oil vs varnish for decks :: View Single Post

Hi Alan, I've found that no matter what you use as a finish, if the wood doesn't have that desirable grain quality that you're looking for no amount of stain or varnish will bring it out.
What you could do, if it's not already too late, is to replace the planks with a different type of wood. There's nothing that says you have to use the kits contents.
I used a wood called "Tanganyka" for the decks of my first 2 Art Lat kits. I've substituted Walnut, Pear and Mahogany for basswood. There are a few sites that sell pre-cut planks and if you have a fairly decent band saw you can buy boards and cut the yourself. I've cut planks as small as 1/32" x 1/16" x 20"
If you want to try a varnish that's really easy to use and brings out the grain of the wood:
Mix 2 or 3 parts spar varnish or poly-urethane (whichever you prefer)
1 part mineral spirits
1 part boiled linseed oil.
Pete