On Sat, 05 Jun 2021 09:28:11 -0500, swalker wrote:

We have one of those short flag poles that is held at an angle when
mounted on the deck rail. After years of exposure to weather it became
pretty sorry looking so wife sanded it all down and put some
penetrating stain on it.

When she purchased the stain she also bought a rattle-can of poly
which according to the directions can only be used on indoor items..

What would be the best finish over the stain to use given that we have
to purchase something else.

Depends on how "best" you want to be. Among the stuff Home Depot
stocks, I'd go for the oil based Varathane spar urethane.

If you've got access to a real paint store ask them for a
recommendation--they should have something in stock that will work
well.

If you want the _real_ good stuff look into Epifanes or Awlwood, but
sit down before you check the price.