Re: best finish for exterior french doors

[stuart noble]

I have a pair of mahogany French doors ... south facing, full sun (when we

>get it), fitted about 5 years ago... >They have developed fine cracks along the grain in many places... >a year ago I tried filling them with plastic wood (opening the bigger crack >with a Stanley >knife to get more filler in)... then finished with wickes quick drying wood >stain (microporous)... >However, the crack have opened again and the woodstain has cracked with it >(it seem rather >brittle stuff)... >I don't think I'll ever successfully fill the cracks >What's the best "coloured varnish" (prep) that would help fill hairline >cracks (sort of glue them together ??) >and cope with future movement ... and resist further cracking?

You could try a coloured crayon. Wouldn't crack but might soften unduly in full sun.

[Rick Hughes]

"stuart noble" >cracks (sort of glue them together ??)

I used Sikkens Filter 7 on my Sapelle French doors ... doesn't crack, and good for at least 2 years - and takes very little to recoat, just quick wipe over with fine wire wool, wipe down with meths and recoat - goes on much faster than paint.

I actually used a base coat first to even colour - you paint this on then wipe it off with a rag while wet.

Rick