Nancy in Pátzcuaro
Jan 23, 2013, 9:21 AM
Post #2 of 6
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I have heard that guanacastle, also known as parota, is termite-proof wood. It's used extensively on the coast for that reason. It's a handsome wood, like a combination of mahogany and walnut--dark reddish brown with a prominent grain pattern--and is used for doors, window frames and cabinetry. I recommend that you talk to someone in a good lumber yard who might have other suggestions. I have no idea about cost.
As for finishes, we have had good luck with a marine spar varnish--without polyurethane--on our wood trim. You will find that hard to buy here--we brought a couple gallons from the US--and may have to resort to the common polyurethane version that's readily available in México. The problem with urethane is that it's not flexible like the plain varnish, and so expansion and contraction of the wood over the course of the year means that it may crack and allow water to penetrate the wood.
When we refinished the trim on our house we sanded down to bare wood and applied 2 or 3 coats of the varnish, sanding lightly in between, and it is holding up well. We'll lightly sand and apply a single coat every year as time goes by.
Good luck--I hope this helps.
N.
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