Spray, Brush or Wipe?

Spray, Brush or Wipe? · 10-13-2009, 11:22 AM

I'm seeking advice on what finishes to use on the Laptop desks I'm building. They're just a simple piece cut from 1/2" plywood, g1s. I also need to step on on the quality of the plywood, so I'm open to suggestions on this also.

What would you suggest to use for staining, and also for finishing? I went with what I had this time on the first 4 and used some MinWax Golden Oak and wiped it on.

For a top coat, I brushed on 3 coats of poly.
I dislike finishing, mainly because I'm not good at it. I've heard good things about Target coatings water based products? Your opinions?

If there are better choices, please let me know. I plan to make several of these between now and Christmas. I realize this ain't "fine furniture" but I'm a complete rookie when it comes to finishes.

Will post a pic when I'm completely done with a couple.

Thanx.

Travis Porter · 10-13-2009, 11:28 AM

I am finishing up 3 simple lap desks (been doing it for about 3 months).

I brushed oil based poly and hate it. Too many runs, not smooth, etc. Once I finish this I swear I am not brushing oil anymore if I can help it.

I have sprayed a fair amount of Target USL and love it. It is not hard enough for a table top or writing desk. Their Emtech 6000 is supposed to do well for this, but I have not tried it, but I think I will order a gallon to have on hand.

Personally, I will either spray or use a wiping finish going forward. Brushing is a pain. You have to have a hand light to look at the thing at an angle and all to find errors. Plus, doing something that needs to be finished on all sides is tough.

You don't have to have a high end set up to spray. If you have a compressor a decent quality conversion HVLP gun is sweet.

Ken Massingale · 10-13-2009, 12:13 PM

For a finish for those I recommend Formbys Tung Oil Finish. I apply it with a Viva plain paper towel, rub it in per the directions, like waxing a car. Then do light long sweeping strokes from end to end to smooth it. Very light coats, it says 12 hours between coats (rubbing with 0000 steel wool between coats) but I find 5-6 hours is usually enough.
Also, I recommend Liberon steel wool, it is much better for finishing than the slightly cheaper stuff at Ace and Walmart.

DavidF · 10-13-2009, 02:12 PM

If you are not spraying then I would highly recommend General finishes "Seal-a-Cell" for the first coat and "Arm-r-Cell" for the two top coats. For spraying, Target coatings is great stuff. I am about to use their new EM2000 for a dining table, but have used the Oxford USL in the past with great results. This has now been replaced by the Em6000.

Glennbear · 10-13-2009, 08:07 PM

I cannot offer any suggestions beyond what has already been offered but if the future users are going to be using a laptop keep in mind that they put out a prodigious amount of heat. My temporary desk is a hollow core door and despite my laptop being insulated by a desk calendar blotter the heat can be felt on the underside of the door. I am certain you do not want to end up with a melted/bubbled finish.

JackLeg · 10-15-2009, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by Glennbear

I cannot offer any suggestions beyond what has already been offered but if the future users are going to be using a laptop keep in mind that they put out a prodigious amount of heat. My temporary desk is a hollow core door and despite my laptop being insulated by a desk calendar blotter the heat can be felt on the underside of the door. I am certain you do not want to end up with a melted/bubbled finish.

Good advice, Glenn! What will hold up best under heat?

Glennbear · 10-15-2009, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by JackLeg

Good advice, Glenn! What will hold up best under heat?

Unfortunately Reggie, I have never finished a project where heat resistance was a factor but I am sure with our vast pool of knowledge here someone will chime in with a suitable suggestion.

Travis Porter · 10-15-2009, 11:40 AM

Oil based poly has good resistance.

JackLeg · 10-15-2009, 11:29 PM

OK, that's where I'm at.

Originally Posted by Travis Porter

Oil based poly has good resistance.

Mike Davis · 10-16-2009, 04:10 PM

And you can thin that with MS or Acetone and rub it on with a cloth. In colder weather I use acetone to speed drying.

Jeff Mills · 10-16-2009, 05:25 PM

Spray, Brush or Wipe? All three

JackLeg · 10-16-2009, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by Jeff Mills

Spray, Brush or Wipe? All three

ONLY you, MIlls, only you!!

JackLeg · 10-16-2009, 06:15 PM

Sprayed 4 today. NO more brushing!

Jeff Mills · 10-16-2009, 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by JackLeg

Sprayed 4 today. NO more brushing!

You telling me you didn't do all three? Be honest now.

DonnellyJT · 10-21-2009, 01:29 PM

How did you get started spraying? What product did you use? I was going to suggest you drive into Charlotte and talk to the guys at Hunter Paints. The are on Monroe Rd. They carry MLC and Fuhr. And Baltic Burch Ply is great. You can get that at the old Charlotte Hardwoods - now Wurth Wood Group.