[Woodcarver] varnish

[Ramsey]

I have been using Varathane Diamond Finish, water base marine spar 
urethane for a number of years.  It outlasts oil base marine spar but 
not by much.  Any clear finish that is exposed to sun and weather, 
that sits on the surface, will go bad in two to five years.  One 
exception is Sikkens but it smells worse than oil base marine spar.

I don't use surface coatings on carvings that will be exposed to sun 
and weather.  I recommend using a penetrating oil deck finish.  It 
has to be re-coated every two years but it is quick and easy to do 
and if it is maintained regularly, will look good much longer  Having 
to sand and refinish urethane is a pain.

<but are the water based varnishes as tough as marine spar?


-- 
Ron Ramsey
http://www.carvedbyramsey.com


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