I could use some help picking a finish

[Bert756]

Hello everyone,

First time poster here on the FOG.  Thank you for all the valuable advice that you have provided in all thousands of post that I have read. 

I am a hobbyist woodworker and an novice in finisher.

I am not set up for spray.
I am finishing in my garage, with young kids at home.  The garage is well sealed from the house and I have painted Oil in there without it smelling in the house, but I would still like to keep the vapors down.

I have made some pullout draws for the bottom cabinets using Baltic Birch.  I would like to keep the finish close or slightly darker to the natural color of the wood and help show the ply's of the BB without much yellowing.  There was another thread started a few days ago mentioning the use of WATCO wipe on Poly Satin.  I applied 6 coats with a lint free rag, light sanding between every 2 coats.  The product was easy to apply, and the wood color looks decent, but I was looking to make the ply pop a bit more. 

I am considering Waterlox VOC but I'm concerned about durability, color, and looks.

Does anyone have experience using Waterlox on BB or are there any other finishes that I should consider. 

   

 

[Grasshopper]

Have  you considered General finishes wipe on Gel topcoat.  I too am a hobbyist, and I was surprised how easy the gel wipes on: https://generalfinishes.com/retail-products/oil-base-top-coats/gel-oilbased-topcoat#.VOZ26kvq6Xk

It does take on a warmer amber hue as it is oil based.

If you prefer a transparent clear coat, you could grab the General Finishes high performance topcoat.  It is a little trickier to apply. 
https://generalfinishes.com/retail-...performance-polyurethane-topcoat#.VOZ3iUvq6Xk

 

[Grasshopper]

I forgot to say welcome to the FOG!

 

[Sparktrician]

You might want to take a good look at General Finishes Arm-R-Seal in the gloss of choice. 

And  [welcome]  to the FOG (where you're likely to catch the Green Flu...) 

 

[polarsea1]

If you use any kind of oil base finish on an interior cabinet component it takes a time for the odor to dissipate.

 

[jacko9]

I don't use any finish for inside cabinet drawers but, if you need to do something use shellac mixed alcohol from shellac flakes to a very thin solution.  The resulting finish won't off gas nasty odors.

 

[Billedis]

I use clear Bri wax for the interior and exterior of all my drawers.  Keeps those pesky t-shirts with logos from sticking to the bottom of the drawers.  Bill

 

[semenza]

Welcome to the forum!  [smile]

    In general an oil base (poly) will give an amber tone , and a water base will not. A water base poly on the birch will maintain nearly the same color and take care of the odor as well.

      BTW , nicely dovetailed corners.

Seth