Not to worry about the oversight. The Rustoleum makes perfect sense. I know your article is older but I’ve got my eye on a decrepit bench almost exactly like yours so finding this tutorial was extremely timely for me. Thanks for your prompt reply. I’m looking forward to snagging this bench and having some fun with it. Thanks again.

Gosh, this is embarrassing, but I can’t remember for sure. I’m pretty sure I used this product: http://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/stops-rust/hammered-spray/ on the metal handles because I had some left over from spray painting our light post. I must have been so focused on the wood portion of the project that I totally forgot to talk about the metal. I’m so sorry for the oversight. I will say that the spar varnish needs to be reapplied to the wood at least every year if your bench is in the direct sun. We didn’t reapply it to my parents and it’s looking pretty shabby again after two years in the Oklahoma sun.