Best finish for tightly enclosed space

pmc2022 | Posted in Finishing on November 25, 2021 07:12pm

I’m building a desk with a leather blotter 18 inches by 48 inches. It’s glued to 1/4 inch mdf. A 1/8 inch sapele veneer is glued to the opposite side so that the blotter can be flipped over to use either surface. My problem: what to finish the sapele with. I’ve put 4 coats of de-waxed shellac on it, but want a couple of coats of clear finish over the shellac for additional protection (the client likes his scotch). I think an oil-based varnish will get a stale smell, and possible get gummy. The blotter lies on Baltic birch. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Replies

_mj_ | Nov 25, 2021 07:46pm | #1
Water based poly.
mikaol | Nov 25, 2021 08:06pm | #2
I believe you won't have the smell problem you think with varnish. At least I haven't with Mohawk urethane varnish.
On the other hand, damn near everything will bond with shellac. Deft makes a nice water-based lacquer. Or, there's always water or oil-based poly.
You're only limited by yourself.
Hope I've helped.
Mikaol
john_c2 | Nov 26, 2021 02:31am | #3
I'd use water based poly.
lordulrich | Nov 27, 2021 04:14pm | #4
As long as you give it time to cure I'd not be too worried. My favorite would be 3-mineral spirits 2- parts oil based poly and 1- part tung or linseed oil.
gulfstar | Nov 28, 2021 07:58am | #5
Water based poly without hesitation.
pmc2022 | Nov 28, 2021 10:52am | #6
Thank you everyone. I went with water based poly (with hesitation). Looks good over the shellac.