Finishing for Cats

[BC6738F5BCE98B4]

My spouse owns/feeds/maintains five indoor cats.  I am about to make a media center which will have sections of veneered plywood and face frames of solid wood. 

Some years ago I discovered that in the 1920s and 1930s people routinely had glass cut to fit the tops of wooden furniture to prevent damage to the furniture.  We have employed that technique (with good success) to all flat surfaces where the cats might damage the furniture with their claws. 

The question is whether I should do that again or whether someone can recommend a finish which will be impervious (or easily repairable) to cat claws sliding along the surface.

 

[PaulMarcel]

You might be able to bring the parts to a large cabinet shop capable of putting down a UV-cured finish.  They come in all sheens.  It's impervious to anything; I got to see the production line at a local huge drawer maker earlier this week.  That's what I'd do.  This place, at least, wasn't charging that much to do it since things were a bit slower before the holidays.

If you find a place to do that, explain what you want done so they can tell you how the parts should be delivered for treatment.  There are also some stains that aren't that compatible with it so ask about that, too.

 

[BC6738F5BCE98B4]

Thanks for the suggestion.  I saw some UV Cured plywood while I was in California and it seemed like just the right thing.  I will see what I can find around here.