think I would use marine varnish

Won't hold up outside in extreme southern heat, and w/fade, in my experience.

While its not supposed to be outside, I think Cacbeary reported her stuff has held up. I think its a risk. The only 2 ealants I ever read PCers using is Future floor wax and Fleck varathane and I wonder is theres one thats rated for outdoors? obviously floor wax won't work.

those are really cute btw

They are darling. I don't know what will work as I'm just getting into outside stuff. But please let us know later if it works and what you use. As I have a freind who is really into this and would love to have some like them and maybe dragonflies and butterflies for my deck....Cathy

Cathy that is what I had in mind. I would like to do flowers, butterflies etc for the brick wall by my patio. I got some Helmsman Spar Urethane for outside today. Am going to coat 3/4 times. I was thinking of putting in freezer, thawing and spritzing with water and maybe pop in the oven to see how they hold up. Will keep you posted.