[Woodcarver] question about outdoor varnish

[denny at cedarstump.us]

I have heard pro's & con's about all the different finishes.  My experiences with outdoor carving have not been good as far as keeping them from "greying".  I have tried Thompson's Deck Sealer, marine varnish, polyurethane and others I cant remember.

Thompson's gave some protection from water, but the carving still turned grey.  I had treated several Cedar birdhouses with it and put some inside in a window and others outside.  Th ones outside turned grey rather quickly and the ones indoors but in the sun, are still a pretty red/white.  I surmise that the rain washes off the oils and the wood greys.

The marine varnish and the poly gave beautiful protection until the finish was compromised by a crack or pinhole, possibly caused by the sun expanding the wood.  The exposed area turned grey and the finish started peeling... then it looked worse than all grey.

I just tried a Pittsburg Paints Advanced Wood Sealer ($20.00+ per gal) with UV protection, but haven't had it out long enough to evaluate it.

Many chainsaw carvers use a special sealer (Sikkens or something like that) that runs $60.00+ per gallon and say it is good... but what is good for a chainsaw carving may not be good for a sign.

My uses have been on chainsaw carvings as well as signs.  I have one sign that has been outside for several years in the Wisconsin weather and still looks good, but I don't remember what I used on it!  (Sorry!)

Denny


On Jun 22, 2010, at 1:46 PM, Merrilee Johnson wrote:

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Good Day all!
   I have a question that has been asked before but I am not at home where all my information is.  I am making an out door welcome sign.  I remember Joe Dillett saying what kind he uses but can't remember the name.  Also lots of talk about marine varnish vs others.  So my question is what is the best finish to use on an outdoor sign that won't have much additional care given after I put on whatever.... I did use Helmsman Spar Varnish on a garden stake last year - stuck it in the ground end of June and by September it was greyed.  I was so disappointed.  So please share your wealth of knowlege with me.  Thank you!
Merrilee

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