Replies

1. 
   jerrymayfield | Oct 15, 2005 06:21pm | #1

   Since you aren't staining use your favorite top coat. I use waterlox original if piece will receive hard use or orange shellac if not.

   Regards

   Jerry

2. 
   sharpblade | Oct 15, 2005 11:19pm | #2

   Homemade oil/varnish mix, 1/3 tung (or BLO), 1/3 varnish, 1/3 turp.

   Tweak to taste (more varnish for better protection, more oil for better looks). 

   Hand rub.

3. 
   jako17 | Oct 16, 2005 03:24pm | #3

   I like pre-cat on baltic birch and it is tough too!

4. 
   UnclePaul | Oct 16, 2005 04:32pm | #4

   Whatever you decide to use, I would finish the parts prior to assembly. It makes the finishing process go a whole lot more smoothly. Case goods are a pain to finish after they are put together. It'll make glue clean up easier too because it won't stick to the finish.

5. 
   forestgirl | Oct 16, 2005 08:36pm | #5

   I'm surprised nobody's mentioned washcoating first.  I've only finished birch plywood once, but man what a mess!  Didn't know then about washcoating to prevent blotching. 

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   Kevin | Oct 17, 2005 04:59pm | #6

   Well, he said he just wanted to bring out the natural tones in the Birch. So I didn't figure wash coating would be an issue.

1. 
   forestgirl | Oct 17, 2005 08:40pm | #9

   Gotcha!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   Kevin | Oct 17, 2005 10:43pm | #10

   LOL that you did.

2. 
   notDusty | Oct 17, 2005 05:21pm | #7

           Hi  forestgirl ,

                           IMO unless a stain will be applied a washcoat may not be needed . Birch veneers with a clear coat actually take a beautiful finish , with no blotching . The stain is what causes the blotching as a rule with Birch .

                                 dusty

6. 
   charlesstanford | Oct 17, 2005 06:33pm | #8

   For birch plywood?

   How 'bout gasoline and a match.