callin on you folks who finish things

learnin2do said:

callin on you folks who finish things

I have these wonderful slabs of dogwood, but i want to use some in outdoor benches. Is there anything i can use (indoors or out) that will keep the nice pink without neutralizing it or darkening the whole piece?

Click to expand...

Amazing piece….. WOW. I have built some outdoor projects for clients before and I always run into problem in which can't make there mind up on the finish. There's only too that I have used. One is tunn oil, and POLY.
I really don't like Tune oil for outdoor, because you have to maintain it all the time, and must clients I have built outdoor projects don't like too. I like the Poly because it last a long time, and it keeps the water from entering the wood, but it makes for a more shine piece , and in the garden most people like a more dull finish. That piece you have should be in a gallery…

You can try a wood seller, a poly sand seller, but make sure the finish has an oil in it, or the piece will try out with the sun.

Hope I could Help.

Thanks, Michael Frey
Portland, OR

FREY WOODWORKING INC.

learnin2do said:

callin on you folks who finish things

I have these wonderful slabs of dogwood, but i want to use some in outdoor benches. Is there anything i can use (indoors or out) that will keep the nice pink without neutralizing it or darkening the whole piece?

Click to expand...

In my other hobbies, there are matte finish polys available. You might find something in an art supply store which will finish clear and still provide decent protection.

learnin2do said:

callin on you folks who finish things

I have these wonderful slabs of dogwood, but i want to use some in outdoor benches. Is there anything i can use (indoors or out) that will keep the nice pink without neutralizing it or darkening the whole piece?

Click to expand...

I think the general rules are that dark woods lighten, light woods darken, reddish woods turn brown, and pines turn yellow. A poly finish with UV blockers may help for a little while, but eventually nature will run it's course. That doesn't mean it won't still look nice. I just don't think you will get to keep the pink color.

learnin2do said:

callin on you folks who finish things

I have these wonderful slabs of dogwood, but i want to use some in outdoor benches. Is there anything i can use (indoors or out) that will keep the nice pink without neutralizing it or darkening the whole piece?

Click to expand...

There are epoxies available with UV protectant, as well as spar varnishes. I'd normally say go with the epoxies, but I have a hell of a time figuring out how to get epoxy on such natural curves. Minwax apparently has a clear water based UV protective spar urethane that might be worth looking into: http://www.minwax.com/wood-products/exterior-clear-protective-finishes/

Buyer beware though, I haven't used it (though I typically place a lot of trust in minwax products), and I'm not guaranteeing it'll work. The main point is to get some UV protection on the thing!

Keep it indoors as well to minimize its exposure to UV rays, and best of luck. It's truly a beautiful piece.

learnin2do said:

callin on you folks who finish things

I have these wonderful slabs of dogwood, but i want to use some in outdoor benches. Is there anything i can use (indoors or out) that will keep the nice pink without neutralizing it or darkening the whole piece?

Click to expand...

I contemplated epoxy; i have used the slow-cure on some small pieces and can reach all the areas with a brush, but i fear the shine, as Delta pointed out. I guess i need to break down and leave something on it.

learnin2do said:

callin on you folks who finish things

I have these wonderful slabs of dogwood, but i want to use some in outdoor benches. Is there anything i can use (indoors or out) that will keep the nice pink without neutralizing it or darkening the whole piece?

Click to expand...

Just found this blog re: the finish you wanted. This is a couple years old, how did the piece turn out?

learnin2do said:

callin on you folks who finish things

I have these wonderful slabs of dogwood, but i want to use some in outdoor benches. Is there anything i can use (indoors or out) that will keep the nice pink without neutralizing it or darkening the whole piece?

Click to expand...

it is fine now. i think i finally just settled on spar varnish for the walnut seat and clear coat of some kind onvthe back. it has been fine on the porch; it is in a shop now, but someone wants to buy it, sobi will find out how it is doing, hopefully this week sometime.