I’m building a small bench out cedar from of cutoffs and scraps leftover from a deck project. I’ve selected pieces that show the really nice colors and grain of this wood and I want the color and grain to remain after I’ve finished it. The bench will get fairly heavy use and the wood is soft so I’m thinking of a clear polyurethane finish.
Does anyone have a better idea or any advice? Thanks.
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If it's going outside, usr Spar varnish. Poly will deteriorate very quickly in sunlight.
Good point. Thanks.
If it will get lots of sun, not only should it be spar varnish, but not all spar varnish is the same. Quality marine spar varnish will last much, much longer than the stuff you can buy at "big box" stores or ordinary paint stores. The three brands to look for are Epifanes Gloss, Pettitt, Captains, or Interlux Schooner. And, even with these, regular maintenance is required. In full sun, an annual refresher coat is mandatory, or any time that the finish starts to look dull. Any dings that break the film must be touched up promptly. And, you must expect after half a dozen years to have to strip if all off and start over.
If you don't want this kind of maintenance, I recommend a pigmented finish paint or stain. Stain is much easier to prepare for recoating when that becomes necessary, but it will be necessary more frequently than paint.
Great information. Thanks.
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