RB> I just bought an outdoor bench that has solid oak slats. What's
 RB> a good preservative to use on it?
 SW> I recommend using a polyurethane plastic finish. Two or three coats 
 SW> will make the finish rock hard and protect the oak slats for years, 
 SW> and make them impenetrable to moisture. If you decide to put a finish 
 SW> on the oak slats, prep the boards with 150 grit sandpaper or medium 
 SW> steel wool, wipe down with rubbing alcohol, and apply your finish. If 
 SW> you wish to change the color of the wood, apply a wipe stain after the 
 SW> alcohol step. Hope this helps. Varathane, or similar products, come in 
 SW> two basic finishes: gloss or semi-gloss (also called satin).
Thanks for all the info!. Consider it saved to a file AND printed 
out......just in case I should have a crash.....One never knows with
"Win95". ;-)
                                  --'-,-{@
                                    Rita
... File to fit, hammer to suit, paint to hide.
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