What finishes are best for outdoor use?
UV in sunlight, moisture, humidity, rain, and temperature shifts – all of these factors can really do a number on your wood. If your wood is going to be outdoors, it is best to protect it with a finish designed for use outdoors, like Helmsman® or Clearshield®. These types of products offer outdoor wood special protection against UV light, temperature changes and moisture. They work great on most outdoor wood, but on large surfaces that would be hard to maintain, like a deck, it would be better to use a product like a Thompson’s® Waterseal® which does not need to be stripped or sanded in order to be refinished.
