I made this white cedar chest & I want to protect it from rain and graying from ultraviolet (UV) sun exposure.
I desire an oil stain or sealer because I have seen skin-peeling from varnish, shellac, and polyurethane on items left outdoors. Plus, oil is easy to apply and maintain, just wash off dust and debris, let dry, and reapply a year or three later.
Here is the clincher: I want to keep the wood looking as close as possible to what it looks like now, light wood, although I know darkening of the wood is inevitable -- I just want it looking lighter, not yellowed...
- I was thinking to use tung oil & while mixing in a UV blocker, but I have no clue where to get a UV blocker, nor what is available, such as perhaps zinc powder.
- Also I was wondering if some kind of pickling/whitewash may help the final oiled project look lighter like the original? --- what would I use for the pickling effect? A little primer paint in the oil before applying?
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated