In a message dated 97-01-10 19:10:40 EST, you write: << 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