Finishing White Oak Shaker Peg Board
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Hello,
I would appreciate any input on Finishing White Oak Shaker Peg boards. I’m planning on putting up peg boards in the washrooms in our house for towels and such and few other as needed around the house. So far I’ve finished the peg boards with 2 applications of shellac. I’m just wondering if this will suffice for the washroom peg boards that will have wet towels hung on them or if I need to apply a further finishing coat of something else. Not sure if shellac is sufficient a water barrier for this type of application.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated.
Ray
Replies
Maybe a poly would be better for regular direct contact with water.
Agreed, shellac is a beautiful and subtle finish, perfect for the Shaker style, but a poor choice when exposed to water. It will blush and turn permanently opaque. you will need an impervious finish over the shellac. As Bentusi recommended, poly works well over shellac. you can knock down the shiny finish of poly with some 0000 steel wool.
Yeah Id get a can of the spray polycrylic from Lowe’s and give it a coat or two.
I also think just shellac could age nicely. I have a poplar and maple peg rail I made. Left it unfinished. 4 years in its fine. But I like a little funk. Its just wood so easy to sand and finish if ever needed.
It will blush as mentioned and worse.
Spar varnish would have been a better choice.
When doing anything in a bathroom, think boat. Take guesswork, and hoping, out of the equation.
It doesn't have to be a gloppy, thick finish. You can thin it and wipe it on.
Yes, This is what I do when I use poly. It's way too plasticy and thick as is from the can.
You can mix it with any thinner you like. I have a bunch of turpentine, so that's what I use.
Mineral spirits, naphtha, etc.
It comes out quite luxurious when I cut it super thin and put some thinned beeswax over it.
You'd probably want it a little on the thicker side for this application, though.
Thank you all for your suggestions - they are much appreciated.