I'd use BLO, 2-3 coats, on all surfaces (also the underside of the top) for a good weather protection.
Depending on the stain, it can be done before the oil. It has to be a stain that doesn't create a film that stops the oil from penetrating. If the stain creates a film, use a poly finish on top.
Oh! Sorry for that. English isn't my first language and I have seen the term used so much here and in other English/American woodworking sites so I thought it was a wide spread acronym.
It stands for boiled linseed oil.
It is a drying (actually oxidizing) oil that you can brush on, wait for 15-20 minutes and then wipe off excess oil. Let it cure for a day and then do it again for as many coats you want.
Note of caution though, the rag you use for wiping off excess oil will be prone to self combust if you scrunch it up while the oil in the rag dries. Spread it out flat on the ground until the oil is cured, then you can dispose of it.
The reason for self combustion is that there will be some heat created by the chemical reaction (oxidation) and that heat can't dissipate in a scrunched up rag - but in a flat cloth it will dissipate into the surrounding air.
I hope this made sense, otherwise just ask again and I'll try to elaborate.
thank you! that was super helpful! and i'm sure it is a widespread acronym, i just know absolutely nothing about woodworking/staining/oil, anything, i am a 100% first time DIYer. Also, i live in a non-english speaking country, so the acronym is likely not the same here so if i go to the hardware store to ask for it, i need to explain what it is in the local language.
anyway, thanks so much!
Exterior paint is your best bet, it will be the most durable. Sand lightly, prime and paint on two coats of paint. A small thing like this, spray paint could be an easier option if you have a place you can do that.
If you want to maintain the wood look, there is no need for stain (unless you want to change the colour). If you want to stain it though, go ahead. Follow the instructions on the can, usually you just wipe it on with a cloth, wait a bit, then wipe off the excess and wait for it to cure. Then spar urethane is your best bet to protect it. It's designed for exterior use and will protect against water and UV light. It can go on over an oil or water based stain. Most spar urethanes are oil based (so you will need mineral spirits for cleanup) but there is at least one water based one, and if you are working in an apartment, I'd recommend you go that route, cleanup is much easier, and it's less smelly.
Watch some youtube videos on how to apply. I would not use less than 3 coats. Make sure you get it on good in between the slats and other awkward to brush areas. If you miss any spot, mold will get in there and grow under the finish - I know this from experience, lol.
There likely is already some kind of finish on it already, so you would want to sand everything a bit, and test in a hidden place to make sure the finish is going to adhere ok.
No, it honestly doesn't even hold up to indoor use.
I have the same one in my house, the top warped like crazy after just sitting indoors.
Paint is your best bet, but I am not super confident.
I'd use BLO, 2-3 coats, on all surfaces (also the underside of the top) for a good weather protection. Depending on the stain, it can be done before the oil. It has to be a stain that doesn't create a film that stops the oil from penetrating. If the stain creates a film, use a poly finish on top.
thank you! (what is BLO? sorry, i am totally new to this)
Oh! Sorry for that. English isn't my first language and I have seen the term used so much here and in other English/American woodworking sites so I thought it was a wide spread acronym. It stands for boiled linseed oil. It is a drying (actually oxidizing) oil that you can brush on, wait for 15-20 minutes and then wipe off excess oil. Let it cure for a day and then do it again for as many coats you want. Note of caution though, the rag you use for wiping off excess oil will be prone to self combust if you scrunch it up while the oil in the rag dries. Spread it out flat on the ground until the oil is cured, then you can dispose of it. The reason for self combustion is that there will be some heat created by the chemical reaction (oxidation) and that heat can't dissipate in a scrunched up rag - but in a flat cloth it will dissipate into the surrounding air. I hope this made sense, otherwise just ask again and I'll try to elaborate.
thank you! that was super helpful! and i'm sure it is a widespread acronym, i just know absolutely nothing about woodworking/staining/oil, anything, i am a 100% first time DIYer. Also, i live in a non-english speaking country, so the acronym is likely not the same here so if i go to the hardware store to ask for it, i need to explain what it is in the local language. anyway, thanks so much!
Great! Good luck!
Exterior paint is your best bet, it will be the most durable. Sand lightly, prime and paint on two coats of paint. A small thing like this, spray paint could be an easier option if you have a place you can do that. If you want to maintain the wood look, there is no need for stain (unless you want to change the colour). If you want to stain it though, go ahead. Follow the instructions on the can, usually you just wipe it on with a cloth, wait a bit, then wipe off the excess and wait for it to cure. Then spar urethane is your best bet to protect it. It's designed for exterior use and will protect against water and UV light. It can go on over an oil or water based stain. Most spar urethanes are oil based (so you will need mineral spirits for cleanup) but there is at least one water based one, and if you are working in an apartment, I'd recommend you go that route, cleanup is much easier, and it's less smelly. Watch some youtube videos on how to apply. I would not use less than 3 coats. Make sure you get it on good in between the slats and other awkward to brush areas. If you miss any spot, mold will get in there and grow under the finish - I know this from experience, lol. There likely is already some kind of finish on it already, so you would want to sand everything a bit, and test in a hidden place to make sure the finish is going to adhere ok.
No, it honestly doesn't even hold up to indoor use. I have the same one in my house, the top warped like crazy after just sitting indoors. Paint is your best bet, but I am not super confident.