Have a large Cedar bird feeder. The project is finished and ready to be mounted on a pole and placed outside. I would like to weatherproof the cedar without changing the color and tone of the wood. Suggestions on a product to use?

I like Watco Danish oil for raw wood to preserve it without staining or spraying. I use it on wood rifle stocks I modify to free float, or inlet for aftermarket triggers, and on pistol grips that I have to inlet to fit the frame.

Linseed oil or Tung oil will work too. Some people like to rub beeswax into wood for natural finishing, but that would be a pain on your project.

I would use an oil based semi-transparent outdoor stain near the color of the cedar.
I have used both and the oil based will protect better with a thinner coat AND is sprayable but is harder to clean up.
Water-based worked well too but is a little thicker and acts more like a paint.
I have used Behr in both.
YMMV

I would think that you would have to stain it with a color similar to its natural color…I’m not sure just a dose of Boiled linseed oil will keep it from turning grey over time

Look into the Sikkens brand of stains and sealants for high quality woods................

https://www.sikkens-wood-coatings.com/


Nice product guide:
https://2ecffd01e1ab3e9383f0-0...3de-77bcf94e3fd3.pdf

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sgalczyn,

That's a REALLY nice feeder; great job!!

With all the detail work, I'd go with a spray on spar urethane or similar.

quote:

Originally posted by BlackTalonJHP:
With all the detail work, I'd go with a spray on spar urethane or similar.

I agree.

quote:

Originally posted by Outnumbered:
That's a REALLY nice feeder; great job!!

+1
Really great job!