Plywood moisture protection

[azk404]

Ive had a bit of high humidity and mould issues in a newly renovated garage workshop which has mostly been dealt with (for now) and want to start building some cupboards, draws, benches, cleat tool holders etc but to protect it a bit in the long term I think I should apply some sort of protector on any plywood surfaces just incase.

Any recommendations on products that are cheapish, easy to apply and would help with that sort of thing?

Cheers
A

 

[Jameshow]

Polyurethane vanish.

 

[eribaMotters]

As above. As much as I prefer acrylic/water based I've found the birch plywood cabinets in my garage are darkening under the varnish due to high moisture levels. They have not however expanded.

Colin

 

[azk404]

ok cool, thanks.

Any decently priced brands that one might recommend?

 

[Flynnwood]

Yacht varnish? (built for external joinery)

 

[Stevekane]

Polyurethane varnish and imo thin the first coat at least to let it penetrate. Not sure if its worth the extra expense buying Yacht Varnish given that its going to be inside out of the weather and sun?
Steve

 

[azk404]

No its just for inside a garage workshop which can get a bit humid at times. Il have a look on the market as there's loads of Poly varnish so im sure to find something decent.

On another note, now that birch plywood prices have shot up due to the war what's another ok product to use?

Its just for some workshop cabinets/cupboards that don't have to look the best with quality wood but just hold up to usual workshop stuff.

Selco seem to have some 'general purpose ply' that looks like its just got 5 layers, might be ok? Or builders depot has some 'Softwood ply C+/C' which has mixed reviews.

Is it best to avoid this stuff when doing any kind of cabinet building even if it's just for some workshop things or not?

https://www.selcobw.com/general-purpose-plywood-2440-x-1220mmhttps://www.builderdepot.co.uk/18mm-softwood-wbp-plywood-c-c-grade-2440mm-x-1220mm-8ft-x-4fthttps://www.builderdepot.co.uk/18mm...de-wbp-plywood-b-bb-2440mm-x-1220mm-8ft-x-4ft

 

[azk404]

Another polyurethane varnish question.

I’d like to made a workbench top but out of moisture resistant MDF (as I have some spare and hopefully it will hold up in the garage longer) but as it’s green I though painting it grey might be good so is it possibly to apply PV over that and if so what kind of paint should I be using?

 

[Jameshow]

No its just for inside a garage workshop which can get a bit humid at times. Il have a look on the market as there's loads of Poly varnish so im sure to find something decent.

On another note, now that birch plywood prices have shot up due to the war what's another ok product to use?

Its just for some workshop cabinets/cupboards that don't have to look the best with quality wood but just hold up to usual workshop stuff.

Selco seem to have some 'general purpose ply' that looks like its just got 5 layers, might be ok? Or builders depot has some 'Softwood ply C+/C' which has mixed reviews.

Is it best to avoid this stuff when doing any kind of cabinet building even if it's just for some workshop things or not?

https://www.selcobw.com/general-purpose-plywood-2440-x-1220mmhttps://www.builderdepot.co.uk/18mm-softwood-wbp-plywood-c-c-grade-2440mm-x-1220mm-8ft-x-4fthttps://www.builderdepot.co.uk/18mm...de-wbp-plywood-b-bb-2440mm-x-1220mm-8ft-x-4ft

I'd use hardwood for cabinets softwood at least from the DIY stores is mainly shuttering ply tbh. Not sure about selco.

Best to view where ever you get it from.