Varnish/Urethane/Wood Oil Finish Comparisons
 

I happened on this link while surfing the net and thought it might be of interest to those of us that finish their bed wood with other than stock blackened linseed oil.

Hopefully the links to the photos still work, but even if not there are some decent descriptions of the outcomes.

http://www.myccr.com/phpbbforum/view...p?f=49&t=40923

Re: Varnish/Urethane/Wood Oil Finish Comparisons
 

Haven't done the time test yet, but based on similar outcomes I read about I went with four brush coats of Helmsman and the final one was sprayed. 320 grit & tack clothed every brush coat...like the results so far.

Mar-ks tests on their website are also interesting. Lotsa factors to consider....

Re: Varnish/Urethane/Wood Oil Finish Comparisons
 

Mar-K did a long term test a few years ago.

Interesting read.

http://www.mar-k.com/wood_finish_testing_ii.aspx

Re: Varnish/Urethane/Wood Oil Finish Comparisons
 

I was surprised that regular old Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane did as well as it did. I would have thought there was some little know or only-known-to-hardcore-boat-guys super UV resistant product out there.

Looks like Helmsman, Benjamin Moore 440 spar or automotive clear coat are the way to go if we want a hard glossy clear finish. There is another productive heard of though that's more like an oil finish...I just can't remember the name right now though. If I think of it I'll post it later.