Finishing advice please

[Druid]

Hi guys, havn't been on for a while (or carved) but i now have a bench i need to preserve. Its Chestnut and pine and i don't know what would be the best to use. i dont want varnish as it chips so what are my options?
It's for outdoor.

( I posted in finishing but got no help?)

[cgm]

I have had good luck with Thomsons water seal. Not sure on the spelling. This soaks into the wood and repels water. When it doesn't do a good job of repeling just add some more. aprox.every year it can be recoated. This is a clear product.
On ur side of the pond you may have something similar.
Carl

[Cottonwood]

I have used several coats of tung oil for outside pieces in the past and had good results. That was in arid Western Kansas though.

[davidinsarasota]

I like Thompsons Water Seal for big projects like that too. It protects well and leaves a natural wood feel. Good Call CGM.

[cannuckcarver]

Originally Posted by davidinsarasota

I like Thompsons Water Seal for big projects like that too. It protects well and leaves a natural wood feel. Good Call CGM.

Same here, it leaves the wood natural and it is waterproof.

[Druid]

Cheers guy's! Will Thompsons work over oil? I want to bring the wood out with something but will oil stop the waterseal penetrating?

[davidinsarasota]

No on the Thompson's over oil Druid. It requires penetration. Depending on conditions, oil may be adequate for preservation, but should be refreshed annually.

A polyurethane coating may be an option over oil, but I'm not knowledgeable about poly. I dislike heavy coatings of this type because it essentially turns the wood surface to plastic.