I am building a bar that will reside on the customer’s deck, outside, protected from direct weather by a roof and awning. He wants the Mahogoney stained with Bartley’s, with a spar varnish over the stain. I rarely ever stain. Bartley’s makes no indication on the can if it can be used on exterior applications. Their website is also silent.
Other brands of furniture stain read “interior only” What makes a stain suitable for exterior, versus interior only? Any clue if Bartley’s is acceptable as an exterior stain with a varnish topcoat? Thanks in advance for the help.
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I am interested in what others have to say, but I don't think you will have a problem.
I have used an"interior " stain on similar projects maybe half a dozen times, and it seems to hold up okay. The key of course is to use an exterior finish with UV inhibitors intended to stand up to the elements -- such as the spar varnish you are proposing.
However, if the client does not keep the finish in tact -- which means recoating every few years -- all bets are off. I would try to talk the client into the virtues of not staining, and letting the mahogany speak for itself.
I've had Bartley's on an outdoor bench for a couple of years with excellent results, no fading. I originally coated it with a mix of linseed/spar/naptha. Looked great and held up better than my straight spar varnished pieces. Recently put on a coat of spar (just for kicks), but I don't like the obvious "coat" much. Can't comment on an outside bar. Todd
Thanks TODDHUNTER and Nikkiwood. The customer is forgoing the stain. I plan to wipe on multiple coats of spar varnish, and leave it natural. So much better IMHO. Thanks for the input.
Good luck. Mahogany does age beautifully on its own. Todd
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