I’m building 18 kitchen drawers. At first I thought I could get away with just making drawer fronts to replace the existing ones, but it turns out the old ones are glued to the drawer box. So I’m now making the rest of each drawer out of 1/2” Baltic birch plywood and using Blum epoxy slides.
So here’s my question: What finish, if any, do you recommend for the plywood box? I’m thinking maybe a quick single coat of water-based poly, but I’m open to other suggestions.
Thanks.
Replies
I would strongly recommend melamine coated plywood, mdf or particleboard in descending order of cost and loveliness. This is a product specifically designed for the purpose.
If you would like to use the plywood, then a single coat of poly will provide a lot of protection, but will also raise the grain. You need a smooth finish to make wiping easy so I'd spray on several coats. Probably at least three.
I just did several of my kitchen drawers over. The fronts came off the old boxes, but the new slides required all new boxes. I used one coat of shellac, and one coat of water based poly. My new boxes are white pine.
Poly acrylic is a good choice. Dries fast and hard. You can apply 3 coats in one day easily.
Round over the ply edges and sand.
I use ML Campbell Magnamax for kitchen and bath doors and drawer boxes. It's a pre-cat Lacquer, sprays nicely, holds up in wet environments, and it's very durable.
3 coats with a light scuffing between coats makes it silky smooth, which is important for drawer boxes. It makes them easier to clean.
An hour in between coats is all you need. Slightly ambered but otherwise clear. It's roughly $50 gallon and one gallon should be enough for 18 drawers.
Rob_SS - thanks for your suggestions as to materials. However, I have already purchased the plywood and have started to form the box parts. I have used General Finishes High-Performance Polyurethane in the past, and have been pleased with the ease of application and the ultimate results. Yes, the grain gets raised, but I have resigned myself to a lifetime of sanding.
John_C2 - like you, I was recently thinking about an initial coat of shellac (a 1 pound cut) followed by the poly. I suspect this will help avoid raising the grain and reduce the amount of sanding required.
RobertEJr - thanks for mentioning Polyacrylic. I’ve never used it myself ever since discovering the water-based poly from General Finishes. As you suggest, I am planning on rounding over the edges and sanding, sanding, sanding.
godelescher - I’ll have to remember your recommendation when I actually get the equipment and know how to apply finishes using a spray rig. (insert smiley face). As it is, I will be brushing any finish I apply.
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