Best finish for outdoor furniture?

[Fixemall]

How about two part acrylic? You could go 1/4" thick and have an awesome clear finish that could be buffed if it scratches.

 

[wrooster]

I have experience only with Sikkens and it holds up reasonably and looks very good.

Shown below is 2 coats of Sikkens Cetol 23 in "Natural Oak" over cedar wood. Intended as a potting bench, instead it serves as a utility table next to our BBQ.

Wrooster

 

[SandburRanch]

I have never used paraffin before. How do you prepare it? I assume you would have to melt it in some turpentine or naptha or some such. Correct?

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Depending on the project, melt it on directly with a propane torch or melt it in an electric skillet and apply with a brush. Either way I like to heat the wood surface some for deep penetration. Usually use a heat lamp for that.

 

[forgeblast]

I use this for my bee hives. Linseed oil, some turpentine, and a chunk of beeswax. Put it in a coffee can, then get a #10 can (larger can) and fill 1/2 with water and heat with a propane torch (double boiler). It will melt and then you can just brush it on. Looks great too.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Wow! Beautiful work...but I want to retain the original color of the Cedar. I don't know what kind of Cedar you used, but mine is indigenous Cedar that is basically red with some white streaks. It weathers to a dark gray. I don't want to stain it, but retain the original color. I'll look into Sikkens and see if they have a clear penetrating finish.

BTW, did you build the bench? If so, did you do all the millwork?

 

[Dozernut]

"That looks like the clear coat might just be the ticket. Have you used the clear?"

I have not used the clear, just the Cedar stain. It works very well on my home and other wood built, outside projects. What ever you decide on, be sure it has UV protection and will penetrate the wood. UV rays will fade and dry the wood causing it to crack. The cracks will let in the moisture promoting decay.

 

[om21braz]

Shown below is 2 coats of Sikkens Cetol 23 in "Natural Oak" over cedar wood. Intended as a potting bench, instead it serves as a utility table next to our BBQ.

Wrooster

Beautiful work !

 

[grsthegreat]

My neighbor has a big green egg also. there nice units. cooked a great turkey in it 2 years ago

 

[Pete Judd]

I use a lot of Dalys yes that is the right spelling Seafin on the teak on my boat, 6 coats, it is a blend of tung oil, and poly. DALY'S : Paint and Decorating / Wood Finishes Works well on oily woods such as teak and cedar. But don't scrimp on the coats, and give it at least 24 hrs between coats. On a boat here in the Wet PNW, it holds up well, and a coat or two in the spring makes things look good. It will slightly darken the wood, but will not give it the orange color that the Sikens will.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

Thanks everyone. I've saved your recommendations so I can peruse them later. I'm happy to learn that there is something out there besides Tung Oil; the penetrating oil stains to be specific. Didn't know they existed.