In a message dated 97-01-10 19:10:40 EST, you write:
 
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 The question is: can I stain the exterior surfaces with a good wood stain
 and use marine-quality polyurethane coating over that rather than the
 standard white latex paint treatment? Or is there something in the spar
 varnish or stain that repels bees?
 __________________________________________________
 Greg Hankins                       Montgomery Herald
 [log in to unmask]                    Mt. Gilead, NC
  >>
 
If pine isn't oiled periodically it can dryrot. And your polyurethane
will not permit the wood to breathe. Personally I prefer boiled
linseed oil thinned with terpentine. But do what works for you.
 
Harry Sweet
N. California