can I use 'fence' woodcare on picnic table (sorry for repeat post - 1st try went in 'gardens' rather than here)

[workatemylife]

In a fit of garden related energy, I bought some Cuprinol timbercare to spruce up a garden fence. The tin says that it is designed for fences and sheds, but I'm wondering if it would be okay to use it on a wooden picnic table? I know Cuprinol make a separate varnish / stain / protector for garden furniture, but I've got half a tin of the fence and shed stuff left, and a rather needy looking bit of furniture that could do with some TLC. I don't want to risk family and friends getting a brown bum though! I assume the woodstain would dry regardless of where I put it, but maybe it would just flake off? Any advice from you lovely experts? Thank you!

[AMumInScotland]

I'd be wary in case it's something you wouldn't want around food, tbh, though I have no idea whether there is actually any difference!

[Turnipinatutu]

Yes you can, but wipe it over the first few times you use it, or you may end up with a brown bum.
The furniture stuff is more like paint, awful and peels after a while.

[PigletJohn]

fence stain is an emulsion of water-repellent wax, with a bit of colour, in water.

It is not hard-wearing. It adheres to rough timber but not to a smooth surface.

It is very easy to recoat with the same stuff when eroded, but the wax means you have to strip it all off if you want to paint, varnish or stain later.

Have you considered an oil?
You can seal the tub of fence stuff tightly, protect it from frost, and you can use the rest of it in a few years, after stirring very well.

[workatemylife]

Thank you for all the advice. It sounds as if the fence stain MIGHT work, but perhaps safer just to seal the tin and repeat the fun (!) next year..... No varnished backsides here then