I am building a small cedar gate (about 17″x70″) made of 3 1×6’s ripped to size. This gate will exposed to the elements in Baltimore. My customer has chosen an ebony stain and I am still researching what the the best protective coat would be (poly, some kind of oil or wax??/). Any recommendations as far as products as well as technique?(number of coats, sanding in between coats, etc….)
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Use an exterior stain and be done with it.
A dark color like that is going to need more and regular applications-you might be able to coat every year (or so) with a clear exterior stain. Anything else like spar varnish and I think it'll peel.
Sikkens still makes good oil based stains.
Xyladecor used to come in some pretty dark colors, but not sure about US availability anymore. Check with Boysen paints.