What Finish on this Stool?

[HillStreet]

I have a stool in the shower that is made of wood on an aluminum frame. The wood is very dense, stained and varnished. The varnish is coming off, a result of being in water every day. I took it out and it is dry, now what kind of finish would I put on it to not happen anymore.

The stool is good quality, made for this purpose.

 

[goeduck]

I have a stool in the shower that is made of wood on an aluminum frame. The wood is very dense, stained and varnished. The varnish is coming off, a result of being in water every day. I took it out and it is dry, now what kind of finish would I put on it to not happen anymore.

The stool is good quality, made for this purpose.

I would think some sort of marine application.

 

[tcreeley]

Marine use epoxy would seal it up. Sand that smooth and then marine varnish over that. - I built a wood kayak that I used in the ocean on a regular basis and that is how I protected it.
CLC kayaks - on epoxy.

Chesapeake Light Craft » clcboats.com Site Search » Chesapeake Light Craft | Boat Plans, Boat Kits, Boatbuilding Supplies, Boat Kit, Kayak Kit, Canoe Kit, Sailboat Kit

Premium Epoxy Standard in CLC Complete Kits

 

[MoCoHogHunter]

I second the epoxy & varnish route. I use that one the wooden vanity tops that I make and haven’t had an issue with it failing.

If there are any spots that appear to have a little rot or deterioration in the wood, I’d use a deep penetrating epoxy first.

 

[deanocraft]

Sand it to bare wood and use teak oil. I don't think any varnish will last...

 

[Gary Fowler]

If you can find Pure Tung Oil, that will last forever and be water proof. It does take several coats for effective water proofing but is it very thin and dries fairly fast.

 

[AWSubie]

Linseed oil works well and is easy to re-apply when necessary.

 

[marchanna]

A couple thick coats of spar urethane all the way around will do the trick. Make sure you sand between coats.

 

[Billrog]

There is no finish that's going to stay on in the shower. Use an oil finish as suggested and be prepared to re do it occasionally it will be much easier than any kind of hard finish coat.

 

[/pine]

The wood could be encapsulated but it would need to be thoroughly (like kiln) dried prior...

 

[prichard]

I'm in the oil camp. Once a year or when you notice it's dried out reapply. I use tung oil.

 

[bunyip]

We use a product called Deks Olje, an oil finish designed for marine applications, we use it on all external timber on the yacht and it stands up to that.
If you go down the varnish route after sanding get a very hot damp cloth and wipe the surface, this will raise the neb, sand off this lightly then varnish and it will give you a smooth finish and eliminate that prickly surface.

 

[DrRod]

I agree on oiling it. Any varnish or paint will peel under repeated applications of hot water. The oil will cause it to bad up and dry. You will probably have to re-oil every couple years but it easy and doesn't require any sanding [after the first time].

 

[HillStreet]

FROM THE OP: Hey all, just letting you know I made a decision. I went to Lowes this afternoon looking/reading tung oil, other oils and varnish. I just got a spray can of stain/urethane. I went the easy route because after all, it is in the shower and gets wet all the time. So, I scuffed it up and sprayed it, looks fine, good enough. Thanks for all the replies. You know, when I was younger I would get it done with all the care I could muster, now it’s “Oh well, this looks good”.