The better half picked up an old valet at the church rummage sale. The finish is in excellent condition. She wants me to fix it up for a hanging plant in the garden. What kind of varnish or whatever to stop the water damage? She wants to keep the original finish if I can. ANY suggestion would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
                                                                    Denny

It's a crime against nature and the 'He Man Woman Hater Club' to do such a thing.

Here's the deal - you're about to refinish a valet that is made of (what?) and was designed/intended for interior use. Now it's going to be put it outside.

But if she really, really, really wants it, plasti-cote or spar varnish comes to mind....along with a plastic bag/liner on the inside.

Craig raised the same points I was going to. Remember, this was intended for interior use, and any joints are probably not designed to keep out water / moisture and neither is the glue used inteded for such. Now also mimicking Craig, if it keeps peace in the family and mamma is happy, then go with what craig suggested and lots of thin coats. May not hurto also try and inject some titebond III into whatever cracks, holes, crevises this valet may offer. Good luck, and above all, post oics, especially of the bruises if you decide to buck her on this one. LOL

You could always express your concern that the glue used to hold this piece together is not meant for outdoor use and could loosen and fall apart?

Thanks guys, at least now i can say I told you so. LOL!!!
                                                   Denny

Well why even worry about the finish just hang it up and let it weather -- that's what garden things are supposed to look like -- people pay good money for weathered looking stuff

If what you describe as "old" is actually an antique, hanging it outside may cost you way more than all the finish and joint issues raised in other posts. You may want to consider getting an antique dealers opinion or do an online search to get a valuation estimate before deciding what to do with the piece. It's pretty amazing what people donate, sell cheap, or just toss because they don't know what they have.