How to protect wood and metal tea chest outside?

Question

I have a wood/metal tea chest I'd like to use as a planter (filled with soil) but it needs to be protected from the weather/damp. What can I coat it with that doesn't show but will protect both metal and wood for a few years?

Answer 1

Probably the best thing (i am assuming you want to protect where the dirt will be placed) would be roofing tar. You can but it at Home Depot or Lowe's and use a brush or scraper to spread it. You may even want to put a second coat, just make sure it is well covered. It should last 4 to 5 years.

Answer 2

Practically nothing will do a great job. Line it with either tar paper or plastic sheeting (creates a water trap, so don't over water.)  Give the interior and exterior several coats of Polyurethane exterior grade satin varnish before lining, and hope! IF the varnish starts to peel or lift, remove and sand immediately, revarnish and hope some more. IF the metal is banding, then you have the problem of sealing under the metal bands...are you sure you want to do this?