Wine Barrel Color

I think you are doing about all you can do. Like you say, “the sun always wins”. If you don’t like spar varnish (a film finish), your options are limited. You might look into using an oil based coating made for decks. These will need cleaning and re-coating every couple of years, but should help reserve the wood. The sun will gradually change the purple color; probably to brown. The oil will likely also change the look of the purple color. It is hard to tell what the change will be. You will just have to try it to see if it is acceptable to you.

The covers and the warnings are good. Epoxy would not be a good solution regardless of cost. It is not UV resistant and would require additional coats of a UV protecting finish like spar varnish.

water based should retain the color and leave it closer to natural than an oil based.
have you tried GF 450? great UV protection

water based should retain the color and leave it closer to natural than an oil based.
have you tried GF 450? great UV protection

- tomsteve

I’m not knocking it cuz I haven’t used it, but the GF web page says: “Do not use over light or white paints as yellowing may occur. The UV additive in 450 Clear will protect the integrity of the film, but will not prevent the wood from changing color from sunlight.”

So. I’m guessing that may not be that much different that an oil base with regard to yellowing. Don’t know. Just guessing.

As I said, water based doesn’t really work. It turns the stains towards the pink side. Not much interest in Boones Farm Strawberry Hill wine chairs