Refinishing cedar pergola (existing finish Sikkens Cetol 123)

[debsw 14]

Hi there,

I live in Ontario, Canada (hot summers, cold winters, rainy springs) and have a 6 yr old cedar pergola originally finished with Sikkens Cetol 123 that requires refinishing with a semi-transparent stain. Top of beams is peeling heavily due to water exposure, side of beams is just starting to peel.

We have been researching and interviewing professional contractors but getting totally conflicting advice on what semi-transparent product to use and the appropriate process. Any feedback you can provide on the following options would be greatly appreciated:

1. Refinish with Sikkens Cetol 123 – This is not our first choice (see reason in #2), and would only be preferable if the existing Sikkens finish did not need to be chemically removed beforehand

• Some contractors say existing Sikkens finish needs to be chemically removed
  

• Others say existing Sikkens finish does not need to be chemically removed, and it is sufficient to sand down, apply one coat of Cetol 1, followed by 2 coats of Cetol 23, 24 hrs apart
  

2. Refinish with oil-based, penetrating stain – This is our first choice, since we understand that especially with frequent rain/high sun cycles we should assume annual refinishing and pick a product where maintenance is not as difficult, particularly a penetrating oil which is a simple wash and re-apply

• These contractors recommend different products (e.g., Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil, Waterlox Marine Outdoor, or Panofin)
  

3. Refinish with film-forming, drying oil – Some contractors have advised us to use a film-forming, drying oil

• These contractors recommend different products (e.g., Ready Seal or Armstrong Clark)
  

Thanks!

Edited April 30, 2011 by debsw