[Woodcarver] varnish

[Ivan Whillock]

 Ramsey says: 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.

I, too, highly recommend using water proofing finish or water proofing stain 
on outdoor signs.  I have done a number of them, using spar varnish, and 
using water proofing stain.  I tried both.  Both need to be maintained. 
However, spar varnish will turn yellow in time.  That calls for total 
refinishing.  Waterproofing is better.  It needs to be reapplied regularly, 
but,unlike spar varnish,  the finish does not have  to be periodically 
removed because of yellowing.  You simply have to reapply  the 
weatherproofing every once in a while. A yearly maintenance is a good idea, 
(though you can do it every other year.)  Each year reapply the 
waterproofing.  Signs I've done ten or more years ago are still in good 
shape.  Sign carvers may want to include maintenance in their contract.



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ramsey" <ron at carvedbyramsey.com>
To: <woodcarver at six.pairlist.net>
Sent: Saturday, December 09, 2006 4:38 PM
Subject: Re: [Woodcarver] varnish



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> 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

>

>

> Be sure to look at the incredible nature inspired art jewelry hand

> fabricated by my wife, Karen Olsen Ramsey.  It's worth the time to

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