Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Sep 14, 2009 08:48pm | #1

   Red oak isn't a good choice for outdoor furniture, even if it gets only an occasional wetting.  It has open pores that can wick moisture deep inside the wood where it can generate rot, even if the exterior appears to have dried. 

   If you are committed to the red oak I would at least use more protective finish than waterborne paint.  I would seal any end grain, expecially parts that contact the floor with epoxy resin, applying as much as it will accept.  Then I would use several coats of oil based exterior enamel.  Oil based will be more durable than waterborne acyrlic. 

   Adding a clear coat over that won't add to protection.  The paint is more durable than clear coat. 

    

2. 
   9619 | Sep 14, 2009 08:54pm | #2

   Harold,

   I have done outdoor furniture. I would not use shellac on outdoor furniture. If I was using red oak, I wouldn't paint it unless my wife ordered me to. I would use a marine varnish with a lot of UV protection in it. But if my wife ordered me to paint the furniture, then I'd just assume that I am going to have to repaint it in three years - max, and I'd just paint it with latex paint.

   I am not the world's expert in the area of finishes, but I have a bunch of experience. The expert is Steve Schoene, who you can find here on Knots.

   Good luck.
   Mel

   Measure your output in smiles per board foot. 

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Sep 14, 2009 10:49pm | #3

   Thanks for the compliment Mel.  But, I did just suggest that he paint it with an oil based enamel. 

   Gooid oil based paint has a big, big advantage over clear finishes, even the best Marine varnishes, because the paint prevents UV light from penetrating through out the finish layers, and from penetrating to the wood.  It's also at least as good with the ability to block water from penetrating to the wood.  Paint, in a lightish color, and kept from full sun should last a substantial period.  Just look at it regularly, touch up any "dings" as soon as possible, and when it begins to become dull, it's time for scuff sanding and a recoat. 

    

1. 
   9619 | Sep 15, 2009 12:40am | #4

   Steve,
   Glad you illuminated the subject. Oil based rather than latex for outdoor use.About four years ago, I made some five-board pine benches. I went to Benjamin Moore and got the best enamel paint they offered. I even got some primer from them. I used the primer and a few coats of paint, which I sanded between each coat. IT LOOKED BEAUTIFUL. I gave it to my son and daughter in law who live in Tallahassee. They put it on their back deck. The sun, the rain, the changes in temperature, the humidity, and whatever else, just destroyed the paint in about three years. If I were there, I would have kept an eye on it, and done a sanding and recoat when it started to go, but che sera sera. I made some shorter benches for my daughter and son in law who live near Baltimore. The bottoms are pine. The tops are Trex. I bought an expensive marine spar varnish from a "marine" store and put that on the pine. That finish isn't "perfect" but it looks a lot better than the paint I used on the bench in Tallahassee. I also bought a can of General Finishes Outdoor Oil and put it on two other pine pieces that sit near the benches near Baltimore. That did not hold up so well.Obviously this is not a scientific test. The conclusion I have come to is for outdoor furniture, use Teak or cedar or a wood that is suited for outdoor use, and not put any finish on it. It is worth it to pay the extra money for the "good" wood. Or maybe if I use pine, I might just let it weather to a nice grey. For patio furniture, I prefer wrought iron. :-) This message is in no way meant to contradict your suggestion. I believe you are 100% correct. Oil based paint is better than water based for outdoor wood furniture. I was just adding that even good oil based paint only lasts so long in Florida. Have fun.
   MelMeasure your output in smiles per board foot. 

1. 
   Beckum | Oct 13, 2009 12:47am | #5

   I live in FL near the ocean. So nothing lasts outside. If the sun and humidity don't kill it, the salt will! No matter what you do for out door furniture, you have to maintain it annually without fail. Products made for marine applications do seem to hold up well, but they to must be tended to.Best of luck!