Replies

1. 
   Kevin | Jun 20, 2003 05:59pm | #1

   Personally, I think it would be overkill. Too many top coats and the thing starts looking like it's coated in plastic. Besides, enamels are pretty durable finishes.

   BTW have you ever worked with Yellow Birch? I'm finishing a job for the BLM that is a mixture of Baltic and Yellow birch. The Yellow Birch is quite a bit lighter in color than the Baltic. A bit more yellow than eastern hard Maple. But, lighter in color than western Maple. It's nice looking wood that provides a pleasing contrast to the browner Baltic Birch.

   Regards,

   Kevin

1. 
   BG | Jun 20, 2003 11:33pm | #3

   Kevin,

   Thanks, I failed to mention that was Royal Blue enamel...daughters orders...  thanks for the tip bout yellow birch and baltic birch ply

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 20, 2003 09:55pm | #2

   Applying varnish over an enamel serves no purpose. The enamel cures harder (or at least as hard) as the varnish. It is also as durable.

   Putting varnish over a paint will also slightly change the color of the paint because of the yellow cast to varnish.

   Leave things the way they are. It won't get better. Declare victory.

1. 
   BG | Jun 20, 2003 11:40pm | #4

   Howie,

   Thanks, I kinda thought enamel was as hard as poly but wasn't positive.  I'm not happy with the ripples (planner marks)that show in the Baltic Birch..I thought this stuff was higher quality than that.   

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 21, 2003 04:40am | #5

   BG, you have me a little confused. Planers are not used when making plywood. The sheets are finish sanded on wide belt sanders generally to about 150 to 180 grit. However, they still should be hand sanded in the direction of the grain before applying a finish.

   What you may be seeing is a print through of the core lamination grain. Some birch plywood is made with such thin face veneers that the lesser quality core veneers rougher surface is telegraphed to the face veneer.

1. 
   BG | Jun 21, 2003 06:03am | #6

   Howie,

   I did do the hand sanding on the baltic birch..after a light hit with 180.  The ripples of which I speak look like planer marks...and I can see them through the paint.  Yes, they don't plane ply but I think this 3/4" stuff is 11 layers (maybe 9), however, it's hard to imagine layers that thin could telegraph to the top layer..but I guess that is what is happening.