Over the past three years, I have made over 30 Jake's chairs and
footstools, mostly using pine. I have made a few out of cedar and am
currently finishing a couple. My question is what is the proper way
to protect them? I know cedar is very long lasting but I was thinking
that a polyurethane coating or two would be good.

"rile" wrote in message
...
Over the past three years, I have made over 30 Jake's chairs and
footstools, mostly using pine. I have made a few out of cedar and am
currently finishing a couple. My question is what is the proper way
to protect them? I know cedar is very long lasting but I was thinking
that a polyurethane coating or two would be good.


Tough question. Quality Exterior paint will give the longest protection.
Spar Varnish would probably be the next in line and or a protective exterior
oil finish. Spar varnish may stick to your clothing and or always feel a
bit tacky. Any clear finish will have to be reapplied every 2-3 years if
the pieces are left out in the sun.

Since you are using pine as your wood, latex paint
would be the best choice. Poly is not going to hold
up for any extended period and refinishing would be
a big mess.

Stick with latex paint or switch over to
white oak,cypress,teak,mahogany,etc,etc.

White oak would be a favorite.


rile wrote:
Over the past three years, I have made over 30 Jake's chairs and
footstools, mostly using pine. I have made a few out of cedar and am
currently finishing a couple. My question is what is the proper way
to protect them? I know cedar is very long lasting but I was thinking
that a polyurethane coating or two would be good.

On Thu, 7 Aug 2008 07:18:12 -0700 (PDT), rile
wrote:

Over the past three years, I have made over 30 Jake's chairs and
footstools, mostly using pine. I have made a few out of cedar and am
currently finishing a couple. My question is what is the proper way
to protect them? I know cedar is very long lasting but I was thinking
that a polyurethane coating or two would be good.


I don't like using paint on outdoor furniture due to peeling and
difficulty in touching up the piece. I prefer a clear UV penetrating
wood sealer which lasts 3 years.