I am building an outdoor trellis and bench for my yard and live near the coast, where salt air, sun, and humidity always test finishes. I want to pick something that holds up for years of sun, moisture, and wind without peeling or fading too quickly.

What finishes have you used successfully on exterior wood in coastal areas? Do you prefer oil-based products, spar varnish, marine epoxy, or something else? Any prep or maintenance tricks that help extend the lifespan would be really helpful.

First, Welcome! Glad to have you here!!!

 

Our finishing guru @kmealy should be along soon to give you some ideas.

I've used One Time Wood Finish on a couple of exterior projects (swing set and cedar fencing).  It's somewhat expensive, but it has no thinner, and cures by UV exposure (e.g., sitting outside)  It's guaranteed for 7 years.   The two times I used it were in northern Ohio, near Lake Erie (does that count as "coastal"?)  It is not a film finish, though, it soaks in the wood, if that's OK.

 

Spar Varnish, even the good ones, need maintenance every year or two.  The one time I used Minwax Spar Urethane, it did not last long, no surprise since poly has little UV resistance,

 

https://onetimewood.com/

 

 

 

Another option is Steve Mickley's clear exterior paint.