Wood finish for outdoor

[Tracy]

All I know about oils, wax, poly, etc is what I’ve read online and there’s a lot. I’m needing advise from someone who works with the stuff.

I built a game where you roll a wheel. The wooden rod rolls along two wood beams. I finished it with polyurethane. It works fine until it’s been in the sun for awhile then the wheel will spin in one place and not roll. It’s like the sun heats up the poly and makes it slick.. I do not have this problem when it’s indoors. Is there something I could finish the wood with to prevent this from happening outdoors in the sun? I have some other games too, I would like them all to be finished the same. Ideally non glossy, non yellowing natural wood look if possible.

Any suggestions will help!

 

[wtnhighlander]

Not sure if it will behave any differently than you describe when exposed to sunlight / heat, but a satin sheen, water-borne polyurathane, such as General Finishes 'High Performance', ticks all the other boxes. Another option is Minwax Polycrylic, but I prefer the General Finishes product..

[Chestnut]

My best advice is to use a wood that can handle the outdoor conditions, sand, water raise the grain, sand again, then leave the wood unfinished. A good outdoor durable hardwood will get a nice silver color, it's what all woods will go towards eventually. Hardwoods should hold up better than softwoods and are less likely to splinter.

It's an unpopular opinion but it works and it's pretty maintenance free.

[dwilliam]

It sounds like you're experiencing some issues with your polyurethane finish becoming slick in the sun. To maintain a natural wood look without the slickness, you might consider using a marine-grade spar varnish. These varnishes are designed to withstand outdoor conditions, including sun exposure, and provide a durable finish with a more matte appearance. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application and maintenance.

[houstonboy]

I’ve had good results with Zinsser paint for outdoor projects, especially when paired with a solid primer underneath. It holds up well against moisture and UV exposure, which helps keep the wood looking good for longer. If you’re dealing with an older surface, a light sanding before applying can make a big difference in adhesion. A couple of coats should do the trick for decent coverage and durability.

[drzaius]

My preference is to let it age naturally, but if a finish  must be used, It would be a penetrating oil. Any film forming finish, including CPES, will eventually let moisture in and horrendous staining will be the result. Stripping and refinishing will be a major job.