best clear coat finish for shelving unit
I am about to finish a large maple bookshelf for a customer. What is the best product to use for a great clear finish?
I am about to finish a large maple bookshelf for a customer. What is the best product to use for a great clear finish?
The code requires installing an approved material to slow the spread of fire between floors and adjacent vertical and horizontal cavities — here are the allowed materials and required locations.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial NowDig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox
Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.
Start Your Free TrialStart your subscription today and save up to 70%
SubscribeGet complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.
Already a member? Log in
Replies
Any reason clear poly wouldn't work?
I don't have much experience with maple...
You might try that question over in the Knots forum.
-Rich
Is this finish to match other maple in the room? If so, then try to find out what was used. If not, my preference for maple is clear, water based poly. Go to a good paint store and ask for something that's "water white". Maple really tends to yellow after time with a conventional oil poly. If thats ok with HO then use it, its the best protection. But , that creamy white color of maple will last longer with water based.
good luck
Are you going to use a brush-on finish?
Any oil based poly will have a slight ambering effect -- which is what most people are accustomed to, and many feel it is a "warmer" finish.
A water based poly will maintain a whiter appearance -- some like it, others think it looks too "sterile."
If you do use the latter, you should do a first coat with a product called SealCoat (Zinsser), which is a dewaxed shellac. This will keep the grain from raising, and will give you a much better finish.
http://www.zinsser.com/product_detail.asp?ProductID=72
It is available in any paint store, but many home centers are starting to carry it.
********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I swear by endruo. It has been recently bought out by general finishes. Dont know where you live. It is a SoCal product. But you can purchase it at
http://www.homesteadfinishes.com
View Image "We fight not to enslave ,but to set free"
Thomas Paine