Replies

1. 
   CStanford_ | Mar 16, 2000 06:56pm | #1

   *
   Yep, you do. Your best protection is going to be a very high volume bathroom vent fan (or big window in the bathroom, plus the fan). Get the moisture out of the room as best you can. No finish can be expected to compensate for this kind of environment. Most likely, your dresser is made from Red Oak, one of the most notorious woods for severe movement.

   Anyway, I'd go with a wiping polyurethane (for ease of application purposes only). Watco makes one and so does Minwax - take your pick. Another alternative would be marine spar varnish in a satin finish. You need a varnish finish for this piece since it will be exposed to any number of situations where moisture could be a problem. I would also seal the bottom of the posts with marine epoxy in case of toilet overflow or other plumbing problems.

1. 
   Keith_Miller | Mar 17, 2000 04:49pm | #2

   *Thanks for the info. We have a 14' vaulted ceiling with an electric roof window and a small octagon window that opens. We also have a 122 sq ft vented fan. The room is approx. 11' x 10'. Is that sufficient?How many coats of varnish do you recommend? Do I have to remove the original finish, or just lightly sand before applying the varnish?

1. 
   CStanford_ | Mar 18, 2000 09:22pm | #3

   *The ventilation sounds fine. I would apply four coats of marine spar varnish (gloss or satin, take your pick) or the poly products I've already mentioned per label instructions. I'd strip the finish off before I got started. Get a Formby's finish stripper kit - it will leave the stain and remove the finish only. BUT, try it in an inconpicuous spot FIRST. This is a fairly big project and will take about a week to complete. Varnish finishes dry slowly. Do not sand the varnish coats in the same room in which you apply the varnish. You want the piece in as dust-free an environment that you can find while the varnish is wet......................FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE LABELS OF WHATEVER PRODUCTS YOU BUY. DON'T DO IT ONE IOTA DIFFERENTLY AND I GUARANTEE GOOD RESULTS......