How to Protect Outdoor Furniture Against Weather?

[owsnap]

Last year I made an outdoor picnic table from some recycled boards I had used in construction before ,they polished up rather ok. Varnished the tabletop with heavy duty lacquer ,and I think it lasted around 2months before the lacquer started to fade away and the weather (rain/cold temperatures/snow/direct sunlight) destroyed the table and made it look like just a bunch of old recycled boards put together..
this year some months ago I sanded a couple mm down and applied like 3coats of linseed oil product , it lasted some 3-4weeks before again it started to look old/nasty..

Now I want to make a new better table from new materials and Kinda want it to last for more than a few months and retain its colour/shade/style the same as the day it was made, was wondering what I could use/do to achieve such thing?

 

[thetyreman]

what about 10 layers of danish oil?

 

[custard]

You have three options,

1. learn to love the weathered finish

2. spend a full day every year on maintenance

3. paint

Good luck!

 

[Skeety]

I had a similar question about 2 years ago, I completely took apart a 6' teak garden table that was too big and rebuilt it into a 5' one that got rid of all the bad finger joints.

Having sanded every component and spent many hours replacing parts I wanted a finish that would last.

In the end I used Sikkens Cetol, seriously expensive but after 2 years out in the elements it still looks nearly as good as when I finished it. The occasional wipe over with soapy water and a rinse makes it shiny again. Think it will be another 2-3 years before I even have to consider re-sanding and treating.... It will be getting the Sikkens again

Good luck!

Jon.

 

[Jacob]

How to Protect Outdoor Furniture Against Weather?
Simple - bring it inside when the weather is bad.
Regular brush over with linseed oil would help if it's left a out at all. It's quick, cheap, effective.

 

[owsnap]

I had a similar question about 2 years ago, I completely took apart a 6' teak garden table that was too big and rebuilt it into a 5' one that got rid of all the bad finger joints.

Having sanded every component and spent many hours replacing parts I wanted a finish that would last.

In the end I used Sikkens Cetol, seriously expensive but after 2 years out in the elements it still looks nearly as good as when I finished it. The occasional wipe over with soapy water and a rinse makes it shiny again. Think it will be another 2-3 years before I even have to consider re-sanding and treating.... It will be getting the Sikkens again

Good luck!

Jon.

What kind of technology/product is that Cetol exactly? I have used some Sikkens paints before , even tho they are expensive they are damn good, but.. I can't seem to get that product down where I am.

 

[owsnap]

How to Protect Outdoor Furniture Against Weather?
Simple - bring it inside when the weather is bad.
Regular brush over with linseed oil would help if it's left a out at all. It's quick, cheap, effective.

It is quick and cheap, but the last time I applied 3 super generous coats of the linseed oil it still came off in like 3-4weeks :roll:
as for bringing it in.. I need it so at least 10 people can sit at the table outside for gatherings+since it's a picnic table, it also comes with the base seats, Ain't nobody can move that thing after it's built due to weight

 

[Aidex]

I'm new to using osmo products but I think I saw some products they have for exterior use. It might be worth calling their tech guys to see if they can recommend anything.

 

[Aidex]

Also could you cover it in the off season and maybe raise it off the ground eg put some 2x2s under it? It might delay the need for maintenance.

 

[Benchwayze]

Make the furniture out of cedar. No finish required, if you want the furniture to weather to a nice silver grey. Like moonlight on a Pine-Moth's wings! Maybe some teak or linseed oil every 12 months, if you want the red cedar to stay red.

It will cost, but you'll need to make it just the once.
HTH.

(hammer)

 

[Jacob]

....
It is quick and cheap, but the last time I applied 3 super generous coats of the linseed oil it still came off in like 3-4weeks .....

Linseed needs to be put on several times at first allowing it to dry between applications which may take a week or more, but very thinly and rubbed/brushed out well so it soaks in and doesn't form a surface layer. Then it can't come off.
A little and often, but very quick nevertheless.