Best Clear Spray For Plywood?

[evansmike881]

Afternoon,

Having recently just started to build some wheeled stands for my tools, I would like to know what clear hardwearing spray is best for them?

Also do you prefer a Matt or Gloss finish to your shop builds?

Thanks
Newbie Mike

 

[LancsRick]

If it's just in the workshop then I tend to leave them bare.

 

[evansmike881]

Thanks LancsRick,
Even when not covered in some sort of hardwearing spray, do they still last long and keep there clean appearance?
I think I would prefer to spray them if this wasn't the case.

Cheers

 

[LancsRick]

I'm going to say yes, but have very few I'd class as "middle ground" usage. By that I mean I either have things that are purely stands (vac/cyclone wheelie unit for example) which still looks clean and tidy, or things that get abused (off jobs workbench which has a sacrificial ply top that gets changed periodically).

What are you protecting them against?

 

[ED65]

Spraying without a dedicated area to do it in can be a right faff, unless you don't mind a light mist of finish settling on surfaces it shouldn't be on that is :lol:

For smaller workshop items that I'd like to keep looking clean with use and handling I like to use shellac because it dries so quickly, but for larger surfaces I use wiping varnish (diluted normal varnish) instead. Neither is dead clear or "water-white" if that's what you were looking for but the thin layers don't add a huge amount of colour.

If you do want something with no colour at all then water-bourne poly is maybe your best bet.

Also do you prefer a Matt or Gloss finish to your shop builds?

What do you like? That's all that really counts. But a glossier surface will tend to stay cleaner than one that is more matt.

 

[evansmike881]

Thanks for all the great replies!

From all the suggestions and a little research I am going to go with a Polyurethane Finish Spray, main reasons for me in picking this spray, is as advised it will dry very clear, but not only that I have read its very hardwearing more than varnish, so will help protect against any scuff marks and abrasions

This should hopefully keep my items looking great for years to come!

Thanks again!!!
Newbie Mike