Protecting new pine garden bench?

[Agile]

I have just bought two pretty cheap garden benches.

The ends are cast iron and quite nice.

There is metal looking panel in the middle of the back, but it is actually plastic but it looks OK.

But the wood slats are only pine and lightly painted, not very well, with a light clear varnish?

I would like to paint it with something before I put it outside.

I have had bad experiences with varnish outdoors in the past even with yacht varnish!

Any suggestions on what I could use on it? Including brand names?

And any comments on if it would be safe to leave it outside over winter?

Thanks!

 

[HERTS P&D]

Welcome back Tony, good to see that you are still about.

Andy

 

[JohnD]

welcome back

Cuprinol garden furniture stain, maybe?

https://www.cuprinol.co.uk/furniture/index.jsp

I find decking oil is durable outdoors, but when fresh, it may mark clothing.

 

[Agile]

Yes, sorry still alive!

Trying to stay away from the virus!

Having to do some house and garden repairs and improvements!

I had never realised how much I used to go out and on holidays!

 

[Agile]

I do have a part used Ronseal Satin "Antique Oak" Woodstain.

But it does say if applying over other finishes like varnish, the old finish has to be completely removed.

That sounds like a lot of work!

 

[JohnD]

traditional old varnishes are very tiresome. They crack and erode, and are hard to sand back. If you varnish over them, the colour is very patchy because areas that have let the water in go black.

I used to have a varnished boat, and wouldn't want another.

I use linseed oil on some of my outdoor timber now; and the decking oil which seems fine.

 

[HERTS P&D]

Try here Tony:

https://www.sadolin.co.uk/

Andy