finishing flower pot stand

[Navin Rao]

My wife has requested a tiered flower pot stand that will sit on our patio in San Diego. I am a wood working novice, and am using this project to practice tenon joinery. I also have 2x4 and 1x2 lumber that I plan to use for the project (redwood or cypress might be better, but I'd like to use the material I have).

Any suggestions on finishing? I was planning on just using the poly below.
http://www.minwax.com/products/water..._Helmsman.html

Should I consider another finish or product? Should I condition the wood first? I was not planning on using a stain. I do not have spray equipment, so I will be using brushes for application. I certainly am a finishing novice, so thanks for any suggestions.

[Scott Holmes]

Since you're using pine the exterior poly will last about as long as the wood if you give it a light sanding and a fresh coat every year.