[Argyle38]

just a note on varnishes...I have had very very very good results in many places simply using what hardware stores call outdoor or furniture varnish...

down here its used for beach houses made of palm trees and the like and its thick, cheap and lasts very very well

That's good to know. If you're still an El Salvador, I can imagine that the sun is no joke down there through much of the year. If something lasts there, it should be pretty good everywhere.