Best Outdoor Wood Protector
TotalBoat Spar Varnish
TOP PICK: TOTALBOAT SPAR
IN THIS GUIDE:
› TOP OIL FINISH: HOPE’S TUNG OIL
› EXTERIOR SPRAY-ON: TOTALBOAT VARNISH
› MARINE GRADE: TOTALBOAT EPOXY
Choosing the best finish for outdoor wood tables requires understanding a few things about exterior finishes, UV protection, application techniques, and the wood itself.
While some wood, such as Teak, is naturally resistant to weathering and decay, others are less lucky. And some finishes, such as epoxy, are great for one-piece tops but are challenging to apply to slatted outdoor table tops.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Penetrating vs. surface wood finishes
- UV resistance
- Clear versus color-changing furniture finishes
- Wood stains
- Application techniques
- Drying time
- And top brands to choose from
As with any outdoor finish, however, eventually, you’ll need to maintain and re-apply. But, with the right upfront choice, you’ll enjoy a higher quality finish for longer.
Page Contents
Outdoor Wood Finish Basics
Woodworkers know that a router lift must raise and lower a bit. But there are subtle features that make the best router lift accurate, durable, and of course, easy to use:
- The sheen of a wood finish determines how shiny it is (flat, semi-gloss, gloss)
- Finishes must be UV resistant to prevent a breakdown in direct sunlight
- Most finishes are water resistant – not waterproof
- Penetrating finishes will seep into the wood fibers and protect them from within
- However, surface finishes like epoxy form a protective shell
- Lastly, not all protectants will prevent the wood from the natural graying process
Types of Outdoor Finishes for Tables
There are a few basic types of wood finishes to choose from for a table:
- Spar varnishes go back thousands of years as a type of finish used on ships
- Epoxy is the hardest curing and most durable – but is the most difficult to apply and not suitable for a slatted table
- Wood sealers will penetrate and protect the wood but not provide a top coat that will protect against stains from food or cooking oils
- Tung oils are a natural, penetrating finish that protects the wood from within and becomes part of the wood itself
- Polyurethanes are available in an exterior grade and apply similarly to a varnish
Spar Varnish Finish For Outdoor Wood Table
See on Amazon: Total Boat Marine Spar Varnish
Top Features
- UV resistant: Yes
- Sheen: Gloss or stain
- Dry time: 1-hour re-coat (3 coats a day)
- Self-leveling
- Uses: Outdoor tables, furniture, boats
Overview
Aptly named after the spars of ships that this type of outdoor stain was first used on, marine-grade spar varnish is a top pick for an outdoor table.
Using a chemistry that resists UV breakdown, can be sanded between coats, and (most importantly) stands up to the elements, a quality spar varnish should be high on your list.
However, while a quality finish, note this finish may require an annual re-application if exposed to excessive sun or water.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- UV resistance
- Drying time of 1-hour
- Available in multiple sheens
- Best clear coat for outdoor wood
Cons
- Annual re-application in some uses
- Surface finish that requires care in application
Tung Oil For A Natural Table Finish
See on Amazon: Hope’s Tung Oil
Top Features
- UV resistant: Yes
- Sheen: Matte
- Dry time: 1-hour re-coat
- Wipe on and let dry
- Uses: Indoor and outdoor furniture
Overview
Tung oil is preferred for outdoor woods like Teak, Jatoba, Ipe, or other exotic table materials that do not require a protective shell.
As Tung oil is applied, it is worked into the fibers of the wood, where it dries and forms a thin shell that protects the wood. And, over the years, it can be re-applied to the wood to enhance damaged areas.
Pros
- Easiest to apply
- UV resistance
- Color enhancing oil
- Penetrating
Cons
- Does not protect wood from food stains
- Best for exotic woods
Epoxy For Solid Table Tops
See on Amazon: Table Top Epoxy From Total Boat
Top Features
- UV resistant: Yes
- Sheen: Gloss
- Dry time: 4-8 hours
- Application: Pour and level
- Uses: Indoor and outdoor table tops
Overview
If you’ve ever sat in a bar, chances are the wood was protected with an epoxy.
First, this finish is unique among clear finishes as it comes in two bottles: one as a resin and the other as a hardener. As you combine them, you’ll have a short time to pour them on a surface, level, and let them dry.
While more complicated to apply than another type of finish, the result is an impenetrable finish that will withstand any water or food spill you can throw at it.
Pros
- Hardest finish
- Great for softer woods (cedar)
- Waterproof
- Protects against oil spills
Cons
- Hard to apply
- Does not work on slatted table tops
Outdoor Furniture Spray-on Finish
See on Amazon: ZAR Satin Spray
Top Features
- UV resistant: Yes
- Sheen: Satin
- Dry time: 2 hours
- Application: Exterior wood
- Uses: Hard to brush tables and furniture
Overview
As many know, brushing a polyurethane or varnish on a project can lead to frustrating brush marks, drips, and runs.
The solution? For smaller projects or slatted tops, a spray can let you apply a thick finish that reaches into all the nooks and crannies.
However, this type of outdoor table finish will not work best on a large, single top (because a spray can tend to “fog” or show imperfections).
Pros
- Simple application
- Dries fast
- Easy to re-coat later
- Made for exterior (not all polyurethanes are)
Cons
- Not suitable for large, one-piece tops
- Expensive for large projects
- Lacks protection of a spar varnish or epoxy
Tips For Applying Outdoor Finishes
Regardless if you are starting with fresh wood or re-finishing an older table, you should know a few things before you open a can, bottle, or jug of the outdoor table finish.
As you can guess, once a penetrating finish is applied, your ability to sand out imperfections will be hampered. And, with most finishes, changing the thickness of the coating can lead to inconsistent weathering and leave a mark for years to come.
Wood preparation
Before applying a finish, be sure to:
- Have the surface fully sanded to at least a 220-grit
- Blow off any dust particles
- Place a protective sheet below the table to prevent stains on the floor or decking
- Carefully inspect the table for any imperfections
Tools to Have
- A high-quality brush is a must, and follow the instructions on the can for varnishes or polyurethanes.
- For almost all finishes, an adequately rated mask is a must to prevent breathing in toxic fumes
- Protective gloves rated for chemical exposure
Application Tips
- To extend drying time, use a thinner that will make thick finishes easier to apply and extend working time
- For epoxy, follow the directions and watch videos on how to apply
- Always allow for the right amount of dry time to prevent a myriad of issues finishes have when not allowed to cure
- Plan for at least a day to let the outdoor table dry (inside) before exposing it to elements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most durable finish for outdoor wood furniture?
The most durable finish for any outdoor wood is epoxy. However, it isn’t easy to apply on any surface that isn’t flat (such as a table), and this is why many turn to a marine-grade spar varnish that provides a similar protective coating with more effortless workability.
What finish should I use on an outdoor wood table?
The most popular is an exterior grade spar varnish that provides excellent water resistance and UV blocking capability and brushes on quickly. Consider a thinner that makes this finish easier to apply for an enhanced working time.
Can I use a deck stain as a finish for outdoor wood tables?
While a deck stain can be used, it was not designed to protect the wood from food spills, oils, or the wear and tear a tabletop receives.
- About the Author
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Eric has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has worked in small cabinet shops making everything from kitchen cabinets to hand-made furniture. Now working from a home woodworking shop Eric is sharing his passion for woodworking, tool advice and how-to knowledge from his Minnesota-based woodshop.
