[HokieMojo]

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?

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.