Outdoor Finishes | Real World Results

Who is Marc Spagnuolo? Watch Behind the Scenes with a YouTube veteran and find out!
0:53 - Adirondack Chair - Sikkens Cetol, Watco Teak Oil, CPES, Epifanes
5:37 - Outdoor Table & Benches - Watco Teak Oil, Total Boat Epoxy Sealer, Epifanes, Osmo One Coat
9:52 - Outdoor Sitting Bench - CPES, Epifanes
10:58 - Pergola - Penofin Red
12:33 - Crooked Garden Gate - Thompson’s Water Seal Timber Oil, CPES, Epifanes
14:38 - Contemplation Bench - Epifanes
15:53 - 10 Tips

In this video we'll discuss several pieces of furniture I've made throughout the years, how they were finished and how they held up. In some cases, a refinish was necessary and we'll talk about that too.

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[patch]

This has to be one of the most descriptive, honest and thorough explanations that are highly approachable and applicable. Thank you so much!!!

[routecustoms]

Brother!… I watched several videos, even as a generational custom woodworker with almost 10 years in the field myself. Your video was exactly what I needed to not only retain your given information but to apply what I know to what I am looking to achieve in different outcomes to my projects. Thank you so much for articulating this hands on experience to those of us that are looking for mentors outside of our own circle. This has inspired me to dig deeper into the world of well written video hosts for the trades. Thanks again!

[briantheprion]

I really like and appreciate how methodical, honest and critical you are with the results. Probably the most useful and comprehensive video on finishes I’ve seen

[CRD]

As a 40+ year carpentry contractor, specializing on the outside projects, decks, pergola's, siding, I tried a lot of finishes. Your observations are spot on. No film forming finishes for me. Failure with those products is just too much work to repair.

[michaellenorgant]

Three years later and this video was everything I needed to hear about outdoor wood finishes. Bless you! You just helped me save probably several hundred dollars experimenting with more finishes. Im making 4 Adirondack chairs out of Hemlock (other woods were cost prohibitive) and they will be placed around the pool in FULL sun. Ive already spent quite a bit of money and many hours searching for something the holy grail of wood finishes...and the truth of your words was so powerful I will stop my search today. It doesnt exist...at least not yet. The new plan: Use a non-film forming oil and wax finish, add some epoxy feet, then buy covers for my chairs for the months they are not in use. I live in the desert and will expect to re-finish them at least once a year despite covering them over half the year. Ive learned the sun is the true enemy to my wood (ha!). That revelation alone is just priceless. Thank you so much!

[ZachKing]

love how honest and raw this video is, thanks for making this, super helpful as I'm working on re-finishing my backyard table

[briannystrom]

FWIW, I've been using a 50:50 blend of pure tung oil and Epifanes varnish on kayak paddles since 2006. It applies as easily as an oil finish and it provides the same look and feel, but the varnish component increases durability. It does not create a film so it can't flake and it still breathes, which is critical for paddles since they're constantly wet when in use. I have an outdoor bench that I need to rebuild and I plan to use it on that, too.

After applying the first coat with a pad, I use 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper to apply subsequent coats. It smooths the previous surface and creates some "tooth" for the next coat to bond to. As with any oil finish, it's important to wipe off any excess with a rag. The result is a super-smooth finish with a beautiful satin luster.

[jamesnebraska]

That was the best review I've ever watched. They were all your pieces and it was a real life test. I got more out of your one video. Then I would have if I watch 10 other video. That was an excellent breakdown thank you!😊

[aaroncashion]

Marc,

Could not agree more. I have never had a finish fail due to moisture. Always UV. I love that you set this video up a decade ago. These long term check-ins have been wonderful.

[ErsinGokay]

Very good analysis and thank you for sharing these analysis with the audience. We greatly appreciate your hard work and time invested into the finish analysis video. God bless you and your family.

[hollandcustomwoodworking]

What a comprehensive video! As a brand new woodworker, I find finishes to be the biggest learning curve I have to achieve.

[BWreSlippySlope]

Your finished mixture you posted a long time ago with Epiphanes although I always used a different spar finish in the mixture, has held up and is easy to repair. Did a lot of refinishing with it for clients and although don't do that as much many of the homeowners took the formulas and steps and continue to use it here in the Arizona Sun. Still is the best system I have found. I Finished so much stuff with lumber oil, and various others to check the systems also. Your system just has to be kept up but just light sand and refinish keep it looking sharp. Like a yearly or semi-yearly polish. Thank you. I use a mixture of penetrating for other larger projects like cedar or redwood storage shelters, but for gates, doors, outside cabinets, and such best system I have found.

[skyhawaii]

Killer wood working projects. You are a master. Re. the clear coats in the video, just want you to know that this is the best clear coat video I have ever seen. The entire coatings industry can learn from this video. Perhaps they will think twice when they market their products as low maintenance. Again, beautiful wood work and many thanks for the real truth about clear coats and elements.

[melmartinez]

Huge 'Thumbs up' for this video. Full of useful information while being honest about the exact limits of the information. Doesn't claim to have every answer or magic bullets. Just good, useful, experiential information. Well done.

[davidclark]

I have watched a number of your videos but had never seen this before. I am in the process of re-working some wood projects in my garden and just stumbled on this video and found it to be very, very informative, thought-provoking, and just plain fun. I guess I need to re-think some of my original finishing plans based on your video which, I hope, will same me some time, money, and effort. Thanks.

[TheMarc]

This is an excellent discussion, presentation, and analysis. Great information. Your science background really shows.

[williamkoechling]

This is incredibly helpful... years of experience in a single video! For me it comes as I'm forced to remove 8 layers of spar varnish on a slatted oak porch swing. No more spar varnish for me. It took DAYS to remove that stuff! I'm going with a penetrating oil/stain as I know the UV and rain will win out and I'll do a simple re-application every year or two. Thanks!

[justsnuggle]

Thank you for all the work you did with these videos editing and timestamping and the transcript.

[TheKnightArgent]

It's a crime this video doesn't have more views. SUPER useful info.

[MakerBoyOldBoy]

Excellent pro strategies and analyses. As a Tucson woodworker for decades I have suffered similar strategies and failures. The Hispanic carpenters long ago recessed their wooden outside doors and windows several feet away from the sun and elements. The only finish I have found provided minimal protection from the sun and elements is pure Tung oil which needs recoating as it also degrades. Boiled linseed oil is a terrible finish - it darkens badly as it degrades. Tung oil stays the same color. No auto or wood finish survives harsh sun conditions. I like very much your informed product choices. I wish you continued success. Salud.