Finishing Baltic Birch

[krudawg]

I'm making some slide-out drawers for my Pantry.  I want to finish it (I have a mini Mite 4)I've never sprayed Clear GF High Performance finish on Baltic Birch so I am looking for some advice.  Should I use some sanding finish on it before shooting the clear or what do you recommend.  I am looking for natural wood look

 

[Packard]

I am not commenting directly, but am offering some general advice.  I once finished a drawer with brushing lacquer.  It looked great and the finish dried in 30 minutes.  But …in the enclosed space of a drawer, the lacquer smell was evident for months.

Whatever finish you use, make sure it does not have an objectionable odor.

 

[dashboardpws]

Target Coatings EM9300. Forgiving, super tough, water clear.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I would probably go with a water based finish such as Minwax Polycrylic. I have used it with great success. It dries very quickly, is completely colorless, and is definitely doesn't smell like Lacquer.
There are other similar brands

 

[woodferret]

No sealer required as the first coat will act as one.  Raw wood sand to 220.  After first coat of 4 or 5, sand 320-400.  Do the same for all coats.  You may lose the thickness of the first coat due to raised grain.  That may push you to five coats.

 

[Steve1]

Exactly as woodferret said.

I would expect first coat to raise the grain.

Should not change the color at at all.  Will just give it a bit of a lustre (with satin HP) and will do well to protect the wood. 

 

[krudawg]

Thanks All for your input.  I really appreciate it

 

[Oldwood]

I use prefinished for drawers if possible. I have finished them, but they are a lot of work and the prefinish holds up pretty good.

 

[krudawg]

Yeah, I've ordered pre-finished drawers for Drawer Depot and they are really nice but pricey - I'm building slide-outs for my panty and they don't have to be so nice - I can build some nice ones and I'm not too bad of a spray painter with my Fuji Mini Mite 4.  I'm going to try some of the recommendations on the topic and see which I like the best.

 

[simo.ahtola@netikka.fi]

Hei,

I have been using OsmoColor Wood Wax Finish on Baltic birch.

One layer, let dry, light sanding and final layer.

Gives odor about a week, but not disturbing.

BR Simo

 

[krudawg]

I already have my materials bought and ready to use.  I'll try and remember that for next time. 
Thanks

 

[Peter Kelly]

Unless you're doing dovetails or finger joints - cut, groove sand then finish blanks and bottoms before assembly into drawers.

I use either 4 x 17 x 20mm Dominos or size 0 Lamellos with 12mm Baltic Birch for the corners. 

 

[krudawg]

So I seal coated(Zinsser modified with 50% cut of Denatured Alcohol ) all areas and sanded with 220. Sprayed with GF High Performance Semi gloss.  Sanded down with 320 and then another coat and finished.  I'm happy with the results