Exterior wood finish

[wrfalpacas]

Ok, I am getting ready to finish the back (exposed) wall of my cuddy cabin (Baltic Birch Cabinet Plywood) and am trying to decide on a finish. Do I use a clear urithane, spar varnih, thompsons water seal? WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PROTECT IT FROM ROT AND WATER DAMAGE, YET GIVE A NICE, SUN AND WATER RESISTANT DURABLE FINISH?

 

[jonesg]

Re: Exterior wood finish

built my splashwell and casting platforms from birch ply , the stuff sold at home depot.

Unless its really completely protected it will not hold up, edges have to be resin soaked especially. Try about 6 coats of poly resin on the exposed edges and let it really soak in, keep applying it til its completely saturated and filled to a smooth finish when cured.

on the flats I applied 3 coats of poly resin, 1 coat didn't do the trick at all.

those wood "treatments" are ok for interior work, galley etc, but you need a physical barrier if its exposed.

I like the finish of that wood however it is not exterior grade wood.!

But I can tell you, if its done right with the polyester it looks very decent.
I didn't use any cloth except at the joints for reinforcement.

 

[wrfalpacas]

Re: Exterior wood finish

Thanks!

I was thinking about using resin!

 

[singinout]

Re: Exterior wood finish

Hi guys! I was wondering the same thing. Im goin to put a wooden face on my console and I was wondering what to finish it with. I'll be using solid wood so wont have layers lik plywood. Do i use the same stuff? And where to you get it? Its something different than glassing resin im supposing...

 

[jonesg]

Re: Exterior wood finish

solid wood, if its a quality hardwood can just be treated , teak uses teak oil for example.

if its not a quality hardwood you might be better off with ply otherwise it will warp.

 

[alumi numb]

Re: Exterior wood finish

1969 islander 22 120 mercruiser.
i used 3/4" oak ply sealed with minwax spar varnish "walmart".
the door is from the oak ply also cut and hinged as a bifold.
several coats and it looks like it's encased in plastic.
the old wall was m.d.f. 'not sealed" so i know this will last far longer, is stronger and much lighter.

 

[singinout]

Re: Exterior wood finish

solid wood, if its a quality hardwood can just be treated , teak uses teak oil for example.

if its not a quality hardwood you might be better off with ply otherwise it will warp.

I have a piece of curly hard maple that I'm gonna use. Anything special you would recommend?

 

[alumi numb]

Re: Exterior wood finish

i'm using the minwax spar varnish for all above floor wood.
setting in the cabin i love looking at that wall.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Exterior wood finish

tung oil seems to work on maple, not sure about the marine enviroment though. Maple is so hard and closed grain, not much can stain it.
My work tables are maple.

 

[singinout]

Re: Exterior wood finish

Can I stain it with a furniture stain and then put some kind of exterior clear coat sealant on it??

 

[jonesg]

Re: Exterior wood finish

get something for maple or hardwoods, should have low viscosity to soak in.
personally I'd leave it with just a bit of oil, its attractive left natural.