Best Uses. The high solid content and water resistance of varnish make it particularly apt for use on water-exposed outdoor decks, deck chairs, and boats. Its low toxicity, however, means that it’s equally safe to use near the entryway on exterior doors and trim.

Besides, What is the best varnish for outdoor furniture?

Epoxy with Exterior Varnish

An epoxy sealer with exterior varnish topcoats is the most durable, but also the most labor-intensive finish you can apply to outdoor furniture. This is the finish favored by boat builders so you know it’s going to last a long time.

Keeping this in mind, Can you use interior varnish outside? Follow the description on the tin; interior varnish should not be used outside because they will not have suitable UV resistance and characteristics to withstand the elements.

How long does exterior varnish last?

This article describes the importance of priming to make varnish or paint finishes last. It describes how you can manage to keep a varnish finish intact on exterior timber for up to twenty years in the most extreme environments.

What is a good clear coat for outdoor wood?

Marine spar varnish is the best type for outdoor use. Its key ingredients are linseed oil (pressed from flax seeds) and alkyd resin (made by reacting linseed oil with alcohol and acid). The film is flexible enough to move with wood as it shrinks and swells with shifts in humidity.

Does varnish protect outdoor wood?

Ideal for woodwork including external doors, door frames, timber windows and gates, varnish provides high-performance protection against UV light and water penetration. A great choice for previously stained or treated wood, exterior varnish resists the cracking, peeling and blistering that is common to weathering.

What should I use to protect outdoor wood furniture?

Use Marine Varnish or Outdoor Oil. Marine Varnish is a high solid finish was designed for marine and exterior surfaces such as boats, outdoor furniture, doors or any exterior surface where a strong water resistant finish is desired. It contains Ultraviolet Light Absorbers, which offer excellent protection from the sun.

What is the difference between spar varnish and spar urethane?

Spar varnish and spar urethane are two very different compounds. The main difference between the two is spar varnish will eventually chip or chalk off over time, while spar urethane will maintain a hard, shiny surface.

What is the difference between interior varnish and exterior varnish?

The only difference between interior and exterior products is the ratio of curing oil to resin. More oil produces more flexibility, but the film will be softer. Flexibility is needed for exterior projects that are subject to temperature extremes of hot and cold.

Is there a difference between indoor and outdoor varnish?

Interior paints and varnishes are formulated only for indoor exposure. They are not formulated to withstand UV light, heat, cold and precipitation exposure. … Exterior paint and varnish are formulated to withstand years of direct exposure to the elements.

Can you use floor varnish outdoors?

While polyurethane is water- or oil-based plastic resin, varnish is older and made from resins, oils, and solvents. Because of the higher ratio of solids, varnish is less susceptible to ultraviolet light damage. This protection makes varnish an excellent choice for projects such as outside decks and exterior furniture.

How long does wood varnish last?

Gloss oil-based varnish, polyurethane and Danish oil can last 10 or 20 years, though satin finishes and stains may fail sooner as pigments and flattening agents disable the driers. Water-based coatings and paints can also be viable longer than three years. Shellac, though, can go bad in under a year.

Will varnish protect wood outside?

Ideal for woodwork including external doors, door frames, timber windows and gates, varnish provides high-performance protection against UV light and water penetration. A great choice for previously stained or treated wood, exterior varnish resists the cracking, peeling and blistering that is common to weathering.

How long does paint varnish last?

It’s meant to protect the painting and bring all the colors up to an even sheen. Retouch varnish can also be used between the layers of a painting. After six to twelve months, depending on the thickness of the paint film, a final varnish will need to be applied.

Can you use polyurethane on outdoor wood?

Polyurethane is the most durable of clear exterior finishes. … Polyurethane can be used successfully outdoors if it has the proper ingredients. Look for a finish that has additives for ultraviolet protection. The label should say for exterior use so the dried finish will flex with the expanding and contracting wood.

Can Polycrylic be used outside?

Polycrylic is not as durable as polyurethane and is meant to be used only on interior surfaces such as cabinets, furniture, and trim. It shouldn’t be used in exterior applications or on surfaces that are subject to lots of wear, such as floors, or that are exposed to water.

How do you protect untreated wood outside?

Chemical Protections

The only way to properly use untreated wood of any type outside is with the addition of water-repellent preservatives, sealer or paint that contain UV protection. Over-the-counter wood preservatives are available in clear versions, or with stain containing pigment or dye to color the wood.

How do you protect wood from sun damage?

Wood is especially susceptible to sun damage so treat regularly with coatings. Painting, staining and applying varnish will all build up a protective barrier that will reduce the amount of UV rays that permeate the wood, ultimately preventing cracking and splitting.

How do you protect timber outside?

waterproofing is key. Applying a coat to the timber deck, window and door frames, or furniture will protect surfaces against damage from moisture, mould and rot over winter.

Do you need to seal outdoor furniture?

Wood damaged from rainwater and humidity will swell, warp, peel and even rot. Sealing the wood will extend the life of your deck, fencing and outdoor furniture, so you don’t have to replace or repair them after a humid summer. … Many stains and paints waterproof and protect wood from natural wear and tear.

What kind of oil do you use on outdoor furniture?

Teak Oil is the best oil to use on outdoor furniture. It provides excellent weather and water resistance and also helps teak wood (most outdoor furniture is teak) keep its lovely honey patina. You should avoid using Boiled Linseed Oil on all exterior wood.

Is urethane better than varnish?

The Verdict. Overall, polyurethane is generally used for indoor household projects like bookshelves and desks, while varnish is popular for outdoor surfaces such as a deck. Both offer durability, varied color options, and protection against elements.

Can you use spar urethane over spar varnish?

I did a table top using spar urethane. … You need to trip or sand the spar varnish and then you can put whatever you want on the table.

What do you use spar urethane for?


Ideal for stained or bare wood surfaces such as doors, furniture, trim, windows, garage doors, and more.

  1. Oil based Spar Urethane built for interior and exterior woodcare projects.
  2. Protects wood surface from water, sun and wind damage with a durable and washable finish.