"chester" wrote in message
...
I am finishing a set of french doors that will open out, to the east, in
seattle, so although there is no overhang outside, the exposure
shouldn't be too bad. I am using Minwax fast drying polyuerathane.
Before anyone comments, I am using this, and not switching. I am sure
there are better products out there, but this is it. I had an ...
unpleasant experience several years ago with Minwax Spar Urethane, so I
WON"T be using that. I was planning on 5-6 coats on the outside
exposure, but was wondering if this is overkill (i.e. is there a point
of diminished return). I got three coats on one side of one door (ugh 3
more door sides to go). Any input is appreciated.

My experience with varnish on exterior surfaces exposed to the sun has not
been good, even with the UV screening products. Seems the wood-varnish
interface fails and the varnish flakes off. Totally shaded surfaces do not
have this problem. Never tried marine varnishes. Supposedly they are
better but I wonder. --- SJF