Hi,
Hope I’m in the right forum etc. this is my first post.
I’m in the process of building an entertainment center made from a combination of oak plywood (sides, shelves, panels) and solid stock for the face frame, rails, stiles etc.
Can anyone recommend one finish over another … I’m considering the Varathane penetrating stain and a clear coat on top of that.
I’ve heard that the results can be mixed when finishing a project like this when using anything but a clear natural finish due to the difference between the plywood and solid stock.
Any insight would be appreciated … I would consider myself a “newbie” when it comes to creating a professional looking finish.
Best Regards,
Todd
Replies
Lacquer may not be what you want, but take a gander at this:
http://www.woodcentral.com/russ/finish11.shtml
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
PlaneWood
Oak ply and solid oak will vary a lot in absorbing stains. I like to use Minwax oil-based stains on oak as they are easily evened out using mineral spirits. The ply will absorb more as it is usually rotary cut veneer.
I usually put two coats on, following the directions, and paying attention to the temp and humidity in the shop. After the last coat has dryed, look at the piece and note any spots that are much darker than others. Lightly dampen a white rag with some mineral spirits, and wipe over the darker area. Let the piece dry and look for differences again. If the area is too light, put some stain on another rag and apply.
Nitro lacquer works very well over Minwax stain. I've never brushed, only sprayed.
I have brushed Deft clear lacquer. It works well. You will have to put a little effort into sanding between coats (for levelness only), but lacquer is easy to sand.
Well ... the more I look into applying the finish to this piece the more I'm beginning to understand just how little I know about it ... not to mention I'm finding that most of the individuals working in the local retail stores where I purchase the plywood etc. have no better understanding that I.
The response on staining the pice was very helpful ... thank you Tom ... I'm going to give it a shot and see what I can accomplish. Sounds relatively straight forward.
More thanks to Planewood and Mlbfreestyle for you insight on the use of lacquer ... I've got a feeling that this might be a little beyond me right now. I have a friend with a HVLP system but I think some more reading and practise is in order ...
OK ... all that being said ... I understand that a polyurethane finish can be applied without spraying and still achieve very good results.
Any suggestions regarding the use of wood filler and whether to use oil based or water based?
I'm very pleased with the construction of this piece (part of a large entertainment unit) and I'd hate to take away from the finished product by doing a poor job on this aspect. I'll post a pic for comments when complete.
Thanks in advance ...
Todd
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