External Blackbutt Doors

All the clear finishes require regular maintenance if exposed to the weather - each year or so usually. Having said that, the polyurethanes have to be stripped off and sanded back if you let them go too far. Oil finishes can be reapplied over the top with only a clean off or a light sand.

I have some external Australian Cedar doors up here in sunny Brisbane - see photos. The sun is quite punishing, which is why traditionally such doors were painted on the outside and shellac finished on the inside (interior) faces. However, since 2009 I have managed to keep them "clear" finished using a marine oil system called Deks Olje (available at boating shops such as Whitworths Marine). It is a two part system - a very runny oil (no. 1) that you brush on continuously until the timber will not absorb any more. That gives a satin finish. If you want better protection and a higher gloss then, once the no. 1 has completely dried, you brush on the thicker no. 2 oil until you get the gloss level that you want. If you use this you need to do so in a well ventilated area. After I had used it for a while (many doors) I became quite sensitive to the solvent in the no. 1 oil. I don't know if it affects everyone, and there is no remnant smell once the oil has dried.

I have no affiliation with the oil manufacturer or the retailer.

Attachment 361624 Attachment 361625 Attachment 361626 These doors were finished with both no. 1 and no. 2 oils.