What coating for outdoor furniture over timber stain?

[belindamctigue]

 

I purchased this outdoor setting secondhand. I sanded back the original stain on the wood and re-stained with two coats of Intergrain Ultradeck Timber Stain. Just wondering if I need to put a varnish coat over the top please for protection? If so, what do I use please? Thank you. 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @belindamctigue. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about varnishing.

Intergrain Ultradeck Timber Stain is a long-lasting stain that protects timber from the destructive effects of weathering and aging. You'll just need to do maintenance coats every few years or as required. However, when used on furniture, you might like to overcoat it with Intergrain UltraClear Exterior for a gloss, satin or matt finish. This will provide an additional layer of protection. Though, once that coating deteriorates, you'd be looking at sanding it back to reapply. If the furniture is not overly exposed to the elements, the varnish could last up to 10 years or more.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[belindamctigue]

The stain (Intergrain Ultradeck Timber Stain) has tiny bubbles that have raised up all through over it. Any idea what might have gone wrong please?

[JacobZ]

Hi @belindamctigue,

Bubbles in stains and varnish are often caused by applying them in direct sunlight or on warm timber, which makes the stain dry too quickly and traps air. With the current temperatures we are experiencing, it is fairly likely this had an effect.

They can also be caused by introducing air to the coating by overworking the stain with excessive brushing, shaking the can instead of stirring, or applying it over a surface that isn't fully dry or clean.

To fix this, lightly sand the affected areas with fine sandpaper such as 240 grit, wipe away dust with a damp cloth, and allow the surface to dry completely before reapplying a thin coat of stain. Work in cooler conditions, preferably in the morning or late afternoon, and avoid over-brushing to prevent trapping air.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob