I’m in the final steps with a garage shop cabinet. Made with 3/4″ sanded plywood with southern yellow pine trim and drawer fronts. The frame doors will have bead board. I stained it and the color looks fine, for a garage cabinet. I’m not going for a fine furniture look here, just something quick, or leave it as is. Also, while I have AC in the garage, it is only on when I’m out there, so my cabinets are subject to central Tx humidity changes.
I wonder if I need to spray it with anything? Lacquer? Shellac? Poly? Will that add anything meaningful?
Replies
Rattle can lacquer or SPAR comes to mind.
I would. I am in a cooler and somewhat less dry climate, and find that unfinished ply tends to get mildew.
I'd finish it. If you don't now, you never will. I wouldn't use shellac in a garage.
But, I would have bought prefinished ply to begin with. It's a great finish for garage or shop, and saves a ton of work.
Use up whatever you have laying around. For the interiors & drawers stick with water-base or shellac to avoid long-term odors. Mix & match from surface to surface... it's shop furniture. If there's something you've been thinking about trying now's the time to give it a go.
I decided not to finish mine and have no regrets.
I just use a coat of Waterlox. Scuff sand and a second coat if I'm feeling artsy. Any odor only lasts a day or two.
I suggest some sort of finish just to make it easier to keep clean if for no other reason. Finishes have gotten so expensive, I would avoid buying something new and just use up what is on hand. I've been know to mix colors together for that purpose.