Replies

1. 
   Tomrocks21212 | May 10, 2008 05:21am | #1

   Its been my experience that the birch ply that Home Cheapo sells has a lot of ripples in the face veneer. I do a fair amount of paint grade built ins and prime the entire sheet with Kilz, then sand, before I run anything through the saw.

   It often takes several coats of primer, and several sandings, to get HD's ply to where it will take even semi-gloss paint well, I'd be terrified to try it with high gloss. Having tried that stuff once (at $35 a sheet compared to about $75), I won't use it again except for utility shelves.

   Either buy your birch from a better supplier, or consider using Medex (a water-resistant MDF) if you want them to look good.

   But yeah, in general, birch ply and poplar should work just fine.

    

   
   

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   Edited 5/9/2008 11:02 pm ET by Tomrocks21212

2. 
   Frank Vucolo | May 10, 2008 06:46am | #2

   Tom,

   I would say you got good advise: birch ply for the box and poplar for the frames.

1. 
   woodyman | May 12, 2008 05:37am | #5

   Thanks for your interest and advice. I appreciate your response.

   Tom

    

3. 
   oldusty | May 10, 2008 07:27am | #3

   woody ,

                  Poplar gets  a bit fuzzy on the edges and detail areas but is a great wood for paint grade .

             I prefer Maple plywood especially for the finished ends and such , the face seems smoother , mdf for door panels paints well .

                       dusty

1. 
   woodyman | May 12, 2008 05:37am | #6

   Thanks for you interest and advice, I appreciate your reponse

   Tom

4. 
   ring | May 10, 2008 07:54am | #4

   Poplar is fine. Soft maple is just as good, depends on which is cheaper where you are. As far as the ply is concerned, in my shop we use one of 2 possibilities: if it's for panels that play a role in the construction, then Baltic birch ply only. Otherwise, MDF makes a great substrate for paint finishes, especially as captured panels in framed doors, etc.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

1. 
   woodyman | May 12, 2008 05:38am | #7

   Thanks for your interest and advice, I appreciate your response

   Tom

5. 
   Quickstep | May 13, 2008 12:02am | #8

   I have also used poplar and birch for high gloss painted wood. I use a sandable primer and let the surface get fuzzy, then just sand off the fuzz and shoot the top coat.

1. 
   woodyman | May 13, 2008 05:23am | #9

   Thanks for the response, and advice, most of the advice was positive regards birch and poplar. I'm ready to tackle the project.

   Tom