Hi All,
My first MAJOR piece is in need of its finish. I’ve built the center (of three) cabinets that are making up an entertainment center. The piece is made mainly of oak plywood (1/2″ and 3/4″) and oak boards (for face frame and drawer front stiles and rails). The whole piece has been stained using Minwax Golden Oak. I plan on thinning Minwax’s “Fast-Drying Polyurethane” and wiping it on.
My real question is this… Should *ALL* of the surfaces be coated or only those that show and/or are subject to wear? Simply put, would I need to use the polyurethane on the shelf bottoms or the surface directly behind where the TV will reside?
I’m asking this from a point of wanting to do the project (and future projects) “correctly”. It’s not a question of how much material will be used or how long it will take. I just want to know what’s “right”!
Thanks in advance for your input!
Replies
FredB,
Seal it up all round....to equalize the absorbtion and dissapation of mositure in and out of the wood. Chances are not that great that the plywood would warp do to unequal moisture absorbtion but why take the chance?
I agree with BG, and I always brush or spray at least one coat on all the "non-show" surfaces.
Strictly speaking, I don't think it is probably necessary with plywood, since expansion/contraction is not much of an issue. But I can't seem to rid my personality of its compulsive streak, and that's why I do it.
I assume you know that with solid wood (say, a table top) this is a whole different matter. It is extrmely important to do with the bottom (or non-show side) whatever you do to the top -- except for any rubbing out, etc. That is, if you apply something to the top, apply it also to the other side.
Congrats on turning out your first "major" piece. That's a little like climbing your first mountain. Now on to Mr. Everest ..................
Hi Again,
Thanks to both of you for the replies. I will coat it all with the one coat recommended and the "show surfaces" will get extra attention. Thank you for the explinationas to "why". That is what makes this forum SO great!Kind regards - Fred
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