I have clear cedar casements for a new build. I have used these units in the past but was not satisfied with the durability of my spar varnish finish (thinned 10% for 1st, coat followed by2 coats ). I believe the problem is the amount of natural oils in the cedar which affects adhesion. I have considered leaving the product raw for a season to possibly allow the breakdown of the oil content before sanding and finishing.Comments are welcome.
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I use oil finishes. On the inside I use Bioshield hard oil #9. It is designed for floors, but works great for trim. Oils give a different look. One of my clients told me it is an honest look. Scratches etc. are easy to repair. Light scratches can just be oild over and they disapear. Oils are easy to put on, just don't get drips on the wood they will show. I pour it on the wood and even it out with a cotton rag. Let it set a bit and wipe it off. I usualy put on three coats. Be sure to dispose of the rags properly. Spontaieous combustion does take place with these kinds of oils.
For external trim I use TWP shingle oil. I dip it in a trough of oil so it is totaly saturated all sides. I sit it on a rack and let it dry.
As the years go by the finish will gradualy fade and turn a gray color. It is fine to leave it this way. If you like the oil look just spray on another coat of oil. This oil is very dificult to remove from windows so mask carefully.
What does "dispose of properly" mean? Flush down toilet? Or: put in neighbors bin?
Edited 9/21/2009 10:18 am ET by jimAKAblue
That is a good question. I lay them out flat and put them in the sun on my gravel driveway and let them dry. Sometimes I put them in a steel container with a lid and let them dry. Then I dispose of them in the dumpster. Quit honestly I don't know if this is proper or not. I did not think the spontaneous combustion was a real problem. One day I came home to smoking oil rags. The point here is use caution and common sense how ever you dispose of the rags.
Ditto on the oil as I am guessing the bonding properties would be more in line with the natural oil in the cedar. I appreciate the advice - wish me luck as they are cope and stick french panes - can you say tedious? Cheers
I've oiled french doors and I just let the oil get on the glass.
I come back with a rag and start wiping it off the glass.
As you get most of it off you can use some thinner on the rag to get the last bit.
It is tedious but I think soaking all the wood is good for it down the road."There are three kinds of men: The one that learns by reading, the few who learn by observation and the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves."Will Rogers