Asking Advice on Finishing Cedar Benches

Yup... Penofin is it baby.

In article <J%[email protected]>, Lew
Hodgett <[email protected]> wrote:

> Allow epoxy to cure at least a week before varnish.

Is the UV inhibitor the only reason to varnish over the epoxy?

djb

--
"I'm a man, but I can change... If I have to... I guess." -- Red Green

"Bob Carter" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
> So...I was wondering if I might get a better, longer lasting finish if
> I sealed with no-wax shellac then the three coats of spar varnish.
>
> Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

I don't think the shellac is going to make any difference.

I'd just use Penofin oil and no varnish. It has UV inhibitors.

Bob Carter wrote:

> Just got my second woodworking order for six twin-seater cedar
> benches. I built a prototype last Spring, finished it with three coats
> of spar varnish, and put it on my south-facing deck to see how the
> finish held up over a Wisconsin Summer. In the main it held up fairly
> well, save for two or three spots the finish clouded and the wood
> grayed a bit.
>
> So...I was wondering if I might get a better, longer lasting finish if
> I sealed with no-wax shellac then the three coats of spar varnish.
>
> Any suggestions would be most appreciated.


Totally encapsulate the bare wood with 2-3 coats of laminating epoxy
(low viscosity), followed by 2-3 coats of varnish that contains a UV
inhibitor.

Sand out drips, etc, after each coat of epoxy.

Allow epoxy to cure at least a week before varnish.

Lew

Dave Balderstone wrote:

> Is the UV inhibitor the only reason to varnish over the epoxy?

Basically, YES.

Epoxy is great stuff, but has lousy UV resistance.

The real secret is TOTAL encapsulation.

Forget to do it, sooner or later the water will find a way into the wood
and screw your best intensions outta sight.

Lew