Latest Discussions : Lawn & Garden

04:30AM | 07/21/08

Member Since: 07/18/08
2 lifetime posts

maintenance for mahogany porch

Tags: Lawn & Garden

I have a mahogany porch railing, going into its third summer. For the past two years I have applied a brand of "Australian" oil, which does not seem to maintain very well. I did some web searching, and found recommendations for tung oil (50/50 with mineral spirits). Consumer Reports recommends a Thompson semi-transparent product, although I like the wood color and grain to show through. I live near Boston, so lots of air pollution (dirt) and full sun (lost a 75 year old maple last summer).

I'm looking for durability, ease of application, and less noxious fumes (who wouldn't?). Please respond with specific brands.

Many thanks,

Lynne

5slb6

02:28AM | 07/22/08

Member Since: 07/28/02
1356 lifetime posts

The way you have been going is good and the tung oil would also be very good. These products are clear so the beauty of the wood shows through, but they also do not last as long as a pigmented product will. If you really like the look of the natural wood just plan on doing something to this railing every year.

lsbrandon

09:16AM | 07/27/08

Member Since: 07/18/08
2 lifetime posts

from what I've read, tung oil seems a lot of work

do you have brand recommendations for pigmented products? I'm close to a Home Depot, which carries some Thompson Water Seal products and Behr (the house brand). I was thinking the 'natural cedar' semi-transparent would be fairly close to the natural mahogany look, and free me from annual applications

many thanks

Lynne