Porch Staining and Sealing

by Jodi Tyler
(Oak Grove, LA)

QUESTION: We have a wrap-around-porch that we are in the process of sanding. It is made up of 2x4 boards. I would really like to stain it a very dark brown and then seal it somehow so it is high gloss and looks "wet" all the time.

I initially thought about polyurethane but a friend pointed out that this would make the surface sticky as the sun shone on it.

The whole porch gets direct sun at different parts of the day. Please give me any ideas that you may have so I can get the look I want!


ANSWER: Jodi, thanks for contacting us.

Your friend is correct in that using poly is not a good idea outside. Rather than getting sticky, it breaks down quickly in sunlight and will crack, possibly bubble, and deteriorate quickly.

Normally, a penetrating oil is a better choice for exterior use. However, I don't believe it comes in a glossy finish that your are requiring.

Finding a high quality glossy (wet look)dark brown paint is no problem. Most major brands (Behr, Porter, etc.) carry that. Stain sealer is a whole different issue. Almost all glossy sealers are meant for stone, concrete, pavers, etc., not wood.

Here's two sources you may want to investigate further.

http://www.premiumcoatingsindia.com/wood-coatings.html

http://www.ugl.com/zarWoodFinishing/zarExteriorPolyurethane/zarUltraExteriorPoly.php

I haven't used either so I don't have an opinion as to whether these will work the way you want them to.

I will do some more investigating myself and will let you know my findings. If you find a great product please let us know so we can pass it on to our site visitors. Perhaps our site visitor can recommend products too.

Dave