Clear finish for a plywood cabinet - what should i do!?

[sloppycoder]

Hey all, im looking for some advice on this cabinet project...

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g130/TeamSlayer01/Speakerbox/DSC01938.jpg ... its coming up to finishing time :)

I am clueless about clear finishes and the techniques for applying them. What I want is for the box to be as natural looking as possible while gaining some scuff/handling resistance and at the same time some damp/water resistance. Anything that can show off or enhance the grain of the ply would be a bonus.

This cabinet might spend quite a lot of time outdoors in the sun/mild rain but will always be well looked after and is definitly not going to be installed permanently outdoors.

The timber is 13 laminate birch plywood.

All suggestions, reccomendations and examples highly appreciated. Remember to talk slowly though as i know nothing about this.

Thanks.

Alf

[artme]

G'day Alf and welcome to this font of knowledge!:):):)
Looks like a speaker box.
Firstly I see what looks like glue wiping aroud the curved panels. If you don't get rid of those with your wsanding they will show up like the proverbial whaen you finish it. A small hand held Random Orbital Sander is probanly the best way to sand.
As for finish look at marine finishes. They will be tough enough for you. Good Luck.

[orraloon]

Welcome Alf,
Any exterior uv protecting clear poly finish you can find. Marine grade has been mentioned. First sand the whole thing in direction of the grain with 120grit paper, brush off the dust then 180g, 240g and so on to get it nice and smooth. I think down to 400g is ok for this but you can go for more if you want. Always wipe or brush off the grit and dust before you go the next grade of sandpaper. Apply with a brush and when dry(check instructions for drying time). A light sand with fine sandpaper between each coat. At least 3 coats. The first coat can be thinned a bit for penetration. (instructions on tin for thinners to use). The preparation of the wood is as important as the application of the finish. Sounds like a lot of work but that is what makes a good finishing job stand out. Some of the good finishers will say that this is only a half done job. Have fun with it

Regards
John

[old_picker]

man thast reminds of a guitar amp i had in the 70.s
whats it for?

[sloppycoder]

Thanks for the advice guys, it is indeed a speakerbox :) An Altec 816 used in cinemas from the late 50's to 80's or thereabouts.

Looking at what you've reccomended i think ive got a decent plan together, feel free to add any extra suggestions though :)

The plan:
1) Carefully sand the entire box, working from 120 to 400 grit in the direction of the grain and paying particular attention to clearing any glue off.

2) Apply a thinned coat of something like this?
http://www.minwax.com/products/protective/clear-shield.cfm

3) Sand lightly and apply another coat.

4) repeat 3.


Sounds simple enough and reasonably straightforward! I might have to invest in an orbital sander, tried using my belt sander on one of the panels the other day and managed to leave a small groove in it! :oo: Ah well maybe the next one will be the "perfect" one heheh.


Thanks again and take care.

Alf