Hello,
I have a few questions about finishing a bunch of bookcases I am working on.
I have made these bookcases with shelves on the front and back. (They are
going in my bookstore which is opening next month.) They are 60" tall, 48"
wide and 25" deep. (About 12" deep on the front and back.)
I am planning on using a clear or mildly tinted stain on inside sides and
shelves of these bookcases and painting the back and outside sides black for
a contrast. (I am using 3/4" "Radius Pine", a very nice plywood on one side
and adequate on the back. The Good side would be used on the inside of the
sides, because very few of the outside sides would be visible as the
bookcases would be lined up in a row, and I will be finishing the end
bookcases a little differently.)
I was wanting to use some sort of clear varathane or other protector on top
of the stain to protect it.
My questions a
- What is a good protector, or should I just use varathane?
- My wife saw some exterior-grade deck varathane(?) on sale for a great
price by the gallon. What kind of difference is there between the exterior
and interior? (My inclination is to stick with interior, hers it to say that
if it is exterior it will give more protection.)
- Is it a good idea to use the varathane on top of the paint as well to
give it more protection? (I don't want the paint to wear off onto the
books.)
- Please keep in mind that these are bookcases that are going to see a lot
of use, and so have to stand up to more handling than most bookcases.
(Because they are going to be in a store.)
- Any other finishing suggestions would be greatly appreciated. (ie: how
many coats of varathane I should use.)
Thanks, Sean.