Thread: Refinishing day beds

Originally Posted by John Samuel

The bed on the front verandah gets hammered by the morning sun, and lashed by rain from the SE to SW. It is in need of refinishing.

I doubt there's a finish on the planet that will take that kind of punishment for too long. Possibly marine epoxy but that's going to be suuuper expensive and will still need to be maintained.

I'm thinking oil might be a better option than any of the synthetic stuff; it'll be more effort now, but it's easier to give the finish a regular "top up" down the track than have to strip it back and redo completely every time.

Conversion varnish might be best if you can find it. CV’s are catalysed alkyd varnishes so need some spraying know how. I read that they are the most durable clear coat finish, and suitable inside and out. I have not used them, so recommendation is based on what I’ve read.

Otherwise there is spa varnish (mediocre) and marine varnish (slightly better) - but I guess you are familiar with them already.

Oils are OK but beware tainting of the pink cushion.

My pick would still be a uv-resistant marine epoxy, with a genuine marine varnish over the top. That’s how boats are done best and they sit outdoors in the water 24x7.

Thanks guys,

The day bed on the front verandah has lasted about 7 years with the PU finish, and under the prevailing conditions, that's not at all shabby. The finish is dull now, but intact, so the timber has remained protected. For the sake of simplicity and speed I'll likely rub it down and put another couple of coats of the PU over it and go to sleep for the next 7 years.

Again, thanks. Except for these beds everything I have made has been NC lacquered, so my knowledge of other finishes is rather limited and it was good to get input from the brains trust. I love this board, because every time I ask a question, knowledgeable folk respond and give me the benefit of their experience and knowledge.