How can I protect my chairs better than this from sun exposure ? can't ?

[JDarvall]

I'm probably dreaming, but I want my chairs to be able sit on verandas and survive.

pic 1, 2 and 3....this is the chair I made... Ended up spraying it with a clear laquer. Lot glossier than the pics.

pics 3 and 4 ...but only two months latter sitting on my veranda with direct sun exposure she's a mess. Granted the blue gum I used turned out to have collapse problems. So all those cracks on the seat there are probably due to that. But still all the sun exposure has greyed it away from the cracks as well.

I remember asking about finish before and someone mentioned (Harry ? ..sorry forgot) automotive laquer. Would this protect the finish ?

[Lignum]

Jake Automotive laquers are great and have UV properties, wont crack or blister and perfect with timber movement. Have a look at a crashed car and the lacquer is still intact.

By the way that is a brilliant chair, you have done a perfect job. Well done. I had a look and couldn’t see if you had done a WIP?

Love to see some construction pics and notes.

One of the (if not best) chairs posted here

[JDarvall]

thanks. nice of you to say.

I was kinda hoping there was another alternative, because every time I use laquer I don't feel that great. hard to avoid the fumes. I've got quite paranoid about this stuff. I could be using the stuff everyday if a bite the bullet and buy up on it, and I don't really want to end up with cancer. I've never met a panel beater with a healthy complextion uno. They always look pale faced and tired. got to organise a spray booth etc.

sorry raving a bit. just been struggling with the thought awile.

Anyway, how you been ? what have you been up to ?

[wheeloftime]

I am a finisher at a wood shop and some of the stuff we do is for boats. The have to survive sun wind rain and salt water. belive it or not mini wax polyurethane does the job. easy to use and spray. or brush on. With it being outside put up to three coats on. that should be plenty.

[Bodgy]

Jake

My experience says that any lacquer type finish will eventually breakdown in sunlight, just a matter of time.

I've learnt this to my cost on both boats and a timber house in the bush which I UV varnished on the exterior. Looked great for about 2 months.

I've never tried either the wax nor automotive finishes, its a good point about cars not detriorating, but wood isn't steel.

I now oil everything thats exterior. The commercial stuff is very exxy, so I make my own from linseed oil and turps. You wont get a gloss finish and it needs refreshing regularly, but no sanding down, and no peeling.

Far from perfect solution, but best of a bad bunch.

[echnidna]

sikkens will last for many years

[gumred]

Used Bondall ,will last for many year's also

[jerryc]

Apart from UV action , the other problem is wood expansion and contraction. This why boats traditionally used spar varnish. It had a higher oil content and is more flexible. One finish worth considering is Deks Oljie. It is an oil based finish and if you use No 1 you will have a good but dull finish. If you are looking for a shine then application of Deks Oljie No 2 after the first No 1 will be the shot. Several members of the yacht club to which I belong have used it successfully.

Jerry

War does not decide who is right. War only decides who is left

[JDarvall]

Thanks kindly for the ideas guys. got some experimenting to do I think.