In the video “How to Finish Outdoor Furniture – Rubio Monocoat Exterior,” Marc Spagnuolo, known as The Wood Whisperer, shares his expertise on outdoor finishes and tackles the common challenges faced by woodworkers in protecting their outdoor projects.
This video is an essential guide for those seeking to preserve their outdoor furniture’s appearance and durability.
Marc begins by discussing the inevitable degradation of outdoor finishes due to UV exposure. He emphasizes that while rain and humidity are often blamed, UV rays are the real culprits behind the failure of outdoor finishes. He explains that no matter the finish, the sun will eventually cause it to degrade, leaving the wood exposed to the elements.
Marc shares his experience with an outdoor coffee table made from Western red cedar, detailing its journey through various finishes. Initially, he used Osmo’s One Coat HS Plus, a heavily pigmented product that offered good protection but did not appeal aesthetically. He later tried Osmo’s UV Protection Oil on the tabletop, which, despite being intended for vertical surfaces, he experimented with on the horizontal surface to see how it would hold up.
The primary focus of the video is Marc’s experiment with a new product: Rubio Monocoat’s Duro. He meticulously prepares the table by sanding it down to bare wood and applies the Rubio Duro, which is unique for being wood fiber fortified and water-soluble. Marc explains that this combination of oil and water creates an emulsified finish, similar to a salad dressing, providing UV protection while maintaining the wood’s natural appearance.
Throughout the application process, Marc provides detailed observations about the product’s texture, ease of application, and initial appearance. He appreciates the color “Foxy Brown,” which he finds to be a good match for Western red cedar, despite its initial strong orange hue. Marc emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation and personal protective equipment, even with low-VOC products like Rubio Duro.
Marc’s video is a thorough exploration of outdoor finishes, combining practical advice with personal experimentation. His insights into the pros and cons of various products, coupled with his hands-on demonstrations, make this video a valuable resource for woodworkers looking to protect and enhance their outdoor furniture.
“How to Finish Outdoor Furniture – Rubio Monocoat Exterior” is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of outdoor wood finishing. Marc Spagnuolo’s expertise and candid approach provide viewers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their woodworking projects.