Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Mar 29, 2007 11:12pm | #1

   Boiled linseed oil is a particularly bad choice.  It does little (nothing) to prevent water spotting and actively encourages mold. 

   The most durability would come from a pigmented stain that does a lot to protect the wood fibers from UV damage. 

   There are penetrating clear, or nearly finishes that have adherents, but I haven't experience with them on fir. 

    

1. 
   AlanMikkelsen | Mar 30, 2007 05:27am | #2

   We have an extensive garden area with a lot of wood lawn furniture, 1800' of 4 rail fence, signs, mailbox, etc, all made from fir, pine, cedar or redwood.  I went through this same question over 20 years ago.  The best finish I've found for this sort of work is Inwood stain/preservative, renewed every 2-3 years.  I've also used Super Deck and Penofin, but Inwood lasts at least a year longer than anything else. Alan & Lynette Mikkelsen, Mountain View Farm, est. 1934,  Gardens & Fine Woodworking, St. Ignatius, MT

1. 
   jointerman | Apr 04, 2007 01:12am | #3

   I can't speak for "Inwood stain/preservative" but I have to say that Penofin has worked great for me. I built an outdoor redwood bench a couple of years ago and at first finished it with Spar Varnish, that didn't last at all! The Penofin still looks great on my -exposed to the elements- backyard bench.

2. 
   arkriver | Apr 04, 2007 05:26pm | #4

   BLO and Mold??? Never heard or seen such a thing. Remember the old pickups, the ones with the wood beds. My Grandfather BLO'ed his every year. Guess what, no mold, no rotting, no warping. I have a old shovel that I leave in the garden yearround. It gets a good coat of BLO yearly and has been outside for at least six yrs - no mold, no rot, some mior checking. Give BLO some credit. Used frequently, it is a good outdoors product. The key is using it regularly, and yes other products allow a less frequent application.

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Apr 04, 2007 06:04pm | #5

   >> BLO and Mold??? Never heard or seen such a thing.Very common problem in moist conditions as most boaters with wooden boats know. Linseed oil is actually a "food" for mold.Howie.........

2. 
   Rich14 | Apr 04, 2007 06:12pm | #6

   arkriver,

   Sorry, but your conclusions about linseed oil being the reason your various implements and that truck bed have not had a mold problem are a classic example of false logic. The oil had no role in mold prevention, or any other benefit to the wood that you mention. In fact, it probably got the wood closer to the possibility of developing mold (than if it hadn't been treated), which didn't happen for a number of other factors that you haven't considered.

   Rich

1. 
   arkriver | Apr 04, 2007 06:38pm | #7

   I did not say it prevented mold, I thought you suggested it caused mold which I have never seen it do

1. 
   Rich14 | Apr 04, 2007 06:49pm | #8

   You didn't say it prevented mold?

   "My Grandfather BLO'ed his every year. Guess what, no mold, no rotting, no warping. I have a old shovel that I leave in the garden yearround. It gets a good coat of BLO yearly and has been outside for at least six yrs - no mold, no rot, some mior checking. Give BLO some credit."

   What's that?

    

3. 
   SteveSchoene | Apr 05, 2007 12:34am | #9

   BLO doesn't cause mold, just makes it worse if it starts.  Mold depends on having moist materials on which to grow.  In addition to being a "food" for the mold, it also doesn't hinder water from wetting the wood.  But a handle or a truck bed that dries out regularly, whether finished or not, doesn't get the opportunity for mold to take hold.