finish on outside project

farley · Post by **farley** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 11:18 am

Haven't built an outside project in this climate yet, but I have now finished a planter. Made from scrap hardwood, just want to put a clear finish on it that will hold up a little in the hot Arizona sun and heat.

What would u'all suggested? I'm thinking outside poly.

TIA

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 12:31 pm

For outside stuff here in Fl I would go with a good quality spar varnish. It has the ability to move a bit with wood movement. I don't know how that would do in the extreme heat of the desert. Maybe Dusty will chime in and provide the voice of more experience for desert work.
Bill V

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 12:41 pm

farley wrote:Haven't built an outside project in this climate yet, but I have now finished a planter. Made from scrap hardwood, just want to put a clear finish on it that will hold up a little in the hot Arizona sun and heat.

What would u'all suggested? I'm thinking outside poly.

TIA

Nothing holds up in the desert sun and heat. Just drive around and look at the fascia on houses. Two years, maybe three, and you need to repaint.

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Thu Nov 17, 2011 1:03 pm

I'd go with an oil finish. You'll have to reapply every couple years, but it wood be easier than varnish to refinish.