Hey everyone! My family and I are building an outdoor sideboard, and I'm a bit concerned. My dad, who's pretty handy but sometimes overlooks details, used a wood stain that's meant for indoor use. He plans to finish it with outdoor varathane since it'll be exposed to rain and sunshine all year round. Will this solution work for protecting the wood, or is there a better way to ensure it lasts?
2 Answers
If the varathane adheres well, you should be fine! Just a heads up though, if it’s not sheltered from the sun, the varathane may need to be reapplied more often. It’s great for outdoor use, but it doesn’t last as long when it's directly exposed. So expect the stain to fade if it’s in sunlight.
No finish will last forever outdoors, unfortunately. But don't worry too much — staining it with indoor stain isn't going to ruin it. Just keep in mind that the color might fade if it gets a lot of sun. You'll need to maintain whatever finish you choose regularly, but overall it should hold up fine!
That's still a relief to hear! I was worried about the wood rotting quickly due to the elements.
Got it. Since it’s fully exposed, I’ll keep an eye on maintenance then!