I am starting to build some storage boxes out of exterior ply and
trimming it out in redwood. They will be fitted on our utility trailer
so they will be exposed to all the elements. I will more than likely be
spraying the finish on. I was just curious which finish will be a
harder more durable finish for exterior use. Any suggestions? Thanks in
advance!

Rick

RampRat wrote:
I am starting to build some storage boxes out of exterior ply and
trimming it out in redwood. They will be fitted on our utility trailer
so they will be exposed to all the elements. I will more than likely be
spraying the finish on. I was just curious which finish will be a
harder more durable finish for exterior use. Any suggestions? Thanks in
advance!

Without question, marine finishes will be the best, if you are willing
to pay the price.

If so, I would shoot some high build epoxy primer followed by a good
marine enamel.

HTH

lew

Maybe a marine-grade spar varnish? Takes awhile to dry but more water
resistant than other finishes.

I vote for Marine finishes as well -- if you live in a climate where
salt is used on the road during winter driving, otherwise, maybe nothing
is simpler.


Lew Hodgett wrote:
RampRat wrote:

I am starting to build some storage boxes out of exterior ply and
trimming it out in redwood. They will be fitted on our utility trailer
so they will be exposed to all the elements. I will more than likely be
spraying the finish on. I was just curious which finish will be a
harder more durable finish for exterior use. Any suggestions? Thanks in
advance!


Without question, marine finishes will be the best, if you are willing
to pay the price.

If so, I would shoot some high build epoxy primer followed by a good
marine enamel.

HTH

lew

--
Will
Occasional Techno-geek

wch wrote:
Maybe a marine-grade spar varnish? Takes awhile to dry but more water
resistant than other finishes.

Not really.

A good spar varnish never really gets hard.

That is why is is used on wooden spars that tend to flex when placed
under load by the sails while sailing.

For most other applications, true spar varnish is a total PITA.

Basic reason I suggested epoxy high build primer is that it will seal
the plywood and prepare the surface to receive any number of finishes.

The lowest cost one being enamel.

Just guessing, but can't think of any reason to finish exterior plywood
bright (clear varnish). Especially if a structrual garde has been used.

HTH

Lew

"RampRat" wrote in message
oups.com...
I am starting to build some storage boxes out of exterior ply and
trimming it out in redwood. They will be fitted on our utility trailer
so they will be exposed to all the elements. I will more than likely be
spraying the finish on. I was just curious which finish will be a
harder more durable finish for exterior use. Any suggestions? Thanks in
advance!

Keep in mind that the best one will probably have to be redone every 3 or 4
years.

Lew Hodgett wrote:
wch wrote:

Maybe a marine-grade spar varnish? Takes awhile to dry but more water
resistant than other finishes.


Not really.

A good spar varnish never really gets hard.

That is why is is used on wooden spars that tend to flex when placed
under load by the sails while sailing.

For most other applications, true spar varnish is a total PITA.

Basic reason I suggested epoxy high build primer is that it will seal
the plywood and prepare the surface to receive any number of finishes.

The lowest cost one being enamel.

Just guessing, but can't think of any reason to finish exterior plywood
bright (clear varnish). Especially if a structrual garde has been used.

HTH

Lew
I use spar varnish on wooden signs outdoors all the time. Worked good
for me so far.

--RC