Table finishing recommendations for Texas?

jimithing

I see some other threads that were recently created about how to finish a cedar table but I didn't want to hijack their threads.  I'm in Texas and the sun is relentless here in the summer time.  Can anyone recommend the best way to finish the cedar table I'm building?  What's the most sun/heat tolerant way?  It was built from rough cut cedar but I've sanded it down with a 60 grit sand paper to the point where it's pretty smooth.  I can sand it further if necessary. 

I don't mind refinishing every few years and I don't mind a darker stain if it lasts longer.  Thanks in advance.

vchelf

I'm in Houston and have the same question. I sanded my table down and I plan to put a few coats of Spar Urethane on it.

newegger169

Spar urethane would be in my opinion the best option 

Proser

It's the top that will weather the most. I used a 2part marine epoxy ( http://www.aeromarineproducts.com/ )  and then 4 coats of spar urethane. For the side I used Sikkens SRD.   

My table isn't very old so no history yet.

mick7607

I've been in the paint business for 46 years and I have yet to see ANY product hold up to moisture and UV for longer than 3-4 years. My advice (and what I used on my own table) would be to seal the cedar first with Zinnser SealCote and then apply multiple coats of Minwax Helmsman (finish sheen is your choice as one is no more durable than the other). I would also either try to keep covered, or roll it into the garage when not in use.

jimithing

Thanks for the responses guys.  I know I'll have to refinish it every few years.

gijoejd

I'm in San Antonio.  Just used this on mine. 

caliking

I bought this from IKEA as my work table, for a couple of reasons, and so far it has worked pretty well.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00116996/

After some discussion (and much guidance) from @RRP, I sanded the top and finished with 3-4 coats (maybe more) of Helmsman spar urethane. Its been about 2 years now and it has held up pretty well so far. The table is not in direct sun (some shade), and has not been covered.

The frame is wood, and is holding up, so I may get a few more years out of this.