Charlie Mraz wrote:

I have a cypress porch swing that has been unfinished up to this point. I
want to finish it with a clear protective finish, but it has started to
mildew on one end. What is a safe way to remove the mildew without doing
damage to the wood? I have cleaned mildew from my house with bleach in a
garden sprayer, but I don't know if that would be a good idea on raw wood.
I'm also interested in suggestions for clear finishes. I have been thinking
about using a coat of Minwax ployshades followed by two coats of spar
urethane. Any other ideas? I'd like to go with a sort of honey-pine color.


It (the bleach) will work fine, just be sure to rinse and dry
thoroughly. If there's some aging or staining, you may want to try
some oxalic acid to renew original color before finishing as well.
Follow directions carefully.

That'll work as a finish...I've used a lot of the Minwax wipe-on finish
over the years but have no direct experience w/ their varnishes. For
such an appliation be sure the varnish has UV inhibitors (as any decent
"spar" varnish will, of course).