Jak Blue Posted November 22, 2018 Report Share Posted November 22, 2018 Hello everyone, I'm brand new here at WoodTalk Forum. Need advice please. Just ordered a huge block of wood from local sawmill in Leitrim Ireland. A block of Sitka Spruce to size: 23.6in x 23.6in by 6.5ft long This is for a totem pole standing straight up when complete. Was told today that Sitka Spruce being a soft wood won't last more than 2 years outside in the wet Irish climate. I did not know this. Total newb ! QUESTION : what is the best possible way I can treat the block to last as long as possible? 1) The block was only sawed a week ago so still full of moisture right... can I apply wood seal even though it's still so wet? Must it be cured first? 2) Which wood stain or poxy or wax will protect the wood the best for the longest? Will appreciate any advice / answers very much. thanks, Jak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted November 22, 2018 Report Share Posted November 22, 2018 Any possibility it could live on a covered porch or something like that ? A marine type varnish will still need to be re-coated every couple of years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pondhockey Posted November 22, 2018 Report Share Posted November 22, 2018 Agree. If you can find a way to cover it, or even shade it, that will help immensely. The formula that I know is 1) Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer (for the elements), followed by 2) spar varnish (both elements and sun.) Expect to re-do the varnish periodically. (Edit, if you can't keep it under cover, give it a waterproof cap to keep moisture off of the endgrain, and yes, you should probably let it acclimate/dry before finishing.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted November 23, 2018 Report Share Posted November 23, 2018 Carve it wet, store it to dry, then paint it. Paint is far better at protection from weather than any clear finish I am aware of. Also, take steps to ensure the end grain at the bottom is out of ground contact, and not standing in water. I also suggest that the top be carved in such a way that enough slope it provided to enforce proper run-off. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pondhockey Posted November 27, 2018 Report Share Posted November 27, 2018 I kind of like Highlander's recipe; paint will block UV much better than a clear finish. The utility industry often caps power poles to extend their life. Wikipedia offers this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totem_pole#Construction_and_maintenance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jak Blue Posted December 8, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 8, 2018 Thank you very much for the feedback Steve Duncan, Pondhockey, wtnhighlander ! I will take your advice and research further. kind regards, Jak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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