saltwater protection

[dan_nelson]

a quick question for salt spray protection. I have a cedar sign going to the gulf . It will have pickled white stain on the body and gold painted letters. will marine varnish work for the sealant or any other suggestions? Yes they want real wood.Thanks in advance.

[bleeth]

Yes-A good spar varnish will do the job. Another longterm option is AWLGRIP Foxfire-This is a post catalyzed clearcoat that is hard as nails but very pricey.

[jerry_stanek]

all that oil in the gulf will preserve it

[Big-Tex]

I like catalized products over varnish, salty air preserves wood its a sun you need to worry about.

[knight_toolworks]

some of the good water based finishes will not yellow as fast and a oil varnish will. Plus they dry faster.

[gc3]

What ever finish you use...it will need recoating for any natural wood product exposed to a outdoor environment. Take the gallon you will use to the client and tell them at best a 6-8 month recoat will be necessary, IMHO. We install many projects in an outdoor setting and believe me that the sun takes it's toll quick. That being said from a shop located below the Tropic of Cancer.

Gene

[ghostcreek]

Well said Gene. Here on the west coast of USA I have to recoat spar varnish every year. The summer heat (100-110 degrees) and winter rains cause spar varnish to crack and peel. I have used many brands, most are the same with two exceptions (imho), Sikkens and west systems products. I usually get 2-4 years of good looking (exterior) finish. I am curious, since I have little to no humidity here, how are you Gulf & east coast folks doing exterior clearcoats?

[dan_nelson]

Thanks ,used the Sikkens still drying.