Restoring cast iron and wood garden bench

[barb1314]

As in the title,my latest project. I've sanded all the slats and just wanted some advice about treatment.I'm thinking primer then exterior eggshell paint (Farrow and Ball) and I'm not sure if I should also top with a matt varnish. I thought it may help to keep it looking better for longer.Any advice gratefully received.Will use metal paint on the iron ends.Thanks for reading.

[Carakeel]

We are in the process of doing the same. I would think you would be far better off using a wood preserver, with or without colour, and no varnish as this will peel off after a while. For the metal it is probably best to thoroughly wire brush it and then paint it with Hamerite, which comes in various colours. Have fun!

[The Builder]

I've just been using F&B's exterior eggshell on my place, Barb. It's water-based now. Very easy to use. Being exterior, it's durable, but I don't know how much it could take of people continually sitting on it!
It might well start to wear away, so a coat of exterior matt varnish or better still.......... Sadolin clear (or any of the top wood finishes) is a good idea.
Also, Sadolin etc, particularly Solignum wood stains are available in plenty of good colours now, and they wouldn't need any secondary protection.

[barb1314]

Thanks to you both. Carakeel,I really want to paint it but understand what you're saying,I'll just have to re do it more often I think. Builder,I've used F&B in and out for a few years now...great paint.We had this house done about 2 years ago and someone asked me last week if we'd just had it done! Still looks sparkling and the colours go great with the old stone my house is built out of,kind of warms it up! Will go with the top coat of Sadolin idea and see how we go. Thanks so much for your advice.I'm very grateful.