Replies

1. 
   WorkshopJon | May 24, 2003 12:46pm | #1

   Consumer Reports has been having an ongoing deck finish test for years (~7). Usually comes out in the spring. Gist of it is there are no really good clear finishes out there, though some are somewhat better that others @$70.00 gal. Some completely worthless (Thompson's). Best bet is to read the mags, but start thinking about using a semi-transparent finish. BTY, personal exp. go with solvent based.

   Jon

1. 
   notDusty | May 26, 2003 05:47pm | #5

          Jon & Sarge ,         Thank you for your input on this subject. I had not even considered a stain type finish until your opinions were posted . We will pick a light color and give it a try.                 again thanks two you both

             "how good we are is how good we fix our mistakes"

                                     dusty

1. 
   RANGERP75R | May 26, 2003 08:06pm | #6

   dusty

      Behr has a oil-base acyrlic (sp) that looks like cedar, I'm sure other manufactures do also. The oil base will suck into dry cedar. I put in on heavy till it finally leaves a wet coat. Then I back brush off the excess. The acyrlic is the bond used with the penetrating oil to hold and keep the pigment even through-out.

      BTW, oil brushes are a must and get plenty of mineral spirits if you go this route. Also, expect to mess up some old clothes an shoes as the oil will spatter everywhere. Just pretend you're a kid again and playing in a mudhole. Beer will help. ha..ha..

   Best of luck...

   sarge..jt

2. 
   RANGERP75R | May 25, 2003 06:25pm | #2

   dusty

      Agree with Jon. I have cedar siding that I use semi-trans solvent base on. It looks great, but I have to hand brush it every three years to keep it that way. Keep in mind this is siding and won't take the traffic a deck will.

      The clear looks great, but you will spend more of your time than you wish keeping it that way. I also use the semi-trans on the decks and porch, but have to re-apply every two years to keep it protected. Theres no easy way with cedar.

   Good luck...

   sarge..jt

1. 
   TomFerreira | May 26, 2003 05:04am | #3

   Sarge/Dusty,

   By solvent based do you mean oil/alkyd based? I have never heard of solvent based.

   TDF

1. 
   RANGERP75R | May 26, 2003 09:09am | #4

   Tom

      Yep... I used that term as Dusty mentioned it. I also refer to it as oil base. I have heard it refered to as solvent based. I suppose cause the solvent mineral spirits, paint thinner is used to cut it. My neck of the woods we just say oil based.

   Have a good nite, Tom...

   sarge..jt

3. 
   HowardAcheson | May 26, 2003 09:11pm | #7

   As Jon says, Consumer Reports has be running a long term test of deck coatings for the past five or so years. They report interim results in their June issues. The next issue on the newstands is to be the June issue. But, go to the library and look at the past issues. As products fail they fall off the lists.

   Bottom line, the more opagque the finish the longer it lasts. There was no clear finish that lasted even a year. Some semi-transparents lasted a couple of years.

4. 
   WorkshopJon | May 26, 2003 10:21pm | #8

   Dusty

   One thing I can add. Beware of non-solvent based stains that claim to be "oil fortified." They are water-based and don't hold up well. In many parts of the country it is getting harder to find a lot of finishes (due to high VOC's) with a proven track record that are higher VOC.

   Jon