Nearly finished first project ! Need help with finish !

[aabb]

Hi all, While I have been luring for while this is my first post.

I have almost finished my first project (jarrah garden seat). Just got to get one screw under control. This is great achievement for me but guess garden bench little to most of you guys !!!!!!

I have started work on small table to go with it.

Anyway back to bench/seat I next need to put a finish on it -- and wonder re couple of things
1. How much do i need to sand it
2. What finish is best - thinking basic oil (tung oil ?) .. as i am new to this and do not know brand names grateful if you can be specific :-)

Promise to post a pic of it ! --

[JB]

1. How much do i need to sand it
2. What finish is best - thinking basic oil (tung oil ?)

1. No finer than 180grit
2. Outdoor furniture oil or decking oil available from hardware stores. Cabots and Sikkens are both good products, the latter gives you a greater build-up but costs more.
You could use tung oil if the bench is undercover but I don't think it would stand up to full exposure to elements. I may be wrong.

[Gumby]

I'd agree with the Outdoor Furniture Oil. I use Feast & Weston's which is available at Bunnings. On cedar it is great and keeps the timber looking new, so it should do the same on Jarrah. I reapply a coat each year. Just slop it on.

Other than that, you could use outdoor estapol or similar but the oil will look much better.

[aabb]

Thank you for the advice ... how many coats on?

[Gumby]

I'd do 2 or 3 initially and then keep it up regualarly. It's on the can.