Buggy Bench that needs finishing, can I get a few ideas?

reible · Post by **reible** » Wed May 02, 2012 10:55 pm

Back in the 2006 I purchased a Buggy Bench kit. All the wood work save for the final sanding and finishing has been done since then. The project is now resurfacing and I'd really think it might be time to get it done and out in the yard.

So here is the deal, the bottom parts that are in contact with the ground are made from treated wood. I'm planning on painting that, maybe black/blue/?? The springs and other metal straps are also going to be a (satin) black.

The upper wood is cedar and I was also going to paint that... but as the wife saw all the pretty grain she wants a transparent blue stain. I have zero experience with transparent outdoor stains.

Here is where I'm looking for some ideas, blue stain? covered with some clear coat? Yes it will live outside(covered in the winter) and I don't want to have to deal with it every year for the rest of my life... People are going to sit on it, finish will need to be safe and comfortable (read that as not getting soft and or stick).

Got ideas? Post'm.

Thanks,

Ed

foxtrapper · Post by **foxtrapper** » Thu May 03, 2012 6:34 am

Spar varnish is used by wooden boat people for a reason.

It dries hard, is easy to work with, looks great, and is easily redressed in the future when it needs it (and they all will need it after a few years).

tdubnik · Post by **tdubnik** » Thu May 03, 2012 6:48 am

To get the blue color, I would experiment with some aniline dye and then topcoat with spar urethane as Foxtrapper suggested.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Thu May 03, 2012 11:26 am

+3 on the spar varnish and stain recommendations.

reible · Post by **reible** » Thu May 03, 2012 10:21 pm

OK! Thanks for the responses.

I've got an order going into woodtrunerscatalog.com so would this be what I want?

http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store ... _dye?Args=

Does that price seem about right?

Ed

tdubnik · Post by **tdubnik** » Fri May 04, 2012 5:59 am

reible wrote:OK! Thanks for the responses.

I've got an order going into woodtrunerscatalog.com so would this be what I want?

http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store ... _dye?Args=

Does that price seem about right?

Ed

The prices seem about right to me. Aniline dyes aren't cheap but they are easy to work with and provide good color without obscuring the grain. They can be sprayed, flooded or burshed on equally well. You will have to be careful with your prep to insure no glue etc. seals the grain or the dye won't penetrate. Experiment with your mix ratio on a test piece to get the depth of color you want.

holsgo · Post by **holsgo** » Fri May 04, 2012 7:31 pm

Blue food coloring will work. Test it for absorption first. Have had great results with some vibrant colors.