Thread: Jarrah windowsills

Any polyurethane/varnish/estapol type finish that sits on the surface is a waste of time for timber outdoors. It will start to lift off within a few months. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

A natural oil such as llinseed or tung oil is absorbed into the wood and as such wont llift off. However, due to the low surface build up, protection is minimal unless refinishing is done at least twice a year.

Decking oils or outdoor furniture oils (much the same thing I believe though the latter cost more) are the go. Manufacturers such as Cabots and Feast Watson all have versions. These are a mixture of oils and resins that soak into the wood and also provide some build up on the surface. They are esily maintained requiring just a clean and maybe a light sand followed by repeat applications. Every couple of years should be enough.

An excellent product of this type is Sikkens Cetol HLS. It's more expensive but has good surface build up and is very hard. Several of the large hardware stores should stock it.

Stu, have a look here;

http://woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/...light=Tung+oil

There is actually a pic in the thread somewhere of my window sill.

Cheers