Outdoor wooden furniture takes quite a lot of abuse, so to keep the elements at bay you need to protect it with a good sealant and spar varnish. Read on for more information about getting the job done right. The wood needs to be well-sanded and cleaned prior to any application of a clear sealer. Start with a low grit paper, such as 80, and build your way up to 220. This does take some time, but when applying clear finishes such as spar varnish, the attention to preparation is the most important. When the wood is smooth to the touch, it is time to clean it off chemically. When you are using a urethane-based product, such as spar varnish, you will want to gently wipe off the wood surface with a clean rag soaked in a bit of lacquer thinner. Let this air dry for 15 minutes or so, and then take a tack rag and clean off any of the foreign matter that may have settled on the surfaces. Tack rags are bits of cheesecloth impregnated with gum arabic, typically, and will pick up almost every bit of dust or dander that might spoil the finish.

Use a clean bristle brush—not nylon—to lightly coat the furniture with the spar varnish. When applying varnish coats, it is best to use a number of thin coats, rather than a single thick one. Let the varnish dry completely before doing a light, dry sanding with more 220-grit paper. This is to cut down the inevitable bits of fluff and dust that may have settled on your piece during the drying time. Wipe this off with a damp rag, and don't be dismayed if it looks "white." The clear particles of the varnish have been rubbed raw by the sandpaper, but this is what we want. Apply a second coat of the varnish, again, keeping it quite thin. This will be the time where the wood will begin to gain some of the luster that we are after. But we aren't done yet! Using steel wool or a polishing pad, go over the surface again, just like you did with the 220-grit sandpaper, after the second coat has dried. Once again, take a damp rag and wipe down the surface, removing any of the dust.

With the third coat, apply enough varnish to make the surface look wet, as if it had been dunked into water. Avoid drips and puddles by not laying it on too thick all at once. Siberian Cat Rescue BcThis coat will take the longest to dry; Buy Wv Lottery Tickets Onlineleaving it overnight is best.Homes For Sale Kersey Pa Now, lightly burnish the wood with steel wool or your polishing pad. Be sure not to scrub the surface; just brush it well. The damp rag will remove any of the fluff, and then you can apply the final coat of spar varnish.Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane is specially formulated as a protective clear finish for exterior or interior wood exposed to sunlight, water, or temperature changes.Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane is specially formulated as a protective clear finish for exterior or interior wood exposed to sunlight, water, or temperature changes.

Contains UV blockers to reduce the sun's graying and fading effects. Forms a protective barrier against rain and moisture. Special oils allow the finish to expand and contract with the wood as seasons and temperatures change. Ideal for use on doors, windows, trim, bathroom cabinets, bar tops, kitchen countertops, outdoor furniture. For aerosol directions, click here Tough Protection For Wood- Indoors and OutRemoval of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in US) or contact your local health authority.

CLEANUP: For easy clean-up use mineral spirits or paint thinner. COVERAGE: Approximately 125 sq. ft. per quart Note: Dry times are based on good ventilation, temperature of 77°F and 50% relative humidity. Lower temperature, higher humidity, lack of air movement or application of thick coats will extend drying times. Always test surface for tackiness between coats. When used for exterior applications, maintain by lightly sanding and adding an additional coat(s) as conditions require. NOTE: The product may appear slightly dark or purple in the can, but it dries clear. Helmsman® Spar Urethane is not recommended for large exterior surfaces where maintenance would be difficult, such as decks and siding. Slight ambering may be experienced when Helmsman® Spar Urethane is applied over light-colored stains or wood surfaces. Always spot test on a hidden area to ensure satisfactory results. DANGER:Rags, steel wool, other waste soaked with this product, and sanding residue may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded.

Immediately place rags, steel wool, other waste soaked with this product, and sanding residue in a sealed, water-filled, metal container. Dispose of in accordance with local fire regulations.Keep away from heat and open flame.Use only with adequate ventilation. To avoid overexposure, open windows and doors or use other means to ensure fresh air entry during application and drying. If you experience eye watering, headaches, or dizziness, increase fresh air, or wear respiratory protection (NIOSH approved) or leave the area. Wash hands after using. Keep container closed when not in use. Do not transfer contents to other containers for storage. FIRST AID: In case of eye contact, flush thoroughly with large amounts of water for 15 minutes and get medical attention. For skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water. In case of respiratory difficulty, provide fresh air and call physician. If swallowed, call Poison Control Center, hospital emergency room, or physician immediately.

DELAYED EFFECTS FROM LONG TERM OVEREXPOSURE. Contains solvents which can cause permanent brain and nervous system damage. Intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful or fatal. DO NOT TAKE INTERNALLY. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.If you scrape, sand or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. Contact the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log onto www.epa.gov/lead. Clean-up: For easy clean-up, use lacquer thinner following the manufacturer's safety instructions. Above dry times are based on good ventilation temperature of 77°F and 50% relative humidity. Helmsman® Spar Urethane is not recommended for large exterior surfaces where maintenance would be difficult, such as decks and siding. Always spot test an inconspicuous area to ensure satisfactory results. DANGER: Rags, steel wool, other waste soaked with this product, and sanding residue may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded.

CAUTIONS: CONTAINS ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS AND KETONES. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame. Vapors will accumulate readily and may ignite explosively. Keep area ventilated during use and until all vapors are gone. DO NOT SMOKE - Extinguish all flames, pilot lights and heaters -Turn off stoves, electric tools and appliances, and any other sources of ignition. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or heat from radiators, stoves, hot water and other heat sources that may cause bursting. Do not puncture, incinerate, burn or store above 120°F. Keep upright in a cool, dry place. Do not discard empty can in trash compactor.Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid continuous breathing of vapor and spray mist. To avoid breathing vapors or spray mist, open windows and doors or use other means to ensure fresh air entry during application and drying. If you experience eye watering, headaches, or dizziness, increase fresh air or wear respiratory protection (NIOSH approved) or leave the area.