Just finished a trio of bookcases for the family room! Painted it in a white Benjamin Moore “Interior Acrylic Latex Semi Gloss” after priming.
Read in FineHomebuilding that latex does not harden enough (i.e., remains slightly soft) for shelving.
My question is: What type of protective clear coat can I apply over the paint to prevent the books from sticking or leaving marks?
Replies
Polyurethane. When the latex is dry.
Thanks to eveyone for the responses.
I think we will try Minwax's water-based "polycrylic".
I routinely brush on a coat of WB poly over painted surfaces subject to abrasion (such as shelves), and it works great.
However, I have always done so over an oil (alkyd) paint, but I don't see why it would not work over latex.
I have semi-gloss white latex enamel on my living room bookcases. No sticking, no problems. No idea what brand I used.
In general, it not recommended to put a hard finish over a soft finish. The hard finish cracks easily when dinged. Second, putting an oil based finish over a white base will change the color the white to amber or yellow. If you use anything, use a waterbased clear poly varnish.
I've put polyurethane on several painted projects and it seems to work just fine. FYI, Kelly-Moore makes a latex paint specifically formulated for "high use" painted surfaces (doors, tables, etc.). I used it on an entertainment center I made for a customer a few months ago.
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