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a moisture content as high as 20%. Oil-based formulations generally demand wood that's drier than 14%. Oil and water don't mix. But the ability of water-based products to bond to moist surfaces can be taken too far. This can cause the all-important surface film to become very thin as product wicks into the wood because of the high moisture levels.

At the moment, water-based finishes generally have two drawbacks: they're comparatively expensive, and it's difficult to touch up areas of damage on them. These issues are being addressed in labs right now. One big plus is that water-based finishes are non-regulated, meaning they can be shipped easily, without a hazardous goods designation.

Sidebar: Can't I Just Leave It Alone?
Most people are surprised to learn that outdoor wood finishing is mostly about aesthetics, not structural durability. Your deck, fence or picnic table is going to last just as long whether you keep it coated or not. The difference (and it's a big one for some people, including me ) is how wood looks over its working life.

Rot is the real enemy of wood, and it springs from construction designs that create moisture-trapping areas on decks, fences and outdoor furniture. The fewer and smaller the wood-to-wood contact surfaces you have, the more rot-resistant your installation will be. A consistent regime of surface finishing may prevent surface cracking of wood, but it can't prevent rot where conditions exist to promote it. Just look at barns. Even where outer boards have never been painted (which is usually the case), the wood lasts for many decades because it's allowed to dry quickly. Rot isn't an issue.

Learn more about this author, Steve Maxwell.
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