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  1. 19th December 2010, 01:10 PM #1
    LMHmedchem
    LMHmedchem is offline Novice
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    Default Finishing oak plywood

    I am just completing a desktop that is made with 2x 3/4" plywood glued and screwed and toped with 1/4" oak plywood. The sides are veneered with 1/4" red oak hardwood glued on. The plywood is quite smooth from the factory finish. In the past, I have had issues with raised grain when I finish red oak. I always sand with 120, 180, and 220 on the palm sander, and then with 320 and 400 by hand block to finish. I am not sure what else I can do to avoid raised grain.

    Should I sand off the first two coats of stain, since the solvent may raise grain? Should I use a sealant or blond shellac first and then sand if off? Should I just stain away and deal with any raised grain when I do the top coat?

    I will use a combination of red oak and red mahogany oil base stain (minwax) followed by about 10 thinned coats of oil base satin poly. I will probably tint the first 2-4 coats of poly to darken and reden the final color.

    Any suggestions or things to really avoid.

    LMHmedchem
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  2. 19th December 2010 01:10 PM # ADS
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  3. 23rd December 2010, 08:03 AM #2
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    ubeaut
    ubeaut is offline Benevolent Dictator
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    Default

    Sand to a higher grit, at least 6000 then apply a coat of Sanding Sealer this will raise the grain torn by sanding and will make it stand up hard ready for removal. This is best done with a wipe over with 800 grit abrasive a few hours after application, even better next day.. Don't rub hard just a very light wipe to smooth the surface and cut off the nibs of raised grain.

    You can apply another coat of sealer as a base for your finish if you wish.

    You can also do this with warm water but it takes a lot longer and may need to be done more than once which could be detrimental to the ply.

    Cheers - Neil
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  4. 10th January 2011, 10:48 AM #3
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    AnselmFraser
    AnselmFraser is offline Intermediate Member
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    Default

    Sand to a high grit spray on some methalated spirits/alcohol this will raise the grain,fold a piece of sandpaper using the smooth side and push the raised grain flat then apply your shellac/finish .You will get a high quality finish much quicker.The alcohol raises the grain quickly with out damaging the wood.
    Good luck.
    Anselm.
    Check out the Chippendale International School of Furniture for intensive cabinet making courses in Scotland.
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