I'm about to re-finish an exterior door. It has McCloskey spar varnish on it. I've "heard" that a phenolic/tung oil varnish would be the best finish but I'm wondering what brands I might consider. Any recommendations?
Max
From what I've studied (but have limited pracice), the key for exterior finishes is UV protection. UV damages the wood fibers over time, resulting in poor adhesion. So you want an exterior finish with UV inhibitors in them.
After that, your finish should be relatively flexible, to accomodate the shrink/swell cycles from humidity and heat/cold.
I have a Fine Woodworking article (May/June 2009) that tried various finishes and recommends Smith & Co Penetrating Epoxy Sealer, followed by Epiphanes varnish. Or just use the varnish. Either way, you use a lot of coats.
From a Google search:
Max
After 6-8 coats, you will have a decent base.
BTW, 3-4 base coats of laminating epoxy sanded between coats provides a great base but no UV protection which is why the Epiphanes overcoat.
Lew
Pshaw!! I don't want it to look like a bar top. ;-)
Max
------------------------- No problem, just figure a redo every 2nd-3rd year depending on amount of sun.
Lew
Waterlox, but it costs half the price.
-- If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is "thank you," that would suffice. -- Meister Eckhart
"Lew Hodgett" wrote
2nd - 3rd year?? The stuff (McCloskey Spar varnish) that's on there is about 6 years old and not so bad it couldn't go another year. I was looking for something that would last a little longer. ;-)Max
-------------------------------- You've set the bar rather low if McCloskey Spar Varnish is almost adequate. >GRIN>
Lew
Wellll, that's why I was askin' about a better product.
SWMBO says I did the McCloskey job in spring of 2003. (She say it was just before we went to Michigan that year) But here's the door now:
If you're lookimg for something better, then after an epoxy base with an Epiphanes top coat, it's all down hill.
Have fun.
Lew
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