Cabots vs Feast Watson vs Intergrain

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Hi all,

I am currently building a baulastrade from Merbau. The posts and handrail will be Merbau with Stainless steel wire run through them.

I am looking to finish the Merbua and protect it from the weather whilst trying to keep it's current color (ie. I'd be after a clear finish and not a stain). A glossy look would be great as long as it only needs resealing every year or 2 (if possible I don't want to have to do much more maintanence than this)

Should I be using Oil or some other product?

The brands I am looking at are Cabots, Feast Watson and Intergrain (as I can get a discount on these brands)

Could people please let me know their personal preferences and any experiences they have had with them. The intention is not the flame any of the brands however all constructive feedback and comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance

Adam

[conwood]

Hi Adam,
I have been down this path may times. Externally I only use Sikkens products now, although recently I have used indoor Integrain products and am happy with them. I have no info on their external products.

Oil is my preference, because of the maintenance. I just don't like removing peeling and cracked finishes, as opposes to a light clean/rub for recoating oil finsishes.

As for Cabots and Feast Watson, some of their indoor products are ok. Extrnally I have found them inadequate.

Cheers,
conwood

[Ads Mac]

Thanks Conwood. Will oil protect the timber outdoors?

[Gra]

You can get oil finishes for outdoor use, they just need to be reapplied on a regular basis (Usually annually), though this is a big job, as all you need to do is usually wash the old surface and re-oil.

[bennylaird]

My pref, oil for outdoor cos I'm lazy. Easier to redo the oil.

[jmk89]

... though this is a big job, as all you need to do is usually wash the old surface and re-oil.

I take it that you mean "this is not a big job".

For me - oil it, clean it and re-oil when the cricket starts each year and then it will be right for another 12 months.

[Wood Butcher]

I've used both Feast Watson Decking Oil and their Outdoor Furniture Oil in the past and am pleased with the results. Went on exactly per the specs on the tin and seemed to last. The BBQ I recoat every 12 months before the summer season and it looks really good.

[bennylaird]

I use orange oil.

No not that one, the Triton Tung oil


Is it still available? Doesn't appear in the latest catalog?

[conwood]

Yes it will, but as others have also mentioned, you may have to re-apply every few years. Cos I'm slack, I recently re-oiled some external louvres I made after 10 years. Yes they were dry and after a quick clean and more oil they came up great.

As bennylaird said, it's the lazy persons finish.

Go forth and oil.

Cheers,
Conwood

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Thanks for the advice guys (and gals if there are any)

I have started a new thread about when to oil - http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...798#post419798

All advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks again

[kiwigeo]

I've tried stains but prefer Intergrain exterior products on my WRC window and door frames. The product is designed for Australian conditions and Ive found it durable....nearly 10 years now and the stuff is still in good nick.

[mic-d]

Intergrain UVC would be excellent for your job. I have used it on kid's cypress cubby house and it lasts well.

Cheers
Michael