I built a pair of 2 way bookshelf speakers. They are MDF which I have covered with paper-backed red oak veneer.
I have finished the veneering and am starting to finish with Minwax Wipe-On Poly. So far I have put 2 coats on the bottoms of each speaker.
I figured I would probably do 6 coats but I really like the way the two coats looks. Will two coats provide much protection?
I'm not sure what protection is needed but they look as though dust might not wipe off easily. We're aged folks with no kids or pets so don't need much protection but I would like to be able to dust them easily.
I have finished the veneering and am starting to finish with Minwax Wipe-On Poly. So far I have put 2 coats on the bottoms of each speaker.
I figured I would probably do 6 coats but I really like the way the two coats looks. Will two coats provide much protection?
I'm not sure what protection is needed but they look as though dust might not wipe off easily. We're aged folks with no kids or pets so don't need much protection but I would like to be able to dust them easily.
I've used wipe on twice.
My speakers, quilted bubinga veneer, I wanted a full on gloss finish.
I did something like ten wipe on coats, then had to switch to multiple brush coats before I got close to what I was after.
Friends speakers, Queensland walnut veneer, they wanted them to look like proper timber with grain etc.
Those I gave two coats of wipe on and they are exactly how they wanted them.
If two coats gives you the finish you want, then thats all you put on.
If you want a super easy wipe-able finish, then you'll probably need to put on enough to fill the grain and then another coat to give it an actual surface of poly.
you will have to judge for yourself as species and veneer will be different sheet to sheet.
Probably also depend on other factors like surface prep as well as between coat and after coat treatments.
Sanding, tack cloth, waxing, etc...
My speakers, quilted bubinga veneer, I wanted a full on gloss finish.
I did something like ten wipe on coats, then had to switch to multiple brush coats before I got close to what I was after.
Friends speakers, Queensland walnut veneer, they wanted them to look like proper timber with grain etc.
Those I gave two coats of wipe on and they are exactly how they wanted them.
If two coats gives you the finish you want, then thats all you put on.
If you want a super easy wipe-able finish, then you'll probably need to put on enough to fill the grain and then another coat to give it an actual surface of poly.
you will have to judge for yourself as species and veneer will be different sheet to sheet.
Probably also depend on other factors like surface prep as well as between coat and after coat treatments.
Sanding, tack cloth, waxing, etc...
Thank you Cranky!
Not sure what I'll do yet. I'll probably do a test board with two coats and see how it handles spills and cleaning. I really like the looks with two, but I still like it with more coats.
Not sure what I'll do yet. I'll probably do a test board with two coats and see how it handles spills and cleaning. I really like the looks with two, but I still like it with more coats.
2 coats isn't enough. If the red oak gets water stain, turns black, forget trying to remove that.
Minwax makes an excellent spray product (fast dry poly) with a great adjustable nozzle. A few coats will get you where you need to be. Shoot the cabs with one coat, let dry thoroughly, scuff sand with 220 paper, wipe it down and follow up with 2 more coats. Done.
Minwax makes an excellent spray product (fast dry poly) with a great adjustable nozzle. A few coats will get you where you need to be. Shoot the cabs with one coat, let dry thoroughly, scuff sand with 220 paper, wipe it down and follow up with 2 more coats. Done.
Thanks for the recommendation puppet.
I doubt that water stains are likely but I may try the spray just for the experience. I'll test it on a test board I have and then possibly on the bottom of the speakers.
Using the spray on the sides of the speakers will depend on my experience. I have 8 coats of wipe-on on the bottoms now and they looks great, however, it does look as thought water could get through some of the wider "grained" sections.
I doubt that water stains are likely but I may try the spray just for the experience. I'll test it on a test board I have and then possibly on the bottom of the speakers.
Using the spray on the sides of the speakers will depend on my experience. I have 8 coats of wipe-on on the bottoms now and they looks great, however, it does look as thought water could get through some of the wider "grained" sections.
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