[Woodcarver] Outdoor carvings

[Ramsey]

I would concur that the Sikkens system is probably the best "clear" 
surface type finish that I have used. (as opposed to a penetrating 
oil finish) The Cetol 1 can be used by itself as a penetrating sealer 
but the Cetol 2 on top is more like a varnish.

The caveats are:  It stinks really bad.  It takes up to two days per 
coat to dry.  You need to apply at least three coats.  It's shiny. 
The "clear" is not really clear but has a kind of off yellow brown 
tint to it to protect it from UV rays.  If the carving is facing east 
or north or it only gets a couple of hours of sun per day it's a 
great finish.  You can only expect about 7 or 8 years on  south and 
west facing exposures in sunny climates.  On siding it's easy to sand 
and refinish but on a carving with many recesses it can be a 
nightmare to refinish.  UV rays are the worst enemy of clear 
finishes.  I guess 7 or 8 years isn't too bad.  The best latex paint 
in the same full sun exposure is only good for about 12 years.

An oil sealer such as Preservawood is easier to maintain but ONLY if 
the owner of the carving is up to re-sealing it every two years..  If 
they are not, the Sikkens would be a better finish.The Preservawood 
also has a tint  to protect it from the UV.

I have also heard of the West System that wooden boat owners swear 
by.  Has anyone of you used this finish?

Ron Ramsey
http://www.carvedbyramsey.com

One suggestion was latex paint for color.  I have a cedar clapboard
house in Maine, near the coast, that has a clear coat of Sikkens Cetol
on it.  Look this stuff up and try it. My cedar, 15 years or so after
the initial coat, is still like new on all but the worst weather side.
No graying, no staining, just nice brown cedar.  I highly recommend it!

It is a 2 part product that needs an original undercoat, then a finish
coat.  The finish coat is what you renew when it finally needs it.  The
top coat also is available in some "wood-type" colors beside clear.

Vic H



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