Replies

1. 
   OROWoodworks | Jul 03, 2019 08:12pm | #1

   Paint shouldn't pose many issues, but if you are going to stain Baltic birch or use clear coatings it needs to be well prepared -- as in well-sanded.

   What issues specifically did you run into?

2. 
   Mikaol | Jul 03, 2019 10:01pm | #2

   Did you try oils? Depending on my mood, I switch between tung oil and Danish oil & got good results with both on Baltic birch.
   Try the "library" section on Highland Woodworking's site. You might get some ideas there.
   And, if I'm spending my money on wood, I won't hide it with paint (gag!)
   Hope it helps,
   Mikaol

3. 
   user-6899531 | Jul 04, 2019 05:08am | #3

   Odie's Oil is what I use on Baltic Birch. I just finished a project, and one of the signs I made was 4 feet round, and I used Odie's Oil on it. It looks Beautiful. Of course, I sanded it down to 220 grit, and then used Tack Cloth to remove dust.

4. 
   Fourier_Transform | Jul 05, 2019 09:21pm | #4

   It's hard to diagnose the problem because there just isn't enough information present. There are a lot of factors that affect finishing

   First, what type of problem are you having? Poor adhesion? Poor finish quality? Blushing? Fish eye?

   Second, how is the material being applied? Spray gun? Brush?

   Third, what conditions exist where the material is being applied? Indoors? Outdoors? Temperature? Humidity?

   Fourth, please be very specific about the materials and their condition. Is it bare wood? What type of oil is being used? Is the wood sanded?

   All of that being said, I suspect the problem is with the wood. Latex paint and oil are very, very different materials and if the same problem exists with both, it is likely the wood.

5. 
   FiveBirdsCustom | Jul 06, 2019 09:56pm | #5

   I've not spent a lot of time finishing Baltic Birch Plywood, I mostly use it for speaker baffles in amp cabinets I've built. For those, just some black spray paint has worked perfectly.

   But, latex paint is gonna need some kind of sizing, or sealer. My favorite, and quick go-to is always shellac. It seals nicely and I haven't found a finish yet that didn't stick to it well. (That isn't a challenge, just my experience! LOL)

   Not sure what the problem was with stain... Again, maybe you need a wood conditioner? Something to even out the stain?

   But, I agree, I'd like more info about what problems you are experiencing.