Hi Everyone,
I'm a new member all the way from Down Under - Australia!!
I'm making a garden stool/bench for my daughter's garden and wonder how I should treat the wood as it will be standing out in all sorts of weather?
I'm thinking of using turpentine - don't know if you have this wood in US - it is a darkish wood with a rose hue.

Hi Kasey,

I would reccomend a varnish finish, that's real varnish, not polyurethane.

You should be able to purchase a marine spar varnish with UV protection.

Thin it with tupentine, possibly up to 50/50 to make it thin, and apply several coats, sanding lightly with 220 grit paper between coats.

Where I've wanted a darker colour, or more protection, I've treated the wood with boiled linseed oil, thinned 50/50 with turpentine.

Flood the wood, let it sit, wipe off the excess oil with a rag. Repeat the wiping off whenever you see oil appearing on the surface.

Repeat the flooding/wiping one more time, then let it sit for a few days before applying the above varnish.

Note that oily rags are a self combustion hazard and must be flattened out, and left to dry, outside in the sun. Never ball them up or throw them out for garbage until the oil has dried and hardened on the rag. At that point they are no longer a self combustion hazard.

Regards, Rod. Toronto, Canada

Welcome

You did not say what kind of wood you are makeing the bench out of. Some woods are difficult to finish.

You can try what Rod suggested, or you might check out auto paint shops for clear finishes.

I have been playing around with them for several years, and found that they do hold up better than varnish, or the poly's with the uv inhibitors to the elements.

They do have some issues. Some will not stick to some of the stains I use, they are more brittle and chip out and crack over time but still last longer than the varnishes or poly's, also they do not darken the finish as much as varnish when applied. Do a trial and error session first and make sure the final product is what you want.

If all else fails find and exterior paint which matches the color of the wood.

In any case always follow the makers instructions as much as possible.

Good luck
Joe

Depending upon the weather resistance of this wood you might not want to put a finish on it at all or stain it. I would suggest if you do finish it that you do not use a film finish which when it cracks will hold moisture between the finish and the wood. I would suggest a penetrating finish.

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Barbara