western red cedar - Woodworking Talk

mat1 · 09-07-2008, 02:00 PM

Hi there,
Please could anyone recomend any products to preserve the natural appearance of a outside structure made from wrc.

Tony B · 09-07-2008, 02:10 PM

A very high quality marine finish.
I use Epifanes. Its relative thick and relatively expensive. It will last a few years, but should be recoated every year to avoid degradation.
I use it on my boat with excellent results.

Tony B

cabinetman · 09-07-2008, 05:11 PM

A very easy finish would be just a periodic application of BLO (boiled linseed oil). Refinishing may require a light scrub with a fine synthetic pad, like Scotch-Brite®, or very fine bronze wool. A lot less work and cost than a film finish.

Gerry KIERNAN · 09-14-2008, 01:14 PM

Hi mat1
Any film finish that you apply to wood which stays outside will eventuall break down due to sun and moisture. A penetrating finish such as a good quality stain or oil finish will last longer, and be easier to refinish. Usually a light sanding and you are good to refinish. Once a film finish breaks down and lifts or cracks the only way to repair it is to scrape it all off and redo it. That is a lot of hard work.

Keep in mind, that whatever you finish with, the sun will take its toll in the form of fading. Western Red Cedar will go grey.

Gerry