Yes they did. I hadn't read through the entire article when I mentioned that. But now I have.
That article is compelling evidence in support of painting the boards with a non-clear paint, such as Por-15. I have that paint on some metal surfaces and I know it's very tough stuff. But after 5 years, no appreciable problems on the boards. Very impressive. And apparently pine is much more durable in weather than oak is...another surprise for me.
It seems to indicate that painting the boards is by far the best for a daily driver in which you don't want to be taking apart the wood bed for refinishing every few years.
And EVERY SINGLE clear finish that was tried on the wood had deteriorated badly after 5 years when exposed to the weather. That is really disappointing. They all performed about the same as the Helmsman finish on my redwood picnic table. I was hoping for a reasonably good clear finish that would last a lot longer than 2 years, but it doesn't sound like I am going to get it.
It also sounds to me like I had better look into getting some type of tonneau cover made for my truck, if I intend to use a clear finish. I'd much rather pay for a tonneau cover than a new wooden bed every few years. I wonder if anyone makes one.
Another product I've seen that looks like a good idea for a clear-finished wood bed is a neoprene rubber mat that is cut to the size of the bed and is used when the truck is called for hauling duty, to protect the wood. As long as you don't have rain soaking underneath the pad and sitting, the neoprene mat could be left in place full time, for the ultimate in UV protection. I may have to rely on one of those two methods to keep the sun off my wood bed most of the time.
