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What is the best thing to finish bed wood with (Pine)[57 Cameo]? Is there something that won't crack that holds up well? How many coats? Thanks, regmudd

Mar K website has a whole experiment on this with recommendations.

http://mar-k.com/

I used the POR 15 and POR black topcoat. It lasted the longest of all the tests in that link above. If you paint it on pine, then you should have an easier time than I did with White Oak. The pore's in the wood trapped air and would make little bubbles. I had to sand then re-coat about 5 times. But it looks good and should hold up for a very long time.

I walk by that outdoor test almost every day. The black paint over POR-15 still looks great with no cracks or failure. 5-1/2 years and counting in the Oklahoma weather 24-7.

When you use the POR-15, be sure to observe the time window for recoating. I believe that is critical for proper adhesion

Mar-Ktech

Yes, the recoat time is very critical. Wait too long, and the next coat will not stick to the previous one.
One question for regmudd; What look are you going for? Original style finish (black), or a custom finish (stained/varnished)? I ask because that will have an impact what the right procedure to use would be.

My hope is to get that golden look pine finishes to. I am not trying to go back to what likely was original. I would like to put a finish on that doesn't crack and peel if there is such a thing. Thanks to everyone for their advice. regmudd

First off Let me give a fellow bolter and wood worker, SW RADIAL, credit for this idea but he is dead on. Stand your boards on end overnight in some Helmsman Spar Urethane and let the ends soak it up. The ends usually split first. To avoid cracks ext in the face of it will require 3-5 coats with light sanding in between. Be sure to seal all sides.

I did my 37 bed over 10 years ago with the Helmsman Spar urethane....before I even knew very much about POR15 and it has held up very well..... but I did have some light spilting at the ends so I pulled them back out and refinished them doing the ends like I mentioned. Its been 3 years and looking good still.

I do like what Mar-K has done with the testing and as they say.. "the proof is in the pudding".

I would agree with that, exept I went with 8 coats of varnish. I had consulted with a cousin's husband (professional woodworker/home restoration), and that was what he told me would be st for wood that was exposed to the weather. Worked very well for me. Here's a pic. Mine is red oak, rather than pine.

Glad your 37 boards are holding up Alvin!
After many frustrating failures on projects exposed to the weather I would keep dabbing the end grain with a brush and would think OK its good......well it wasn't good enough!
So that is when I tried the soaking overnight method on the end grain of Oak especially...and WHALLA...it worked far better on my outdoor projects....I am sure it isnt the perfect answer but it definatley helps.
Just tryin to help.
I know the bed boards are not cheap by any means...and for folks that want the natural "LOOK"..this method helps prolong the effects of moisture.
Tim