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Expert: - 9/14/2010


Question
We are putting a new vanity in our bathroom constructed of kill dried pine and are unsure of what base type and sheen of polyurethane to use?  The sink will be in the middle of the vanity so we need it to not water spot and be durable in a humid climate in a bathroom setting.
Thank you

Answer
Hi Brenda, Pine is typically not a good choice for this use, it's too soft a wood, and will probably not stand up too well in such an environment...the best finish would be a catalyzed varnish or similar, but these are expensive and require high quality spray equipment, and experience to use. A good quality Exterior urethane is the next best choice, and I would seal the Pine inside and out, applying at least 4-5 coats on the vanity top and paying attention to the sink cut out and any end grain, coating them well. The main difference between waterborne and solvent based nowadays, is the color on the wood...solvent based will add a yellow-amber color to the wood, and the waterborne types will be very light ...what's known as "water white". Staining can be used under either, just make sure to follow manufacturers directions...and allow for proper dry times.There are MANY finishes that would likely do a good job...the solvent based can be easier to work without because they dry slower and allow a little more workablilty...the waterborne ones make the job go quicker, but can be trickier to get a smooth even finish with unless you have some experience working with them. I would suggest going to a Woodcraft store if you have one in your area. Stay AWAY from Spar Varnishes, as they're soft and won't stand up well....and to find these more professional options, you'll need to visit a store like WoodCraft. Post back if need be- regards- Greg

http://woodworker.com/sealacell-clear-mssu-868-647.asp?search=&searchmode=2

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2020362/22040/Exterior-450-SemiGloss-Finish-Qua...

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2000756/22046/HP-Poly-WB-SemiGloss-Finish-Pint....

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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