Replies

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   Carol_V. | Mar 04, 1999 10:29pm | #1

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   I want to install oak cornice mouldings in a bathroom with a shower. Does anyone know if these will hold up to the moisture and if so, what is the best finish for them? Thanks.

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   Rick_Knowlton | Mar 05, 1999 03:00am | #2

   *Carol,I'd love to offer some help, but I think your situation needs a little more info: i.e., are the cornices going to be installed in a drier area of the bathroom, or are they near the shower head? Also, is there a window in the room? How about an exhaust fan? What sort of final finish are you looking for? I hope these questions will help narrow the search for the particular results you are looking for. I know there are many others on this forum that will have more expertise on the subject than I do (I've only been in the industry for 10 years). I do know that all wood reacts to moisture, but the way the wood is treated is usaully a determining factor in the outcome of the failure or success of your project. I prefer oil based (petroleum) products. I would also look at using an open grain filler, perhaps the wiping variety. Good luck with your project. Sounds like it will be very classy when finished.

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   Carol_V. | Mar 05, 1999 05:14pm | #3

   *Rick, thanks for your reply. It's a small bathroom (6x6) and the mouldings will go around the entire room, so they will be over the shower head. There is a window, but it's never opened, and there is an exhaust fan, but I don't know how well it works. I'd prefer a glossy finish, but I will go with whatever protects the wood best. I was looking at spar varnishes, do you know if they yellow a lot? I also will be stripping the door and finishing that with the same finish. Thanks, Carol

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   Wm._Gotthardt | Mar 06, 1999 02:20pm | #4

   *Carol, Sound advice from Rick, I will add this: Gloss finish will give you the best protection, especially if you take the time (actually quite important) to pre-finish the backside of the moulding too, doesn't have to be done pretty, I just use a sponge roller. Best of luck, Wm.

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   Rick_Knowlton | Mar 09, 1999 04:45am | #5

   *Carol,More good advice from Wm. I'm sorry it took me so long to reply... I'm more tied to the shop than the computer! It's a good tool, though:)I think Spar is an excellent product for wet areas (bathrooms), but it does have a tendency to amber (yellow). The window will affect moisture content in the room, whether or not it's opened. If the fan is in poor condition, now is the time to replace it. You can get a variety of ceiling mount, external exhaust ranging from $10 to ?. Gloss and satin have similar bonding properties, but most people have more trouble applying a gloss to their satisfaction due to imperfections reflecting on the surface, and improper preparation of the surface to be finished. I agree that you should seal all sides, ends, edges. What this does is create a protective envelope, and the wood is encased inside.Whatever product you choose, stay away from the water based products. It does little to protect, and can be a real pain to stain with. I like to use wiping stains, as they seem easier to control the flow and color. Also, use a tack cloth to remove the dust and fine debris left behind after sanding. A good finish usually consists of at least 3 coats, the grit getting finer as you get to the finish coats. I like using steel wool for this. I hope this helps some. There are lots of choices out there. Whenever I start with a new project, I like to cut a few chunks of scrap of the actual material, and take them to the local hardware store. The guys there know me, and they let me sample the color on the peice prior to buying a large quantity of product. I already have some preferred brands, so this doesn't take too long. Good luck, Eric

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   Carol_V. | Mar 09, 1999 04:45am | #6

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