I've had similar experiences with silicone sprays near the coast—humidity is a real killer. If you're looking for something more durable, marine-grade sealants are definitely worth the extra upfront cost. Another tip: applying a UV-resistant wax or coating over the sealant can help slow down fading and tackiness. Learned that trick from a boat-owning neighbor...figured if it works on his boat, it'd survive my front door!
"Another tip: applying a UV-resistant wax or coating over the sealant can help slow down fading and tackiness."
Interesting idea about the UV-resistant wax—never thought of that. I've been using marine-grade sealants on my rental properties near the coast for years, and they've held up pretty well overall. But now you've got me wondering...does adding that extra wax layer make reapplication or touch-ups more complicated down the line? I'm all for durability, but I also like to keep maintenance straightforward. Had a tenant once who tried to "fix" a sticky keypad with WD-40 (yeah, I know...), and it turned into a gummy mess. Took forever to clean up. So I'm cautious about layering products unless it's really worth it. Have you noticed any issues when you need to redo or refresh the coating later on?
I've used UV wax a few times on coastal projects, and honestly, it hasn't complicated touch-ups much for me. Usually, by the time I need to refresh the coating, the wax has worn down enough that a quick clean-up with mild solvent does the trick. Definitely not as messy as your WD-40 nightmare...been there too, tenants can get creative! Overall, I'd say it's worth trying at least once to see how it holds up for you.
Interesting take on the UV wax—I can see how it might work well in certain coastal climates, especially if you're dealing with salt spray and humidity. I've experimented with it a bit myself, and while I agree it's not nearly as messy as WD-40 (seriously, tenants can turn anything into a DIY disaster...), I do have some reservations about its environmental impact.
From an eco-friendly perspective, I'm always cautious about products that require solvents for cleanup—even mild ones can add up over time. I've found that natural oil-based finishes or even certain water-based sealants can offer similar protection without the solvent step. Plus, they're usually easier to touch up on the fly, which is a big plus if you're managing multiple properties or dealing with frequent tenant turnover.
That said, your point about the wax wearing down naturally is valid. If you're only needing to refresh occasionally and the cleanup is minimal, it might still be a decent compromise. I guess it comes down to balancing convenience and durability against sustainability concerns. Personally, I'd lean toward trying something like tung oil or even a marine-grade water-based finish first—especially if you're looking for something that's both tenant-proof and environmentally friendly.
But hey, every project has its quirks, right? Sometimes you just have to experiment until you find what works best for your specific conditions. Curious to hear how it holds up long-term if you stick with it...
I switched to keyless entry about six months ago and honestly, it's been a lifesaver. No more midnight lockouts or frantic key searches...though I did have a minor panic when the battery died unexpectedly. Lesson learned—always keep spare batteries handy.
