Clear finish for plywood--help choosing

[Farming_Sawyer]

I have a rush order next week for some plywood utility cabinets for my wife's business. She's got extra help in for organizing the back room I never finished when I built her Cheesemaking facility. I'm going to knock out some cabinets this weekend from blondewood. Bare bones euro frameless cabinets, book cases and shelf units. Doors and drawers will come later... He says knowing there are two pieces of furniture I made floating around town that I never got around to building drawers or doors for before My ex sold them.....

Can anyone recommend a clear finish, oil maybe, which can go on in a cold shop in two coats one day and be put in service the next? I need to get out of the "The only thing I want for Christmas trap " sprung on me this week, fast......

 

[tiralie]

osmo polyX oil. But I think you will need to apply this and cure in at least 65 degree environment...
tim

 

[Farming_Sawyer]

Once the cabinets are coated and wiped down I can move them into the heated space to cure as they go up.....

Any experience with Bona products? I can get their hard wax oil locally. Osmo seems to be harder to find unless I order online.

 

[pixelated]

Maybe Shellac?

 

[DeformedTree]

Waterbased Poly  (polycrylic).  Doesn't give an apply temp, but coats dry super fast and says right on it that it can be used 24hrs later. My limited experience confirms you can use it very quick.

It's definitely clear.

 

[mrFinpgh]

Cheesemaking?  I'd be concerned about using an oil - they tend to have an odor for a good while after applying.

Shellac feels like a good choice in this instance. 

[member=68063]DeformedTree[/member]  mentioned it first, but a waterborne poly would also set up quickly and they harden fast.

I recently had to brush waterborne lacquer (em6000) on an 8' tall end panel and some toe kicks.  It's not quite as even a finish as spraying, but it leveled out quite well and I could put 4 coats on in a day without any problem. 

If it were me, I'd use a simple blonde shellac.

 

[Pnw painter]

I’d look into general finishes. They have a number of water based products that would probably work well.

If you’re spraying I’d recommend Sherwin Williams HydroPlus or Kem Aqua Plus.

Oils typically take a long time to dry.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[tiralie]

Once the cabinets are coated and wiped down I can move them into the heated space to cure as they go up.....

Yes, it cures overnight. Does smell a bit but not harsh.

Any experience with Bona products? I can get their hard wax oil locally. Osmo seems to be harder to find unless I order online.

No, experience with it. I have only heard very inconsistent reviews from flooring guys, so I wouldn't use it unless a client or situation expressly called for it. This may be that situation.
If you can get your hands on some Odies oil it will work as well.
I didn't recommend spraying because of handling issues moving into a warm space, but a brush on polyurethane like Minwax which is readily available will work too. Just gonna have to apply it after delivery or in a warm spot.
Tim

 

[grobkuschelig]

If there is no wear to be expected, I normally use OSMO UviWax. Keeps the parts from yellowing and dries unbelievably quick (below two hours between coats). Two coats with a light sand is all that is needed.

Did some drawer boxes last week with between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius (Low 40s Fahrenheit) in the shop, no issues.

I keep the oils/waxes in the warm house and only get them out for the actual application.

But the Poly based products mentioned above also sound like good solutions

 

[Farming_Sawyer]

Was at the box store so choice was limited.... Went with two different polys to test and some Danish oil, because I know what to expect with that.....  If I don't like any of these then I'll get a drone to airlift in some Osmo next week...

 

[James Carriere]

I’ve had great success with General Finishes High Preformance Top Coat Poly.  It’s water based, quite durable, you can get three coats on in one day and use it the next.  It comes in Gloss, Satin, and Matte (which has about 5% sheen).

It can be easily applied with a foam brush if you don’t have access to a sprayer.  It’s very neutral in tone so your wood selection will look like what it is however if you want a slight ambering to the tone (think walnut) then I would go with General Finishes Endurovar.  Very similar attributes to the High Performance Top Coat but with the slight ambering which looks like an oil finish although it’s water based. 

If I remember correctly, Fine Woodworking rated the High Performance Top Coat as their top choice for a poly acrylic finish when it came out. 

 

[Cheese]

I’d also suggest GF poly. I used to apply it with a foam brush, but now recommend a pad applicator as it applies a thicker coat and it is also smoother. Even with the pad applicator the coat is dry within 60 minutes. Three coats can be applied within 4-5 hours but give it a good 24 hours to cure. The longer the better. Drying and curing are 2 different animals.