Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Aug 06, 2008 03:58am | #1

   shebe,

   Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.

   Just out of curiosity; was it red or white oak?

   Oak is not the best wood for outdoor furniture to be sure.

    Spar varnish needs a regular maintenance schedule to perform well. Also, a better grade of varnish can make a big difference. Names such as Pettit, Interlux or Epiphanes are the top dogs in marine varnishes with prices reflecting that. If you do decide on varnish again, understand it is a yearly or bi-yearly process.

   I have no experience with the two part polyester. An epoxy will last longer than a spar varnish but there is always a trade off.

   If the coating cracks or becomes otherwise compromised, there is no easy way to repair it.

   I've known people that swore by epoxy until they needed to remove it. It's a tough job.

   If you were to use an epoxy, make sure your wood is well prepared. By this I mean, clean, well sanded and then cleaned again.

   Follow the directions on whichever product you choose for application and re-coat times.

   Good luck.

   Peter

1. 
   shebe | Aug 06, 2008 03:46pm | #2

   Peter, It's white oak. Some years ago I built a 16 1/2 ft. boat-a cabin cruiser- most of the boat was marine plywood.  I used white oak for some of the trim and used spar varnish. Even though the boat was stored inside I recall having to refinish that trim quite often. I then removed the varnish and painted the trim. That was a mistake. It flaked off in no time.  Thanks.  Shebe