Hello Wreckers,
Executive summary:
What have you used on cypress outdoors with good results?
Long version:
I have built an Adirondack chair using the popular "Jake's Chair" plan. (Whatever happened to Tom Gauldin? Tom-if you're reading this, thanks!)
I used cypress, and after a bit of reading and googling I was hoping to use Cabot's Australian Timber Oil, which is a linseed-tung oil mix with UV additives and coloring. (Norm seems to like it:
I also tried a piece that I wiped down with mineral spirits before application and had the same result. I realize mineral spirits might not be ideal to use here, but I didn't have any acetone.
A call to Cabot tech support indicated it's the tung component that doesn't play well with Cypress resin. Unfortunately I didn't ask if it's a matter of time, or that it will never cure. I'm going to see what my test pieces do.
So...
I'm looking for a little darker color, and I need protection from the elements. On cypress. I'd prefer oil-based, but it's not a hard requirement. What have you used with success? I'm looking for personal experiences here.
One answer is spar varnish -- how has it worked for you?
Another answer is "let it go gray naturally" but I feel about that the same way my mother-in-law feels about natural gray hair. ;-)
Any experiences you could share would be welcome.
Thanks for your time,
Max