DIY-ers How to refinish window sills to prevent further condensation damage

Question

The sills look like they're getting pretty dired out and I want to do something to them to prevent a major repair.

1) Can a towel strip help keep condensation from reaching the wood (thinking there would be a chance for some evaporation before saturation of the bottom of the strip)? Or are there other ways of keeping water off the sills, assuming there will always be humid conditions in the Winter when this damage occurs?

2) Should I sand before finishing? (The surface is a little rough where the stain is discolored.) Maybe this would make things worse by removing color and leaving an uneven finish (no experience with fine furniture).

3) What sort of product should I refinish with? (maintenance man suggested Teak Oil) The sills have a delicate finish, that is the grain is prominent with a dull finish on the sides and some added color, and the bottom pieces have a slight shininess to them versus the dull finish to the sides.

(I'm thinking maybe I should use a strong protective (probably shiny - ugh) poly varnish on the bottom piece and live with the contrast in finish (there will likely always be some discoloration due to the water damage unless I get a perfect color match).

Maintenance man suggested staining first, then using teak oil (but he said varnish - don't think teak oil goes over varnish???).

Thanks for sharing your experience and any helpful suggestions.

Answer 1

Just a shot in the dark but get some damp rid a put into rooms with problems that might take some of the humidity out of the rooms so condensation does not occur. Best answer would be to install new double pane windows with an argon gas between panes, presto no more condensation. but this will cost some major jack!!!

Answer 2

You cannot put teak oil over varnish.  Oil must be able to soak into the wood, and it does not last long.

I think you should stain, then use varnish, but you can use a flat or semi-gloss if you like.  Just be sure it is exterior grade.

Answer 3

High-gloss oil based enamel is what I would put on the wood after a sanding.  Latex caulk the edges to keep the water from migrating lower. Wood is not the best choice for window stool.  Tile, marble, granite or a pvc siding (exterior).  Wood isn't good with sunlight either.