I’m building a table with six chairs for a screened in porch, using maple.
Will appreciate any advice on what clear satin finish to use, I always spray and sometimes on the top will rub out. Looking for a finish which looks good and resists humidity and some water drops during rain.
Thanks in advance.
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Ordinarily I would recommend an oil based non-polyurethane varnish. Since I assume furniture on the porch will see little direct sunlight it is not necessary to go all the way to a marine spar varnish. The problem of course is that oil based varnishes are not often good choices for spraying unless on has the facilities that really pull overspray off and that keeps dust at bay. Frankly, I'd generally rather apply these as a wipe on varnish than by spraying, given the clean up issues, and the tendancy of overspray to leave the universe sticky.
I don't think that ordinary NC lacquer is sufficiently resistant to water droplets, and waterborne acyrlics are not much better. This leads me into the catalyzed finishes--post cat or conversion varnish that are made to be sprayed and are tough. The problem with these is also a matter of facilities. The solvents in these require more caution than basic lacquer thinner, and facilities both for personal protection and for protection of the neighborhood have to be stronger. I don't have the right facilities myself so can't offer anything from personal experience.
Thx Steve, appreciated. It's been a long time since I have applied a hand finish, perhaps the spray gun should stay on the shelf for this one.
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