"Vic Smith" wrote:

Non-waterproof coatings for outside wood is just a fetish.
Stain if needed, then use a good waterproof varnish.
Strip and redo when the varnish fails.
IMO.


If you truly want to protect exterior wood, it is expensive but
straight forward.

Strip to bare wood, then apply 4-5 coats of laminating epoxy, sanding
lightly between coats.

It is absolutely essential that 100% of the wood is totally sealed.

Allow to cure for 30 days, sand lightly, then apply 2-3 coats of
marine 2 part poly to totally seal the epoxy and thus provide UV
protection of the epoxy.

Maintenance consists of maintaining the poly which protects the epoxy
base coat.

Lew