When I made some bookcases I brushed n tung oil. I put on a couple coats. I used the oak playwood you get at home depot. Afterwards, when I run my fingers over the plywood it feels rough.
I know I messed up somewhere – I did not sand the plywood for fear I would rub off the oak plywood finish. Is there an alternative finish I coul have put on it so it would have a smoother finish and feel to it? I am new to finishing pieces, as you can see, so any comments on this topic ould be appreciated. Thaks, Tom
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It probably would have helped to put a wash coat of shellac on it first. You were right to be concerned about sanding through the thin top layer. One thing to always, always do is experiment on scrap before putting a finish on a piece you've just spent alot of time and money building. It's super-important if you want to stay sane.
Here's the corporate line on finishing hardwood plywood. It will open in a PDF file.
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" .... :>)
Sounds like you have lifted the grain,I would sand with 500grit then when smooth apply another coat.
Sanding a dried oil finish can be a little messy (your paper will build up with gunk quickly). Wet sanding with oil works well, but if you aren't careful you could go through the veneer.
A better option might be to add a couple light coats of shellac and sand with 320 grit after the first and second coat. A final light coat should give you a nice gloss finish without the raised grain.
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