What kind of weather finish should I use? - RockingChairs.com

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What kind of weather finish should I use?

While there are many good products available, there are some features that you may want in a good weather finish.

Paint?
You can certainly paint your furniture if you so desire. Be sure to use a good primer on the clean, bare wood before applying the finish coat. Of any exterior finish, paint offers the best form of protection. However, paint will eventually peel and will be more unsightly over time than a wipe on finish if it's not attended to. In fact, most outdoor finishes will only last 1-3 years before they need to be renewed. That takes a commitment on your part to periodically protect your furniture.

Oil or water based?
Typically the oil based products last longer, but they are usually harder to clean up and more toxic to you and the environment. Water based products are generally easier to use and clean up.

Do you live in a wet climate?
Look for a product with a mold inhibitor.

Eon Classic Recycled Plastic Rocking Chair

Do you live in a hot climate?
Most good finishes will have UV protection in them and a yearly application is recommended. Whatever finish you decide to use always consider your health and safety and follow all manufacturers' directions If you don't intend to renew the finish on your outdoor furniture, the wood will turn a silvery grey color. Once the exterior of the wood is gray, the rate of wood deterioration slows tremendously. (The damage to the surface actually prevents UV light from penetrating to the interior of the wood.) So it's fine to let the wood's natural properties protect against decay, rot and insect infestation.

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