Expert: Jamie Yocono - 4/26/2006

Question
Hi Jamie,
I've read your answer about applying watco to an exterior oak door.  I am going to be refinishing the exterior of the front doors of a very old church.  I'm in Milwaukee WI & the doors have a western exposure.  I need to know if just the use of multiple coats of oil will be sufficient with the annual application of another coat.  I really don't like the idea of applying a surface finish unless it is absolutely necessary.  What are your thoughts?

Thank You,

David

Answer
Hi David,

I certainly think that using Exterior Watco for your door is a good way to protect it. To be sure, the western exposure will weather the door somewhat, so you will definitely want to recoat it each year.

I'm with you, I don't much care for surface finishes, although they provide superior protection. The sheer number of people touching your door could scratch the finish, and I'm sure it wouldn't take long to see those scratches.

There is one suggestion I could offer, but I'm not sure it's going to be that different (or superior) from a few applications of Watco. There is a home made recipe- one part spar varnish, one part turpentine, and one part boiled linseed oil. I have been reading about this formula for years, and many people claim it's a "poor man's" version of Watco. The spar varnish will give really good protection, the turpentine thins it down enough to enable it to soak in, and ... well.....who knows what the boiled linseed oil does? I feel like it's pretty much obsolete these days, but perhaps it's just a "body" agent to give the varnish and turp a little more holding power.

Anyway, I certainly think that if you're looking for superior protection, combined with the feel of wood, I would consider thinning some spar varnish down 50/50 with turpentine, and then applying (with a rag) some coats of it to your door. How many? I guess it depends on how dry it is. I would keep applying it until the door starts to develop a rich, deep color, where it doesn't look dry. That could mean 3 coats. If you apply too many coats, you're going to start building up a surface finish, so be careful in that regard. Then... let it cure, probably 3 days, but 7 would be better, and then apply a coat or two of that exterior Watco. THAT would give you the best protection, in my opinion.


Good luck, I hope this helps. Feel free to write back with any other questions you might have after reading this.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
www.wooditis.com
Las Vegas, NV