Finishing Blackbutt Outdoor Furniture

[Joseph2045]

Hi all

Its been awhile but I have a need for some sage like advice again

We have been looking for timber outdoor furniture for the past month and have settled on a local company that use blackbutt timber. We were not impressed with lots of the generic furniture that used “eucalyptus” and we were very suss with the allege sustainable nature of the teak furniture we saw (not to mention the price).

We went to furniture factory on the weekend and liked what we saw in terms of quality and style ……… except the Minister of Finance was a bit cool on the finish. She found it a bit too shiny and wanted a more flat finish. The company said they used Intergrain UltraDeck Decking Oil however the company were also happy to supply the furniture unfinished so we may apply another finish if we wanted

So the question is – what product would you suggest ?? Of course we want a satin / matt finish but being outdoor furniture we are also looking for longevity and weather / solar protection

Cheers

[LGS]

Hi Joseph,
Intergrain oils are very good. I use their natural wood oil, which smells like Turpentine. Perhaps you could see if they have a matt or satin finish for outside furniture?


Rob

[Joseph2045]

Thanks for the prompt reply

After some more research we will probably go with an proper outdoor furniture grade oil from the usual suspects - open to any other suggestion

Cheers

[P.W.H.]

Thanks for the prompt reply

After some more research we will probably go with an proper outdoor furniture grade oil from the usual suspects - open to any other suggestion

Cheers

You are aware I hope that blackbutt when it gets wet on the raw wood will form black stains on the (originally) quite blonde timber? Apart from that it also undergoes a natural darkening over a few years' time.

I have a blackbutt chopping board and woo-wee, some of those drops of water on the untreated wood came up like ink stains. I gave that one a few soakings with olive oil and vege turps and it hasn't repeated that spectacle.But the cracks show up black.

I also have a kitchen bench (cooktop surround) that I made from blackbutt, and that I treated to about 8 or so coats of gloss polyurethane, I didn't want to leave anything in doubt! It still looks gorgeous to this day.

Thought I'd mention it in case you're not aware of that peculiarity.

[AngelaPetruzzi]

If you use standard furniture oil ensure that it is usable on exterior surfaces. Typically an exterior oil has pigments to protect against the UV rays and weathering.
If you have little ones around, it would be worthwhile using something that is safe use if food comes in contact with the surface.