Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
outdoor varnish
Doug Ridley
What is the best varnish for painted outside carvings?
I have a potential client who is interested in some small carvings to hang on a post outside. If I paint them what is the best varnish to use and how long could he reasonably expect it to last before having to refinish?
varnish Over Paint?
Mark Mandell - Gone Round In New Jersey
Your coating (marine spar varnish only) will be only as good as the base it's applied to. If the pigments "carrier" base is not rated for outdoor use, it will fail and take the top coat with it.
Also depends on whether and how much the pieces will get direct sunlight as the UV is the enemy.
Re: outdoor varnish
Don Stephan
My understanding of spar varnish is that the UV inhibitors protect the underlying surface by absorbing incoming UV, but are consumed in the process. So for example wood parts on a boat. After sanding back to bare wood, they are given about three coats of spar varnish. As the UV inhibitors break down the surface of the varnish begins to crack/alligator. Each year the surface is sanded back lightly to remove the alligatoring, and given a new coat of spar varnish. After the third year the varnish is sanded back to bare wood and three coats applied again. That is what I have read, and I have no experience.
You might consider discussing your contemplated application with a spar varnish tech support person.
Nothing takes more work than exterior clear coats
Dick Coers
Why varnish over paint? It's going to yellow and crack.
Re: Nothing takes more work than exterior clear co
Doug Ridley
Thanks to all. I was asking about it because the client asked. I think if it comes to pass it'll have to be a no-paint carving.
Paint is the answer
Ellis Walentine
Paint will last longer than any clear finish you can put over it. When I was making driveway gates, I experimented with every clear finish I could find, and none lasted more than two years outside, most a year or less.
Ellis