for mildew it will grow. A wash down with a light solution of bleach water will wash it away for a while. I wash my house every couple of years and it cuts down on the repaint schedule, just go real easy on the corrosive bleach.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

2. 
   Paul_Snyder | Apr 24, 2005 05:55pm | #2

   Warren,

   A good quality exterior clear varnish will contain midewcides, UV absorbers, and UV inhibitors. Typically, the best of these clear exterior finishes can be expected to need routine maintenance consisting of sanding back and re-coating at least once a year if 6 or more coats are applied to the bare wood. The ones that aren't so good will need maintenance more often.

   There is a sealer, called C.P.E.S. (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer) that boaters have been using for quite a while to extend the maintenance schedule. If you're interested, you can look into this finish at this link - http://www.fiveyearclear.com/.

   Paul S
   Website

3. 
   HowardAcheson | Apr 24, 2005 11:56pm | #3

   You might want to suggest that your neighbor not use a "spar" varnish. Spar varnishes are designed to be used on sailboat masts which are flexible. The spar varnish is designed to be soft and flexible. It does not have much resistance to abrasion and when it is hot, clothing can leave imprints.

   Use a standard exterior rated varnish. Stay away from any product that contains polyurethane as poly rapidly deteriorates when exposed to the UV in sunlight.

   Howie.........
1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Apr 26, 2005 01:50am | #5

   "Spar Varnish" has become just a marketing phrase Howie and doesn't really tell you much about what's in the can. Some brands are pretty good and some aren't. Lon Schleining has an article on using spar varnish as an interior table top finish here at FWW; you can check it out at this link - Spar Varnish.

   Here's a quote from another article on varnishes by Chris Minick (Varnishes);

   Phenolic resins combined with tung oil produce a varnish with superior water resistance, good hardness, exceptional flexibility and good alkali, grease and UV resistance. It's called spar varnish.

   Most polys break down pretty quick from UV exposure but there are a number of exterior rated polyurethanes coming out (some have been around for a while) that have overcome the problem. The company at this link feels confident enough to call theirs "Five Year Clear".

   Paul S
   Website

1. 
   Gretchen | Apr 26, 2005 03:49pm | #6

   I have used spar varnish, 50/50 wipe on, for refinishing for more that 40 years. It is not "soft". That is a very relative word. It makes an excellent finish.Gretchen

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Apr 27, 2005 12:22am | #7

   Hi Gretchen,You should ask Lon Schleining what took him so long to write the article! He's only 39 years late! (LOL) Did you pick spar varnish for a a special purpose or just gave it a try and liked it?Paul S
   Website

1. 
   Gretchen | Apr 27, 2005 04:43pm | #8

   I learned refinishing from my sister who had a book by Ralph Parsons Kinney who recommended it.  It is a lovely deep finish.I have had this "discussion" with Howie on another forum where another very experienced person pointed out that it really might be a very acceptable finish, particularly with regard to its ability to take a lick from a kid, for example, and not crack or nick.  I have had numerous instances to notice this property with my own, and now my grands.Gretchen

4. 
   bleubassplyr | Apr 25, 2005 05:39pm | #4

   Check out this recent thread. Very interesting idea.

    http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=23121.1

    

   There are more old drunkards than old doctors.  Ben Franklin