Best sealer stain for exterior marine plywood?

[Polishedman]

I'm working on a project with marine plywood for an outdoor setup, and I want to make sure it lasts. marine ply is moisture resistant, so I figured adding a sealer stain will give it extra protection. What's the best option for exterior use? and also should I go with an oil based penetrating stain or something more like a polyurethane sealer? the goal is something that can handle water, uv, and general weather abuse. Anyone with recos or experience with this?

 

[NickKnox00]

You don't need to spend big bucks on this. An oil based penetrating stain is great for deep protection against water and UV while polyurethane sealer adds a tough weather resistant layer. I say go with the stain if you want a natural look or the sealer for heavy duty durability.

 

[Twinklelittlestars]

I'm working on a project with marine plywood for an outdoor setup, and I want to make sure it lasts. marine ply is moisture resistant, so I figured adding a sealer stain will give it extra protection. What's the best option for exterior use? and also should I go with an oil based penetrating stain or something more like a polyurethane sealer? the goal is something that can handle water, uv, and general weather abuse. Anyone with recos or experience with this?

Poly is nice for furniture or covered spots, but it can flake and peel under sun and rain unless maintained regularly. an oil based stain with a UV additive is the way to go. Recoat every couple years and it'll hold up great.

 

[j0hn-th0ugh]

Lots of great tips here already, everyone. I really agree with the advice about soaking those marine ply edges thoroughly. When I built my kids a treehouse, coating all the pieces with a good oil-based stain sealer before we even put it together made a huge difference in how it held up.

 

[Stream.liner]

Yeah oil based penetrating stain. Something like cabot's australian timber oil or penofin works great, soaks in deep and holds up to sun and water.