Decent Exterior Coating

[Matheous-2]

Anyone have experience of a reasonable exterior coating for exterior wood (not decking)? I have used some branded coatings that didn't even see out the season!!
Thank you....

[HowardKennitby]

are you wanting stain, varnish or paint?

[Matheous-2]

Sorry if I didn't explain properly.....We have a solid wood picnic table which is very heavy and a permanent feature in our south facing back garden. It is new but apart from covering for the winter -I would like to give it a protective coat while retaining its natural grain, so paint is out. Is wax a good option do you think?

[heathfield]

I swear by Ronseal Outdoor Varnish. It remains flexible even when fully dry. My iroko garden bench still looks like new after three years, which includes those two horrendous winters we had when I did keep it covered.

[Matheous-2]

Thank you - how many coats & is sanding required in between?

[heathfield]

I put two coats on my bench, though you might want a third if the first has really soaked in. I rarely bother sanding, and have never had a problem with that.

[HowardKennitby]

what type of wood?

[Matheous-2]

The wood, I believe is a Swedish Pine...