I have a 25 yo jarrah dining setting that has been unloved for many years. I have sanded it back but I'm wondering what I do next. Should I clean it then oil it, or lacquer it or both? It's looking very dry in patches and has some cracks. It's going to be stored outside under a pergola, so will be in sun and (if we get any) rain. I like the current colour but would be happy for it to silver. I don't want to redden the colour.
Hi @MeganH,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us. That’s some lovely jarrah and it’s come up really well after sanding.
One of the great things about jarrah, being a hardwood, is that it’s naturally quite weather resistant and resistant to rot, termites and other borers. I mention this because if you’re happy for it to gradually grey, you can leave it uncoated and it won’t be adversely affected. That said, leaving it uncoated will allow it to dry out over time, which can lead to more of those small cracks, known as checking, which can become issues in the long term.
Now, if you did want to give it a bit more protection, things like clear oil or varnish will deepen the red, however they will not stain it outside of what is already there, they will just enhance the colour.
A penetrating oil like https://www.bunnings.com.au/feast-watson-500ml-clear-outdoor-furniture-oil-500ml_p1570620? is a good middle ground. It will enrich the colour slightly and provide a moderate level of protection while still keeping that natural timber feel. This would be my personal preference for outdoor furniture like this. Oils require reapplication every year or so, but this is easier than a full sand back.
Another option is an exterior varnish such as https://www.bunnings.com.au/bondall-1l-satin-monocel-gold-marine-clear-timber-varnish_p1521655 . Varnishes are film forming, meaning they sit on the surface and create a protective barrier rather than soaking in. They offer a higher level of protection, but you do lose some of the natural feel of the timber.
So, to summarise, if you like the idea of it naturally greying, you can leave it uncoated. If you want maximum protection, varnish is the way to go. If you’re after a balance between protection and maintaining the natural look and feel, then an oil is a great option.
Check out https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/diy-skills/repairing/how-to-renew-your-timber-outdoor-setting for some further guidance and if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to add them.
Jacob
